Natural light flowing through your home can help make it feel brighter and more spacious, and its Vitamin D is proven to positively impact overall health. If you’re looking to reap such benefits, here are four ways to help increase natural light in your home:
1. Install Larger Windows & Doors
The easiest way to increase natural light is to have larger glass surfaces in your home’s openings. If you’re in the market to replace your windows, take the opportunity to expand the openings and install larger windows. A patio door is another excellent way to increase natural light while extending your home’s living space and improving your view of the outdoors. Meanwhile, a skylight can be an effective solution where a larger window is not an option.
2. Use Light Colours
Dark colours absorb sunlight, while light colours reflect it. Use a light interior colour palette for paint and furnishings to bounce light around the room. As a rule of thumb, paint the ceiling a couple of shades lighter than the walls. Externally, white soffit and eaves can help reflect light into every room of your home, brightening your interior.
3. Unblock Windows
Trimming back overgrown trees and plants in front of windows, or removing them altogether, can make a big difference in the amount of light that enters your home. When choosing window treatments, stick with light-coloured fabrics or hang sheer curtains that allow more light to filter into your home while maintaining privacy.
4. Hang Mirrors
Strategically place mirrors to reflect natural light around your home. Hang mirrors across from or beside windows or in areas where light is limited. The bigger the mirror, the brighter and larger the space will feel.