Adding Natural Light To Any Home

After a long, cold winter, nothing feels better than the warm sun on your face. And if we can bring it into your home, it will make us feel better, healthier, and even save money on our energy bill.

The many benefits of having more natural light in your home have not gone unnoticed by potential homebuyers, who now say that "lots of natural light" is one of the most important things they look for in a new home, and are even willing to pay more for it. Here’s a few ways to increase the natural light in any home.

Pick The Right Color Palette

As you may remember from art class, colors can either take in or send back light. Dark colors take in light, so a dark blue room with a lot of windows will look dark and dreary compared to a white, light grayish, or light tan room. The lighter colors reflect light around the room like mirrors. Don't forget to look up. If the ceiling is several shades lighter than the walls, the room will feel bigger, taller, and brighter.  Use a glossier, satin, or semi-gloss paint on the surface to make the color reflect more light.

Install Bigger Doors Or Windows

Now is a great time to get new windows or doors if you want more natural light to come into your home. Because window making has gotten better, there is less frame, so there is more glass on the outside. Choose picture, bow, or bay windows to make the most of your room. These can be put together with fixed and moving units to let in a lot of light and air.

Transom or radius windows can be stacked on top of your existing windows to let in more light and keep your privacy.

Clean The Windows

This may seem like a no-brainer, but thoroughly cleaning your windows and glass doors will make sure that as much sunlight as possible shines through the glass and lights up your living space. Do you think your windows don't have much dirt on them? Take a look at the cloth you used to clean. You might be wondering how any light at all got through.

Treatments For Windows

Light, airy sheers have taken the place of heavy brocade drapes. Remember how the curtains in your grandmother's old house were so thick you couldn't tell if it was day or night? Over time, window treatments have changed a lot to fit more simple styles.

It's time to get rid of those thick blinds that block sunlight even if they're open and let some natural light in. Choose a single panel of sheer curtains so you can pull them back and enjoy the view outside. You could also add a sunroom, just get in touch with a sunroom contractor to discuss your options. 

Add Skylights

A skylight is a unique and effective way to let light into your home. They come in many sizes and styles and are often used in places that get a lot of use, like bathrooms and family rooms. You should definitely hire a pro to do this job and you'll need to cut a hole in the ceiling, build a well for the skylight on-site, and then put the skylight in place so that it fits perfectly and doesn't leak. Skylights are the ultimate "light magnet" because they let in sunlight and a full moon may even save you money on your utility bill.

Trim Trees Around Doors And Windows

Landscaping and trees outside your home make it look better and give it a nice "curb appeal." Of course, as the plants grow outside, the light inside will get darker. Cut back any tree branches, bushes, or vines that are getting in the way of windows or doors. Replace overgrown plants with low-lying perennials or flowering annuals to keep the view clear and the natural light coming in.

We often take natural resources like sunlight for granted, but if we try to use them in our homes, we can improve our health, spirit, budget, and quality of life. Have you found ways to make your home brighter? Please tell us about some of them in the comments.