How to Invite More Natural Light Into Your Home

Wed, Apr 24, 2024 15:28 CET

There's a reason we crave sunshine. Natural light isn't just about illumination; it elevates our well-being. Unlike artificial lights, natural light bathes rooms in a rich, full-spectrum that can't be replicated. This spectrum has a surprising perk: it increases serotonin levels, a feel-good neurotransmitter that boosts mood and energy. Plus, natural light is a free gift from the sun, unlike the ever-growing cost of electricity.

But what if your home wasn't built with sunshine in mind? Fear not! While rearranging your entire house to face south might be out of the question, there are clever ways to maximise the natural light that graces your space.

If you're looking to brighten your home and your mood, property expert Thomas Goodman at MyJobQuote.co.uk has some tips on how you can increase the amount of natural light in your home. Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Paint Your Eaves White

Eaves and soffits play a hidden role in your home's natural light levels. Regardless of whether yours are open or covered with soffit boards, they can act like light reflectors, bouncing sunshine into your interior spaces.

A simple yet impactful trick is painting your eaves white. This bright colour acts like a natural mirror, reflecting sunlight back down towards your windows and ultimately illuminating your rooms. The beauty of it is that even if your house has a different exterior colour scheme, you can paint the eaves white without compromising kerb appeal. Since they're angled upwards, they're primarily seen from inside the house when looking out a window. So go ahead and unleash the hidden light-reflecting power of your eaves with a fresh coat of white paint.

Choose Bright and Light Interior Paint Colours

Embrace the power of light colours. Painting your walls and ceilings in light and bright shades is a simple yet effective way to maximise natural light in your home. Think of your walls as a canvas for reflecting sunlight back into the room. The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) acts as a guide, with pure white at 100% and black at 0%. In between, countless colours offer varying levels of reflectivity depending on their brightness and shade.

Beyond Basic White: While white offers the highest LRV, it's not the only option. If bright white feels too stark, explore whites with subtle hints of other colours. The good news is that white comes in a surprisingly wide range of shades, from cool greige to warm ivory, allowing you to find a perfect match for your style.

Don't Forget the Ceiling: Ceilings often go unnoticed, but they play a crucial role in light reflection. That's why most ceilings are traditionally painted white. There's no need to reinvent the wheel here – a white ceiling maximises light bounce. Go for a flat white paint over glossy; the matte finish helps reduce glare for a more comfortable atmosphere.

By embracing light colours on your walls and ceilings, you can transform your home into a sun-drenched haven, even without a major renovation.

Consider Using Gloss Paints For The Walls

Glossy paint can be useful for increasing natural light in the home. The higher the gloss level, the more light reflects, making rooms feel brighter. Think of it like a mirror. A glossy wall painted in your favourite shade will bounce back more light compared to a matte finish in the same colour. This can be particularly beneficial for darker rooms where you crave extra sunshine.

However, gloss finishes come with glare. Strong light sources, both natural and artificial, can create an unwanted shine on glossy walls. If you love the idea of increased light reflection but are concerned about glare, consider a compromise. Go for a satin finish – it offers a subtle sheen that reflects light without being overly reflective.

Ultimately, the best paint sheen depends on your priorities. If maximising natural light is your primary goal, a glossy finish might be worth the potential for some glare. However, if a more subdued look is important to you, a satin or even matte finish might be a better choice.

Incorporate Some Glass or Reflective Tiles

Are you craving a brighter bathroom or kitchen? Look no further than glass tiles. These beauties act almost like mini mirrors, reflecting a significant portion of light back into the room. Imagine the extra sunshine bouncing around with strategically placed glass tiles. In the right lighting conditions, they can reach near-100% light reflection.

But what if glass tiles aren't your cup of tea? Don't worry; there are some stylish alternatives. Highly glossy ceramic tiles offer a similar reflective quality, mimicking the light-boosting power of glass with a touch more texture. For a truly on-trend look, consider a metallic splashback in your kitchen. Not only are they incredibly reflective, bouncing light throughout the space, but they also add a touch of modern flair.

Make Good Use of Mirrors

Mirrors are brilliant for spreading light through the home. They not only bathe a room in natural light but also add a touch of style and functionality. Strategically placed mirrors can visually expand a room, making it feel larger and more open.

The key lies in harnessing existing natural light. Imagine sunlight streaming through a window. By placing a mirror on the wall perpendicular to that window, you can bounce that light back into the room, effectively dispersing and scattering it to reach even the darkest corners. A well-placed mirror can banish shadows and transform a formerly gloomy space into a light-filled haven.

Looking for the biggest impact? Oversized mirrors are the best option. Their expansive surface area reflects more light, maximising the brightening effect. Plus, they add a touch of grandeur to your space.

Choose Reflective Room Features

Natural light is a precious commodity, and maximising it can make a world of difference in your home's ambience. Here's a clever trick: strategically placed reflective surfaces can amplify the natural light already flowing through your space. Think of a beautiful chandelier catching the sunlight – it doesn't even need to be switched on to brighten the room.

This principle applies to your entire decor scheme. When choosing furniture and accessories, consider incorporating shiny, glossy, or reflective elements. A metallic lampshade, a chrome vase, or a strategically placed mirror can all bounce sunlight around the room, creating a brighter and more cheerful atmosphere. Remember, every bit of reflected light adds to the overall illumination, transforming your space without turning on a single switch.

Add Skylights in The Ceiling

Skylights are like magic windows for your roof, transforming your home's illumination. They offer two key advantages. Firstly, they provide as much glazing as a typical medium-sized window, bringing in a substantial amount of sunshine. Secondly, their strategic placement on your roof means they typically face the sky, unobstructed by trees or buildings, allowing them to capture direct sunlight throughout the day.

This translates to a more consistent stream of natural light compared to traditional windows. Forget shadows cast by awnings or fences; skylights bring the sunshine straight in. Even light reflecting off clouds can reach your interior spaces through skylights, further brightening your home. So, if you crave an extra dose of sunshine and a more cheerful atmosphere, consider installing skylights.

Consider Installing a Conservatory

Conservatories are great for adding natural light to the home. Picture a room crafted almost entirely of glass – walls, roof, and often doors. This creates a light-filled haven, with sunshine pouring in from multiple angles. Unlike traditional windows, conservatories are less susceptible to shadows cast by your garden, especially if positioned to face the sun.

The benefits extend beyond the conservatory itself. Large French doors or similar openings typically connect them to the main house, allowing that glorious natural light to spill over and brighten adjoining rooms. The size of your conservatory plays a role – the larger the space, the more light it can capture and distribute throughout your home.

However, conservatories are significant additions, so weigh the light-boosting benefits against the available space and your available budget. If you have the room and budget, a conservatory might be the perfect way to transform your home's ambience.

Work With The Windows

Windows are your gateway to natural light, so it’s important to make sure you make good use of them. The first step is to clear the way for incoming sunshine. Avoid cluttering windowsills with plants, furniture, or clutter. Every inch you free up allows more light to stream into your home.

Next, take a critical look at your window treatments. Blinds and shutters should be opened whenever possible to maximise light. Consider sheer curtains – they offer a touch of privacy while still allowing natural light to filter through, creating a soft and inviting ambiance. In rooms where privacy isn't a concern, embrace the naked window and let the sunshine flow freely.

If you must have curtains, choose lightweight fabrics that won't obstruct the light. Hang them high above the window frame and ensure they can fully retract, avoiding any overlap that might block precious sunlight.

By following these tips, you can transform your windows into portals to a brighter and more cheerful home. Remember, every bit of unobstructed sunlight adds to the overall illumination, naturally enhancing your space.

Consider Your Furniture Shapes

If you’re adding furniture to your home, consider its impact on your natural light flow. Bulky pieces can negatively affect the amount of natural light flowing through the home, casting shadows and creating dark corners. To keep your space feeling bright and airy, opt for furniture with a lighter touch.

Pieces with exposed legs are ideal – they allow natural light to flow freely beneath them, preventing the creation of dark, blocked-off zones. This simple trick can make a surprising difference in the overall ambience of your room.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many brilliant things you can do to invite more natural light into your home. By embracing these strategies, you can transform your home into a haven bathed in natural light. From maximising the power of your windows to incorporating clever design elements, you've discovered a toolbox overflowing with ideas to brighten your space.

Remember, natural light not only uplifts your mood but also reduces energy costs and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. So, unleash your creativity, open your curtains to the sunshine, and enjoy the natural brilliance that fills your home.

THOMAS GOODMAN

Thomas Goodman has worked as a property and construction expert for MyJobQuote for six years and has worked in the construction industry for over twenty years. Thomas continues to work on building projects, while also providing expert construction and property advice to industry professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

MyJobQuote is one of the UK's top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.

MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote's experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.