Looking to add more natural light to your home? Great idea! There are several benefits to welcoming more sunlight into your home. For one, it saves energy and lowers your electricity bill. For another, it brings out the beauty of your fabrics and furniture. And finally, it gives you a mood boost and helps your immune system.
Check out these ways to maximize the natural light throughout your home:
Add Windows
The most obvious way to add light is to install more windows in areas that get a lot of sun during the day. Your living room and sun room are good choices, as well as your kitchen and bedrooms. Have fun with specialty windows, or get practical with casement or double hung. A large picture, bay or bow window in your front room will allow the most light to enter.
If adding new windows where there were none before isn’t a feasible idea, there are ways to augment the amount of light you get from your existing windows. Keep in mind some window treatments, such as Roman shades or thick curtains, block sunlight even when open. Opt for sheer draperies that you can hang on rings that allow light in even when closed for privacy.
Even then, hang a single drapery instead of a double set. Try Venetian blinds, too, which allow you to control the amount of light that comes in; plus, you can angle them to direct the light at a specific area, such as your work space. Use valances to decorate the tops of your windows, with simple blinds for privacy. Then, you have the option of having them fully open with minimal obstructions.
Use Mirrors
Mirrors reflect light rather than absorb it, so you can hang or prop a large mirror on a wall opposite one of your windows. Now, you will double the amount of light that streams in. Try lining book shelves with smaller mirrors, or arrange many of them on one wall. You may also want to purchase furniture with mirrored, glass or chrome accents.
Lighten the Color Palette
Light colors and whites tend to reflect natural light better than their darker counterparts. You would be wise to paint your walls in cool tones, such as blue/grays and taupes, using reflective, metallic finishes on your ceilings. Buy furniture such as sofas and love seats that are light in color, giving you the option of adding brighter or more vibrant splashes of color with pillows, throws, and smaller furnishings.
Stay away from heavy fabrics, such as velvets and brocades, which can all weigh a room down. Instead, go with lighter fabrics like linen and cotton, which will lighten your room and bring summer days to mind all year long.
Add Skylights
Adding skylights to great rooms, living rooms, master bedrooms and even bathrooms will flood the area with sunlight, while reducing electricity costs over the long haul.
Remove Obstacles
Cut back bushes, hedges and tree limbs that hinder the view from your windows. Greenery that blocks your windows will work against you in trying to keep your home light and airy. Likewise, if you have windowsills, benches, and ledges on the interior side of your windows, keep them free from clutter, especially tall vases and other large objects.
Contact Rescom Exteriors
If you decide on adding updated windows to increase the sunlight ratio in your home, contact us today for a free quote and design advice.