Design Tips to Increase Natural Light in Your Home
Natural light is essential for our mental health and well-being. It can have an uplifting effect on mood, productivity, comfort, and provide the mental and visual stimulation necessary to regulate human circadian rhythms {1}. As the majority of us are spending more time indoors, we wanted to share some easy tips and tricks you can do to optimize the amount of natural light that filters into your home.
Window Coverings
The more light you can get into your home, the better. One way to maximize natural light is to lighten up your windows. Sticking with sheer or lightly woven curtains or shades will ensure you get lots of natural light filtering into your home without compromising your privacy. You can also layer your window treatments, if you want to keep light out to get a better night’s sleep, but brighten your room during the day. We suggest hanging the sheer or lightweight curtains closest to the windows and the heavier drapes behind.
Clean your windows
This may be obvious, but dirty windows can keep light from shining into your home. Although window washing might not be on your top list of fun chores to do, it’s essential for improving the natural light in your home.
Streak-free glass cleaner recipe:
¼ cup white or apple cider vinegar
¼ cup rubbing alcohol
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups of water
10 drops essential oil (lavender, lemon, or orange)
Mix the solution together and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the glass, then wipe away dirt and grime.
Mirrors
Did you know mirrors can be used to bounce light around a room?
It’s true, a well-positioned mirror can make a dark and dim home that much brighter. If you have a mirror in your home, try this trick:
Hang a mirror on your wall next to a window, this will make it look as though your home has two adjacent windows. The window will be reflected in the mirror, tricking the eye. If you hang the mirror on the wall across from the window, the light from the window will bounce off of it, magnifying the natural light.
Metallic Objects
Metallics can be a great way to brighten up a dark and dreary space. Try incorporating shimmery gold or silver accessories into your home. This simple addition of a metallic mirror, light fixture, piece of art, or even a decorative object has a way of reflecting light and could be a great way to brighten up your room.
Light Colours
Introducing lighter colours to your walls can either be done with soft shades of white paint or with a lighter-coloured wallpaper. If you’re not looking to change your wall colour, try incorporating lighter pieces into the room like a white area rug, sheer drapes, lighter furniture, or even lighter art pieces. This will help create a clean and crisp, brightening effect to the room.
Sources:
{1} The Benefits of Natural Light, by A·L Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg
Research supports day lighting’s positive effect on building performance and human health.
