Friday 10 April 2015

4 Ways to Let Natural Light Into Your Home

If you’re constantly switching the lights on during the day, then your home may need more natural light inside. Not only will natural light make your home more functional, but it will also provide a more positive atmosphere that can make your home more inviting. Not only that, but you’ll also save money on your electricity bill as you won’t have to rely on other light sources during the day. Here are four simple and effective ways to let more natural light into your home.


1. Replace your doors.

People aren’t the only things that doors let in or out of your home - they do the same for sunlight. If your home has any big, solid doors, then chances are they’re preventing natural light from coming inside. These doors are excellent for separating one room from another, but they’re terrible for letting natural light pass through them. Instead, consider replacing these doors with more see-through or less solid ones. Doors with windows may do the trick, or perhaps glass doors, which let the most amount of natural light come through. These days, glass doors can be just as safe and durable as regular doors, so you won’t have to compromise security and privacy just to get more sunlight into your home. To find the right type of door for your home, it’s always best to consult with specialists like AJ Doors who can recommend the best fit for your needs.


2. Move your furniture.

It may not seem like it, but furniture can block almost as much light as solid doors in your home. This is often the case when furniture is placed beside windows, doors, or other openings. Take a good look at how your furniture is positioned in your home, and see if you can reposition them to maximise the natural light that’s coming in. You’ll be surprised by how much more light you can get simply by moving your furniture around. It’s all about making your home more open and giving more space for light to get around.

Having lighter furniture and light coloured paint on the walls helped the natural lighting in my old bedroom!

3. Use mirrors and other reflective objects.

A well-placed mirror (or other similar object) can do wonders for lighting up your home during the day. These things easily reflect light, making your rooms brighter and multiplying the strength of whatever natural light comes in. You don’t have to fill your rooms with reflective objects and surfaces - just enough to significantly brighten your room and allow natural light to get around. When done right, it can be like adding another light source into a room.


4. Adopt a lighter colour palette.

It’s no secret that light colours reflect natural light better than dark ones, especially in an enclosed spaced such as rooms. If your home primarily uses dark tones and hues, consider replacing these with lighter or more neutral colours. This applies not only for walls and fixtures, but also for the room’s furniture and other items. Sure, some rooms may look better with darker tones, or perhaps you simply love a particular darker shade. For these types of rooms, however, you’ll still be able to maximise natural light by adopting a lighter colour palette for the rest of the items inside.

Remember that you don’t have to change your entire house to get more natural light into your home. A few simple changes can go a long way in making your home brighter and richer in natural light. Do you know any other ways to get even more light into your home? Feel free to share your favourite tips and tricks.

Jada x