Bringing natural light into your home is
both economical and enjoyable. The level of natural light in your rooms can really affect your
mood. Those blessed rays, filled with sunlight and vitamin D make you feel positive.
So, it’s natural that bright rooms make us feel happier, more alive and vibrant. Plus, you get to save a little cash and reduce
your energy usage by increasing your home’s natural light.
There's not a lot you can do to increase
the amount of sunlight coming into your home — unless you're planning on a
major remodel. But if you're low on natural light, there are a handful of small
things you can do to be sure you're using it to your advantage.
Let’s check out some of the ways to increase
and maximize the natural light in your own home:
Use mirrors & other reflective
surfaces in your décor
Shiny surfaces—especially mirrors—reflect
light. Place them strategically to fill your home with new spots of brightness.
Mirrors close to your windows amplify natural light by bouncing it into your
space, making windows feel bigger and brighter. You can use smaller mirrors to
line the backs of bookshelves, or arrange several of them on one wall. Another
idea is to buy furniture with glass, chrome, or mirrored accents.
Pay attention to paint
Paint
color, and finish have a big effect on how bright your room looks. Lighter
colors reflect natural light better than darker tones. If you prefer a darker
palette, remember that shinier finishes will help brighten things up. This is
especially true for ceiling paint. White ceilings are popular because they
reflect ambient light down into the room. Boost this effect by choosing a
ceiling paint with a satin or high-gloss finish.
Work with your windows
Some
window treatments, such as Roman shades, block sunlight even when they’re open.
But sheer draperies hung on rings are easy to open fully to let in light. Hang
a single drapery rather than a double set. Venetian blinds are also a good
choice. They allow you to control the amount of light that comes in, and you
can angle them to direct the light into a particular area.
Keep it Clean!
Keeping your windows clean to allow in the
maximum amount of natural light. It may sound simple but cleaning windows,
blinds—even lampshades, and bulbs makes a big difference. Tip: wash
windows on a cloudy day to minimize streaking.
Move your furniture
Inadvertently blocking windows when
arranging your furniture can cut into a room's natural light. Rearrange your
space to keep natural light sources free and unobstructed. Keep larger pieces
toward the center of the room. Even knick-knacks on a windowsill block a
surprising amount of light.
Add
a Skylight
This is a pricey option up-front, but
because a skylight can help naturally heat a room, it could save you boatloads
on your electricity bill over time! If you’re ready to take the plunge and add
a skylight to a room, hire a contractor for the job – don’t try this one
yourself!
Think outside of your home
For best results, don’t forget to maintain
your outdoor spaces. Trim hedges or branches away from the windows. Also,
carefully consider the placement of porch swings and other patio furniture.
These steps will increase natural light inside your home.
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