Nothing compares to the bright, warm feeling of sunshine entering your room on a cold, winter day. Exposure to daylight has been linked to improvements in people’s moods and wellbeing. Windows and doors are a great source of natural light in your home. This blog will go over a few tips for more natural light in your home.

Why Natural Light?

Natural light has been proven to help people in many different ways. For example, natural light:

  • improves our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns
  • helps us focus, which enables us to get more done
  • produces Vitamin D
  • makes us happier

The benefits of natural light don’t just apply to our physical wellbeing, but also our psychological health and mood. A lack of daylight can make us feel down, depressed, and anxious. That’s why it’s important that we make sure our homes get a good amount of sunlight. Here are a few ways we can increase the amount of natural light we get in our homes:

Windows and Doors

The best way to increase the entry of natural light in your home is by installing large windows and doors. For example, replacing a solid exterior door with a patio door will transform any room into a “sunroom” while blurring the lines between outdoor and indoor living space. The larger the window or patio door, the more natural light your home will get.

Windows Treatments

No matter how big your windows are, if you have dark and heavy curtains and drapes, you will be blocking the entry of natural light. We recommend that you switch to lighter fabrics that can permit better light entry. For those who want better control of the amount of light that enters the home, going with blinds is a good choice.

Why Windows and Doors are a Great Source of Natural Light

Mirrors

Mirrors are great at reflecting light, making them perfect for increasing natural light. The best way to let light in using mirrors is by placing them opposite of a window. A mirror will harness any daylight possible. They’re efficient, even on cloudy days. The bigger the mirror, the brighter the space.

Shiny Surfaces and Objects

Similar to mirrors, shiny surfaces and objects are great reflectors of light. Metallic, glass, and mirrored accessories can help make the most of the light available while adding a stylish touch to your home. Placing the shiny objects and surfaces near natural light entryways is key. Examples of shiny decor you can use include:

  • Silver/ gold photo frames
  • Metallic light fixtures
  • Furniture with chromed, glass, or mirrored accents
  • Nickel cabinet handles
  • Shiny vases
  • Glass figures

The Use of Lighter Colors

The choice of color of our furniture and home decor can also affect the amount of light that enters our house. Dark colors are known for absorbing light, which is why they’re not recommended. Selecting lighter colors for your furniture, curtains, and decor will be a big plus. Limit the amount of dark colors and go with pale colors such as:

  • Peach
  • Baby blue
  • Lime
  • Olive
  • Light gray
  • Honey
  • Mint

Why Windows and Doors are a Great Source of Natural Light

Wash the Windows

Many people don’t think about washing their windows, but it actually helps increase natural light entry. They must be washed both inside to remove the dirt and dried droplets from condensation. At plain sight, it may seem like your window is clean, but once you start cleaning it, you’ll notice the difference!

We often take many natural resources, such as sunlight, for granted. That is why we should appreciate it and make a conscious effort to incorporate it into our homes. Natural light is the best source of free light we have, so let’s make use of it! We hope these tips for more natural light in your home were helpful. If you want to replace your windows and doors for better light entry, give us a call at (619) 583-7171 or visit our website here.

Contact Clear Concepts Windows and Doors if you have questions about your San Diego Window and Door Project.