Natural light can have a transformative effect on the way we feel both physically and mentally. With statistics showing that adults spend almost half of their day in front of a screen, we could be missing out on the myriad benefits natural light offers.
With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start inviting it into your home.
We’ve pulled together a few tips to help you make the most of the natural light in your home, which will hopefully lift your mood following the drab days of winter.
Use high-shine paint
Giving your rooms a fresh new look with bright paint can instantly update your space, but did you know using a high-shine paint like satin can also help bounce light around a room to make it appear brighter?
A stark white might feel too cold if your rooms face north, so instead opt for a nature-inspired warm color like yellow, blue, or green.
Replace window dressings
While heavy window dressings in winter are great for keeping the warmth in and the heating bills down, come summer they can make rooms feel dark and dingy.
Instead, switch your winter curtains for lighter fabrics like linen or cotton. To keep the room feeling warm and bright, and a touch luxurious, make the curtains longer than the window so they pool on the floor.
If you’re a light sleeper, you can always add a blackout blind, but make sure it’s fitted about the window.
Add a skylight
If you’re planning on a big renovation, it’s important to consider your budget before making any final decisions. If you go ahead, investing in a skylight could make a big difference.
Not only can a skylight make a space feel light and airy, but it can also increase the value of your property because it’s seen as a desirable feature.
Even if your home isn’t blessed with a south-facing vista, exposing a room to natural light will instantly uplift the darkest of corners.
Choose reflective surfaces
If you’re on a tight budget but are desperate for a bit of natural sunlight, install more reflective surfaces. Removing wooden sides and coffee tables and replacing them with glass-topped pieces will help light move instead of being absorbed into dark furniture.
Mirrors and picture walls with glass and metal frames will subtly change the way light hits surfaces, and who can resist a chandelier?
Whether you’re looking to add more light to a kitchen, living room, or bedroom, using a light fitting with reflective elements can create the illusion of more natural light.
