When planning a home remodel, natural lighting can be an often-overlooked component. Increasing the natural light in a room can bring a number of benefits. This article will explore different ways to improve the natural light in your home.

Why is Natural Light Important?

Natural lighting can bring a variety of benefits to your space. Firstly, natural lighting makes a space feel more open and inviting. You can also save more on energy use throughout the day by not having to rely on electricity for brightness. Increased exposure to sunlight can also help improve mood and reduce stress. Brighter rooms look more modern and clean. Sunlit spaces can be more appealing to potential buyers.

Boosting Natural Light With Window Upgrades

When remodeling a room in your home, you can consider making the windows bigger. Larger windows can help you make the most of your natural light. Consider increasing the window size, or go all in with a bay window. Bay windows can become the centerpiece of a room and add more space to the interior. They can also be used for additional seating space.
When looking to add windows, consider their orientation. The cardinal direction a window faces can make a big difference. It can affect when the room gets more natural light.  North-facing windows receive a steady supply of softer, indirect light over the course of the day. Windows facing the East get more light during the morning, and those facing the West get more light in the afternoon. South-facing windows receive more ample light throughout the day.

Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans can help increase natural lighting by reducing barriers between windows. Homes with open floor plans allow for light to move seamlessly from room to room. Open designs also allow for more flexibility in room organization and configuration. When redesigning a part of your home, consider what walls may be removable. Be sure to factor in support beams and studs, which may not allow for full deconstruction. In some cases, opening up some walls or converting them to half-walls can create much of the same effect.

Color Palettes and Natural Light

Brighter or lighter colors reflect more light than darker shades. You can increase the effect of the natural light in a room by complementing the space with lighter tones. Lighter colors in the room can make the natural light make more of an overall impact.

Reflective Surfaces

Much like brighter colors, reflective surfaces can help increase the effectiveness of your natural lighting. Mirrors can help make a space feel larger while also improving the brightness of your windows. Mirrored accent walls can make a big difference. Cabinets with glass panels on the doors can improve the effectiveness of natural light. Glossy paint finishes on surfaces can brighten up a room even further.

Landscaping and Improving Natural Light

Some landscaping considerations can improve natural lighting indoors. Trim trees or shrubbery away from windows. When planting new shrubs, bushes, or trees, consider their placement regarding the house and existing windows.

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