There is absolutely nothing that can beat the ambiance, brightness, and warmth that natural lighting brings to a home. Unfortunately, not many homes were built to allow enough natural light in. It’s no wonder many homeowners are constantly searching for how to increase natural light in their homes. And since you can’t just pick up your house and turn it in the direction of the sun – or move to a location with more, there are few things you can do.
From choosing the right kind of paint to picking the perfect custom curtains to maximize light, this article is full of fantastic ideas on how to increase natural light in your home. Continue reading to find out.
Use High Gloss Paint
Shining walls are a perfect way to reflect light and increase natural light in your home. The higher the gloss level, the higher the light reflection properties. With your walls having a mirror-like effect, more light bounces off the surface. So, if your home is dark and the windows don’t allow enough light in, glossy paint should be on your list of things to consider. And we assure you that you will love the effectiveness. But remember, that the higher the gloss level the higher the glare from a strong light, especially an artificial one.
Paint Your Ceiling and Walls with Brighter Lighter Colors
This is one easy way to increase natural light in your home and make a small space look big. White is the brightest color there is and doesn’t absorb light, rather it reflects it. And if you don’t mind having your ceiling and walls in white then you are on your way to effectively increasing natural light in your home. Although, it is best to paint your ceiling in a flat white instead of a glossy one; this is to reduce glare.
Install Skylights and Experience Wonders
Skylights are the most effective way to bring in natural light and increase the brightness of your room. Also known as roof windows, they not only allow more natural light than any windows but face upwards towards the sun. However, you need to remember that the brightness varies depending on the time of the day. So, ensure you give it a proper thought as to which part of the house you want to install a skylight.
Use Sheer Window Treatments
Instead of opting for heavy opaque drapes or shades, opt for light-colored sheer curtains or custom roman shades. Sheer fabrics will allow for privacy while also filtering in the maximum amount of natural light. If you’re trying to brighten up a bedroom and need a higher level of privacy, consider layering your window treatments for maximum flexibility. Mount a layer of sheers in the back with heavier, opaque window treatments in the front, which you can draw for privacy.
Replace Parts of Your Wall with Glass Blocks
Okay, as good as this sounds, it requires a major renovation. So you have to be sure if you need to take this step (after you have considered other options). In as much as this is not an easy task, glass blocks allow a considerable amount of natural light into your house (especially into rooms where there are no other options available). Glass block is installed just as you would your doors and windows with headers in place too.
Use Reflective Tiles
This is a perfect idea for bathrooms and kitchen backsplash to increase natural light. Glass and or reflective tiles not only increase the natural light, but they also add a touch of elegance to your space. For your kitchen, try to pair light-colored countertops with light-toned tiles. To get maximum light, fix metallic backsplash tiles and turn up the light.
Choose Stone or Ceramic Floors with a Polished Finish
It is a normal phenomenon that black or dark colors absorb light while white or brighter colors reflect light. So, when trying to increase the natural light in your home, be it for the walls, ceiling, or floors, always remember that. How do you transform your floors into a reflective agent? By choosing light-colored stone or ceramic floor tiles with a polished finish. It surely will do a better job of increasing nature in your home than carpet. But if you still prefer a carpet, then opt for light and bright colored ones. You can check out experts from epoxy flooring Tampa for more options and also professional advice.
Try Painting the Eaves and Soffits of your Roof White
Do you know the overhangs created by your roof? Yes, they are called eaves, and sometimes they are covered with soffits. This part of the roof reflects light into your house. And to enhance its reflective power, try painting it white. Due to the angle that the eaves form towards the house, you can paint it white without changing the paint color of the walls themselves.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many effective ways to increase the natural light in your home. From using white paint to replacing walls with glass blocks all go a long way to make your home brighter, relaxing, and welcoming.
