How To Increase Light In Your Home

If your home always feels dark and gloomy inside, you’re probably looking for ways to increase its natural light – after all, living in a light environment has been shown to have positive benefits for your health and well-being. Fortunately, there are several ways you can achieve this goal and here are just a few.

Add Mirrors

Most people are aware that simply putting up a mirror on your wall can create the illusion of extra space in your room, but they may not be aware that if you put a mirror on the wall opposite your window it doubles the amount of natural daylight that can enter the room.

Choose Your Colour Palette Wisely

Colours either reflect or absorb light. Dark colours absorb the light and therefore, even if you have plenty of windows in your room if you choose a colour scheme with dark shades your space will still appear dreary and dull. Choose light shades instead which reflect the light back into the room. Opt for a semi-gloss or satin paint as this will make the colour even more reflective.

Install Bigger Doors Or Windows

If you’ve been considering replacing your home’s doors and windows, this is the perfect opportunity to not only improve the appearance of your property but to also increase the amount of natural light that can enter your space. It’s possible to find modern windows which have minimal framework and more exposed glass to maximise the daylight in your rooms. Also consider choosing bay, bow or picture windows to get an even more powerful lightening effect.

Choose Your Drapery Well

It stands to reason that heavy curtains will prevent daylight from entering your room, so switch your drapes to single-panel sheer voiles that can be pulled back completely to allow the sunshine in. Alternatively, opt for blinds that can be angled in any direction to control the light entering your space.

Add Some Skylights

If you’re looking for a highly effective and unique way of bringing more light into your property, add some skylights. They are available in a range of configurations and sizes and are perfect for use in the high-traffic areas of your home like living rooms and bathrooms. Skylights are a light magnet, letting not only sunlight but also moonlight into your space.

Wash Your Windows

It may sound ridiculous, but have you considered that dirt and grime on your windows could be preventing the maximum amount of light from getting into your home? If it’s been a while since you gave your windows a clean, it’s time to get out the squeegee and get to work. You could be surprised by how much brighter your spaces become afterwards.

Choose Reflective Backsplash Tiles

If your bathroom or kitchen is dark, unwelcoming spaces, you can lighten them up quite simply by opting for different backsplash tiles. Backsplashes are practical and also fashionable, and the latest contemporary glass tiles are a wonderfully reflective alternative to ceramic tiling. Not only can they create a lighter, brighter feel in your room but they can also effectively resist mould and staining. Alternatively, if you’d prefer ceramic tiling, opt for high-gloss subway tiles which will reflect the maximum amount of light back into your home.

Switch Your Flooring

It’s likely that you’ve never thought about your flooring as being a source of light however if you choose a stone, ceramic or wood floor with a highly polished finish, you’ll get maximum reflection of light. Whenever possible, choose neutral or light shades to enhance the effect. If you’d prefer carpeting, make sure to choose neutral, light colours which will help to make the room appear naturally lighter.

Trim Your Foliage

If you have trees and shrubbier outside your property you will, no doubt, enjoy plenty of kerb appeal. However, when the greenery grows you’ll find that the level of light inside your home will reduce substantially. If there are vines, shrubs and tree branches blocking your doors or windows, it’s time to give them a trim.

If you have overgrown plants it may be worth considering replacing them with some lower-lying perennials that will not obstruct your view and will keep natural daylight pouring into your home.

As you can see, there’s no need to endure living in a dark, unwelcoming and dingy home. If you make these changes, you’ll find that your rooms will become lighter, brighter and more welcoming, helping you to not only enhance the appearance of your spaces but also improve your spirit and wellness.