A home is such a complex and beautiful idea. It provides a sense of belonging- not only with your own family members or roommates, but with the community that surrounds you as well. It offers stability, security, and a sense of identity. It offers protection and shelter from the elements (and maybe nosy neighbors). But not all natural elements are worth sheltering ourselves from. Sunlight, for one, is such an amazing gift from nature with so many health benefits. I love that feeling when you get home from the beach and your skin is all warm and you have so much energy the next day…you can’t beat it. And while you aren’t necessarily able to get that sun-kissed effect inside your home, there’s really no reason why you can’t make an effort to allow as much natural light in as possible (also known as daylighting).
What kind of benefits can natural sunlight provide, you ask?
From increasing serotonin levels, which improve mood and decrease anxiety, to regulating sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, the light from outside can help us feel and function better. It can also have a substantial effect on our wallets, since we aren’t flipping on the lights if we have plenty of it already.
Here are a few strategic tips you can use to get a little more of that sunny goodness:
Focus on Your Windows
The window is going to be the main component that allows sunlight into your home, but it can also allow heat (down here in Florida, this is not necessarily a good thing…since it gets hotter than a jalapeno’s armpit in the summer.) To mitigate the heat, but still allow for natural light, try adopting sheer blinds or curtains. These also help reduce any glare, which can actually improve visibility in your home. Another fun idea is to apply window tint- and there are so many options! You can choose a tint that protects from UV rays, shield against glare, protect from damage, or keep out the heat. You can even find decorative films that enhance the look of your windows or provide added privacy.
If you are in the process of designing a home, skylights or solar tubes can add natural light in typically darker spaces, like a hallway or a bathroom.
You should also take into account the cardinal directions and how the sun’s pattern can affect your lighting throughout the seasons:
- North: Spaces with north facing windows are going to see consistent light that will tend to be cooler and softer than spaces with windows facing a different direction. This means less glare and heat. These spaces tend to be great for offices or studios.
- South: For regularly used spaces, like living rooms and kitchens, south facing windows will allow for the most sunlight during the day- especially during the winter. This can help with passive heating, which reduces energy costs. In the summer, remember those light-filtering curtains or blinds to protect your interior from added heat or even sun bleached furniture.
- East: Does the sun help you get moving in the morning? East facing windows are going to see bright, warm sunlight in the early hours and get cooler in the evening. This makes breakfast nooks and bedrooms perfect for windows facing this direction.
- West: West facing rooms should be focused on activities that will primarily take place in the evening. During the late afternoons, these spaces can get harsh light that can cause overheating. This direction is best for dining rooms or bedrooms- places that will be utilized as the sun is going down.
Regardless of where your windows are or where they are located, make sure they are clean. Light can’t get in if your windows are covered in outside dirt and grime.
Amplify the Light You Have
Sometimes you can’t help the amount of light you already get. While we are planning the build of our new house, we are living in a small mobile home with very tiny windows and virtually no light- to the point where seasonal depression could very easily become a chronic illness. So we maximize the light by bouncing it around! Mirrors placed strategically across from windows reflect light deeper into the room. Glossy surfaces also have this effect. You can choose glossy tiles or countertops, or bring in some furniture with reflective surfaces. Light colors tend to reflect light, rather than absorb it, so finding a softer shade of your favorite color on the walls will not only brighten the space, but make it feel bigger as well.
Optimize Your Layout and Think About Your Materials
Light likes space. Walls, partitions, and even furniture can block light from shining into your home. Consider taking out an unnecessary wall to let that light travel! Glass materials will help as well- think sliding glass doors or clear glass interior doors. Your floors are going to work the same way your walls do. Depending on the color or material, it’s going to either absorb that light, or reflect it. Opt for a light wood, whitewashed floors, or polished tiles. Stuck with dark floors? Try a big, light colored rug to brighten the space up.
Don’t Forget About Your Exterior
While most of this article is focused on what you can do inside your home to amplify the light, there are efforts that can be made just outside that will contribute to the amount of rays that you receive in your space. Consider painting the overhang (aka eaves or soffits) of your windows a light, bright color. This area reflects the light it’s receiving and sends it right into your home. It’s also an area that’s not usually noticeable from the street, so you can go with a lighter color even if the rest of your house is dark. Trim any overgrown greenery that could be blocking the sunlight. Also, think about your exterior colors and materials- a light colored patio or deck will reflect the sun right back through your windows and into your house.
So get moving! With almost 90% of our lives being spent indoors, it should be a priority to maximize as much of that golden medicine as possible. Not just for our health, but our wallets too. You could potentially save up to 75% of the energy you are using for heating and cooling! So, bring that light in, baby, and start feeling and functioning better!
Do you have a fun tip for bringing in some extra light? Do you have questions on the subject? Comment below!