One design trend that continues to captivate is the abundance of natural light in your home. Natural light is an essential feature for designers as it can create a bright and airy atmosphere in any home. Studies show that natural light can have health benefits, increasing the wellness and happiness of homeowners. Morning sun rays or colorful sunset lighting can captivate homeowners and enchant your space. As autumn nears and the days shorten, read this article for six tips on how to transform your space into a welcoming and vibrant environment by maximizing your home’s natural light.

Incorporate Mirrors

Mirrors can reflect the natural light in your home, so purposefully placing them around your room can help to maximize the light in the space. The positioning of mirrors and other reflective accessories is extremely important. Place mirrors, glass, or other metallic furnishings directly opposite windows so they can reflect light back into your space and bounce light into darker corners. A combination of reflective surfaces such as floor or wall mirrors, or large glass objects can give your room the most charm and style.

Gravitate Towards Light Colors

Lighter colors are always going to make your space seem brighter and light-filled. Opt for lighter wall paint colors, lighter wall art, and even lighter decorations. If you are set on using darker colors, make sure your paint has a pigment with a lot of color to stop your walls from looking dull. A white ceiling can also brighten up a space if you want to use more color. Glossy paint finishes also help scatter light throughout the room. See our article, Paint 101, for more advice on choosing paint colors and finishes.

Furniture and Flooring for Natural Light

Choosing the right flooring can reflect more light and completely transform your space. Ceramic or stone flooring with a polished finish can reflect more natural light than carpet. Wooden or laminate flooring is also great at reflecting light. Furniture can also play a role in blocking or allowing natural light. Bulkier furniture, or furniture closer to the ground can block light from coming through. Instead, opt for furniture that is higher off of the floor, which allows light to spread through the room easier and can also make a space feel more open.

Traditional and Tubular Skylights

One of the most efficient ways to increase light in your space is to install new windows, glass doors, or skylights. Adding a sliding glass door or French doors to your space can significantly increase the amount of light entering your home. Skylights are also great for areas where you can’t install glass doors or new windows. Traditional skylights work well in larger rooms, bathing your room in natural light from above. Tubular skylights are an excellent alternative for rooms with less space. These energy-efficient, compact, and cylindrical skylights are designed to capture sunlight from the roof and channel it through a reflective tube. This tube then diffuses natural light into smaller or darker areas like hallways, closets, or bathrooms.

Light Filtering and Glazing

If you can’t add windows to your space, there are still plenty of ways to maximize natural light without sacrificing privacy. Solar shades are a great way to ensure your home feels private while allowing ample sunlight. These shades block out glare while still letting in plenty of light. Glazing windows is a similar alternative as it can also mitigate glare while still filtering light throughout your space. Adding sheer curtains to your windows can also create this filtering effect while still feeling private and airy.

Multiple Natural Light Sources

Mixing different types of light sources in your room can also enhance the natural light in your space. Combining ceiling lights with table lamps, floor lamps, or sconces can make the space feel more dynamic and layered. Add light sources to areas where natural light is the hardest to reach. Adding lights that can dim can also enhance the light in your space. See our article Choosing and Installing the Perfect Light in Your Home for more suggestions.

Embracing natural light improves your living space’s aesthetics and contributes to a healthier, more energy-efficient home. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance the natural light in your home, creating a brighter and more inviting environment. If you are looking for more interior design tips and advice, contact our team to learn how we can help you make the most of your home’s natural light.