Summer is here and the sun is shining, but why are some areas of your home still shrouded in darkness? Dispersing light into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies can be an arduous task but there are plenty of easy strategies increasing natural light in your home. This is not only essential for creating an inviting space for you and your guests, it also boosts your mood!
Here are 5 tips for creating a naturally welcoming space without increasing your electricity bill:
- Reflect Light
One of the easiest ways to borrow natural light and transmit it to darker areas is through reflective surfaces. Hanging mirrors directly across from large windows can double the natural light in a room. Similarly, using accessories such as glass-top tables or metallic fixtures will help to spread light around.
- Keep Your Space Open and Breezy
Consider rearranging your furniture in a way that maximizes the distribution of light. A crowded layout can block natural light, while maintaining open floor space will make the room much brighter. Leaving walls relatively open can offer the same benefits, whereas covering them with artwork will disperse the rays from the sun. Bouncing daylight from areas with good sun exposure to the darker corners is the name of the game, so don’t over-decorate. Keep it breezy!
- Choose Colors That Glow
One of the most powerful tools for naturally brightening up a room is light-colored walls and flooring. Painting with neutral colors, such as white, pale yellow or soft gray, turn walls into indirect sources of light that redirect sun rays within the space. Matte surfaces on a wall or ceiling diffuse light in all directions while high-sheen paints provide a glossy finish that functions like a mirror. This concept also applies to furniture – trade in dark colors on couches and tables for more subdued muted hues and save the heavier colors for accent pieces.
- Don’t Block the Sun
It may sound like a given, but many shrug off this basic principal of natural lighting – don’t block the sun! A good starting point is to make sure that trees and bushes surrounding your home are trimmed back and not obstructing your windows. Dirt buildup is another small detail that is often looked over. Water spots on your windowpanes may seem inconsequential, but an accumulation of mineral deposits can block valuable light before it even gets into your home. To get rid of these spots, create a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar and soak a towel in the solution. Use this to scrub the spots away and then rinse with water. For more difficult stains, let the mixture soak on the glass for several minutes before rinsing. Seal the deal by lightly buffing the surface with a cloth for windows that sparkle.
- Ditch the Heavy Curtains
Heavy window treatments can provide a layer of design and color to your space, but they also absorb a great deal of natural light. Switch them out with light curtains or blinds that allow you to easily control how much sun is coming in. Choosing lighter colors and fabrics will help to make a room feel bigger, whereas dark curtains will make the space feel smaller and confined. Let the sun in, let your home glow!
