HOW TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR HOME WITH NATURAL LIGHT

Guest post by Paisley Hansen

Artificial bulbs are no match for the radiant brilliance produced by nature. There is really just no comparison. When at all possible, it’s great to add elements to your home that will allow more light in. Read on for some tips on how to make it happen:

Skylights and Sun Tubes

The roof of your home is a great candidate for a place to let in the sun. Skylights are less vulnerable than windows to the shifting position of the sun. They are not that difficult to install, and they let in a lot of light without the potential security risks of windows. It is important to think about heat leakage, though. Modern skylights are leak-proof, and you can opt for ones that open manually. That way you can take advantage of good weather and fresh air in addition to natural light.

Doors and Transoms

Doors that use a lot of glass can bring in quite a bit of light in major areas of the house. Putting transoms above them or sidelights next to doors can do even more. Entryways become much more welcoming and warm with natural light. Sliding door hardware can also help out in a big way, because there are many sliding barn doors that work very well with natural light. Doors do have the potential to be security concerns, so make sure that the door is sufficiently strong and secure for your area. It is also a good idea to frost the glass or add a pattern for privacy. It isn’t that hard to see through a glass door when the glass is clear and plain.

Windows

Windows are probably the most common way to add natural light to a room. They are special because they can be so large as well as incorporate a variety of design elements. Windows vary in how much light they let in, as well as the timing of the light, based on which direction they face. You can add a window to just about any room in the house, so they are very freeing in the sense that you can brighten up a room in a simple and easy way. On top of that, using windows for natural light can open up the views and vistas around your home. Keep in mind that windows are a security concern. This is less significant than with doors but do consider the risks of each window. The main thing to be concerned about is heat loss. A big window can leak a lot of heat in the winter. Try to find energy-efficient window options. This is a growing area due to the increasing popularity of natural light and home energy efficiency. There are different kinds of glass and sealants that can help alleviate this problem, so do some research before settling on the window style.

Natural light is a subtle, yet powerful way to enhance all the elements of your home. Furniture and design elements all benefit from having natural light shine on them. Adding more natural light is relatively simple–windows, doors, and skylights are easy ways to bring it in, and all of these are easier to install yourself than they have been in the past. As long as you think about the problems of heat loss and security, then you can really make your home brighter, warmer, and more welcoming. It works best in large rooms that face south for maximal sun coverage.

Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, beauty and fashion. When she isn’t writing she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.

Photos via Eclectic Living Home, Fresh Home, Design Milk.

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