9 Ways To Bring Light Into The Home

For many people winter skies are dim and even sometimes grey. The lack of light when I lived further north is really one of the reasons I moved to Florida decades ago. Winters with cold nights and long evenings and little light make me sad as it does many other people. (See Seasonal Affective Disorder for more information on dealing with SAD.)

It’s time now in the dark of winter to consider how to bring more light in your home. Nothing compares to the warm feeling of sunshine across your face especially during a cold, dreary winter. Natural light is important for so much more than aesthetics. Natural light helps to regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle. Your sleep cycle is regulated by circadian rhythms, where you begin to wake and rise when you are exposed to natural light (sunrise) and where you begin to wind down when natural light reduces (night). According to The National Library of Medicine‘s post, Benefits of Sunlight, the World Health Organization reports very low levels of UVR exposure is related to major disorders of the musculoskeletal system and possibly an increased risk of various autoimmune diseases and life-threatening cancers. It is advised to get at least 10-15 minutes of sunlight daily.  Sunlight also has a huge impact on depression, seasonal affective disorder and sleep quality and can help you lose weight. 

Now let’s talk about how we can bring sunlight into our homes, as it lifts your spirits, improves your health and even saves on energy. You want both natural and artificial light in your home to keep it bright, which means that you need as many ways to open up the space as possible to make this light-filled home the norm for you. Previously I discussed designing a small space. Today’s discussion of bringing light into the home is almost a continuation as light makes everything seem bigger.   Let’s start with ways to boost natural light in your home with the easiest things to do. .

I.  Clean The Windows

Yes, I know, you do this anyway. However, nothing compares to bright, clean windows both on the inside and the outside. A good scrub and a dry should make your windows so clear it doesn’t look like there’s anything there in the first place.  Unfortunately at my last home, my living room windows had a permanent discoloration due to almost 30 years of hot Florida sun, and I wanted to replace them.  You can always look at window replacement, if you feel your glass needs to be changed. Sometimes, this is the case with older windows that are so scratched and damaged: no amount of cleaning will work.  

II.  Repair Windows to Dress Lightly

Heavy drapes and blinds are often added in the winter as they work to keep the heat in the house. If your windows lose heat and rattle in old wooden sashes, you might need to reglaze them. Glazing compound is a putty used to hold pieces of glass into place in older window sashes. This compound can enhance the energy efficiency of older windows by stopping drafts from passing through and sealing the space between the glass and the sash. See What is Window Glazing for more information.

There are 4 other ways to insulate your windows:

  1. Use clear window insulation film. Window film creates an insulating barrier between the interior of your home and your windows.
  2. Install removable magnetic window insulation.
  3. Use rope caulk to seal cracks.
  4. Add thermal curtains to your windows.

I love light window treatments year round once I make the windows well insulated. They allow the light to flood in. Go for light fabrics; lace or nets for the window and use lightweight curtains. You could even switch to wooden blinds or fabric vertical blinds. The Spruce has a great article on all the types of window coverings. Layering window treatments allows you to control light and privacy. Most bedrooms need light control. Darkness for sleep, but during the day, natural light.

Or ditch the drapes entirely. It’s listed as one of the ways to make a small space look bigger at Remodelista.

Photo Remodelista

III. Add Mirrors

The best way to get the light through the house and into the darker corners is with mirrors. Mirrors reflect light, meaning that if you’re unable to carry out larger scale changes to your home, you can still make your rooms lighter and brighter. Place mirrors opposite windows and in other spaces where light hits the walls. You can easily start reflecting light to the corners, and you can hang them strategically to make the light pour through your home. More mirrors = more light;, Country Living has a great article with 6 Ways to Use Mirrors to Make Your Home Feel Bigger and Brighter.

Optimize the natural light of your home with the strategic use of mirrors:

  1. Place large mirrors on the floor. 
  2. Dress the mantel.
  3. Dress your garden.
  4. Create texture with mirrors.
  5. Decorate the hallway.
  6. Create the illusion of space with mirrors.

IV.  Think About Glass Furnishings

If you want to brighten up your dining room, swap your wooden dining table for a glass one and watch how much space you suddenly seem to have. The light flows through the room better when it’s not blocked by solid furniture, so the whole room is airier and looks fantastic. On the other hand, I tried this a couple of decades ago, and it really made the small space larger. What I didn’t like was constantly cleaning finger prints off the glass. I like to sit at the table with friends and talk, and there were always smudges.   

Photo Wayfair

I find small glass side tables or a bookcase in a room work better for me. A silver or white metal etagere bookcase with glass shelves takes little room visually and reflects light.

V. Clear The Windows

If you have tables, sofas or bookcases near windows, move it all out of the way. You want to ensure that the natural light flowing in has a clear route through the room and you can see the house properly. Move the furniture away from the windows and see the light immediately flood through. You could use a small table that is below the window ledge and does not interfere with light. How about a built-in bookcase surrounding the window? Check out Home Depot’s DIY Built-in Bookshelves.

VI. Repaint

Color can either absorb or reflect light. It’s nice to have rich colors on the walls, but the dark colors mean a darker room, even with huge windows to replace the small ones. Lighter colors will reflect the light. Repainting in a pale color will make a difference to the light in your space. It’s a great trick.  Use satin or semi-gloss paint to add to the reflective qualities.

Below is a beautiful living room. Light from windows and lamps is reflected in various parts of the room.. Light bounces off the pale walls, mirror, glass doors, and polished furniture.

For those who desperately need color, Ecos Paint has an interesting article, How Your Room’s Wall Color Affects Your Mood. You do not have to have an all-white home. That would be boring. For example, blue is my favorite color.  I agreed with their statement that what looks great on a small color chart does not always look good on the walls. I once painted a bedroom blue and then was not happy with the shade when I saw it on the walls. It also clashed with a new blue bedspread.

I found the subject of colors and mood fascinating. Don’t forget about the ceiling. if you paint the ceiling a few shades lighter than the walls, the room will feel larger, taller and brighter. In order to pick the right color for your home, you should first look into color psychology. As prevalent as color is in our lives, there isn’t that much scientific research on the idea of how color affects people’s moods. The truth is, color affects people in different ways—there are general ways a shade brings about a mood. However, the actual emotions it inspires in an individual depend on the person’s personality, the climate, their background, and a variety of other factors. Either way, what is known, is that colors do in fact, impact our mood.

VII. Install Larger Windows or Doors

If you’re in the market for new windows or doors, now is the perfect time to expand the openings to increase the amount of natural illumination. Professionals can actually change your home’s walls and windows. You could opt for bigger windows, windows with larger panes and smaller frames, sliding doors, and French doors. Advances in window manufacturing allow for minimal framework so there is more exposed glass. For greatest impact replace a whole wall with doors or windows. Change your front door to one with windows.

The bedroom below has drapes for each window which are opened for daylight.

VIII. Add More Reflective Surfaces

Earlier we discussed adding mirrors to reflect light into corners. Now let’s talk about adding more shiny objects to your rooms.  Really it’s part of having a mix of textures in your design.  You don’t want everything to be shiny, but a few reflective surfaces will help bounce light around your room.  I like a variety with some opposites in the mix.  Besides the glass tables, you could also consider:

  • Metallic light fixtures and faucets
  • Silver photo frames
  • Decorative nickel cabinet pulls
  • Metallic finish on the ceiling
  • Polished wood or stone
  • Metallic fabric
Photo Greenellouse

IX. Add Skylights

Adding natural light and fresh air from above makes a dramatic difference to any room.  Skylights come in a variety of sizes and configurations and are often used in high-traffic spaces like bathrooms and family rooms. Be sure and use a professional for this home improvement as you are compromising your roof  unless it is installed properly.  Below a single window in the roof totally transforms an attic bedroom.

Photo Velox

You can add shades to the skylight for privacy.

In conclusion…

Look at your home with fresh eyes.  Consider your walls, furniture placement, use of mirrors, and window coverings as you think of ways to add light to your home. Look outside and cut back bushes and trees that block the light entering your windows. Remove furniture that blocks the sunlight and enjoy the beauty of light in your home.

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Carol

I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.

17 thoughts to “9 Ways To Bring Light Into The Home”

  1. Hi Carol. I love all of these tips. We have had new windoes installed and I’ve chosen lighter curtains. We have also repainted. I can attest to the fact that your suggestions do work. Thanks for sharing at #aclwcc. Pinned and tweeted.

  2. I love having all the light in my home that I can get. I meant to clean the windows this summer but haven’t done it yet. But there’s still time if I’ll get on it.

  3. This is a timely post! I love the advent of Autumn and Winter, but for many people even the thought of approaching winter can bring real distress.

    Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!

  4. Great ideas. Gloomy weather definitely affects my depression. This entire summer it has rained 3 to 4 days a week. On some weeks, like the past 2, it has rained at some point during every single day. Luckily there was also some sun that came out for a bit. I live on the Gulf Coast and I can’t imagine living somewhere where it gets gloomy for months. God knew which family to bring me into to live where we live! Thanks for sharing on Happiness is Homemade. If you get a chance, I’d love for you to stop by and share on Crafty Creators Link Party as well.
    Have a great weekend!
    Niki | LifeasaLEOWife.com

  5. I am lucky that we get the sun through the front window until mid afternoon, when it is shining of course. What great ideas! I love the idea off glass furniture but it always seems to attract so much dust and smudges.

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