How to Bring More Natural Light into Your Home

It’s an age old problem. Making the most of natural light in any home can be a daunting task, particularly in our gloomy British Winter. I’m just completing my own house renovations. Having converted the attic, I’m now turning the empty spare bedroom into a home office, and consideration of the light levels has been a key factor in the decorating decisions. I need plenty of light, for photography projects and just day to day living, particularly if I’m going to be sitting in there for 8 hours a day. So many times we decorate our homes and give little thought to how to maximise our natural light, but it’s much easier to do than you think, and should be a key component of any design.

Why should we bother? Well around 3% of the population suffer with SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, and many more experience the ‘Winter blues’ where we feel lethargic, fed up and generally have a low mood. There are many ways to alleviate symptoms, but one well known and accepted method is to give yourself as much exposure to natural daylight as possible. Whether that means going out for a walk each morning, or ensuring that your workspace is as bright and light as it can be, it doesn’t matter, it all helps.

Natural Light with Roof Lights:

Now it’s not a quick solution for a current home, but if you are embarking on a renovation project or extension do consider how to make it as light as possible. Companies like EOS Rooflights make roof lights for flat roofs, enabling builders and home owners to create homes full of natural light. They’re stylish and contemporary and look great in a modern build. Whilst you might think that side windows and sliding patio doors are enough, you can imagine how light and bright your room could be until you install some roof lights.

Window Dressings:

Particularly in Winter, many of us enjoy heavy curtains and thick blinds to hide behind in the colder months, but consider how much light these dressings will block in the daytime. You want to make the most of the natural light you do have, so think about adding some lighter pieces at the windows. I love these blinds from John Lewis which are semi transparent and stop the glare but still let the light flood through. They’re a good solution to enable a brighter home with more natural light.

Clever Interior Design:

So, if you have managed to bring more natural light into your home, you don’t want to ruin by making some basic interior decorating mistakes. Naturally a lighter colour palette will help the room feel lighter, but you don’t necessarily have to have an all white space. Introduce some colour with light reflecting paint, add mirrors to bounce the light around, and think about perspex or glass furniture and accessories, and pieces on legs. All of these tricks will help you room to feel lighter and brighter.

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