How to Improve Natural Light in Your Home with New Windows

If you’re looking to increase the natural light coming into your home, installing a new window is the way to go. Natural light does more than just make your living space look bright and welcoming. It also enhances your mood and improves your sleep quality. Follow these tips on ways to improve natural light with new windows and a few ideas if you’re not quite ready for window replacement.

How to Improve Natural Light in Your Home with New Windows

Understanding the Different Window Styles

Here are a few options for window designs that can maximize natural light in your home.

Picture Windows

These are big, non-operational windows with glass areas that bring in plenty of light. They don’t open, creating an unobstructed view— perfect for the living room, especially if you live somewhere with a view.

Casement Windows

This window type has hinges on one side and opens like a door. They allow for optimal ventilation in the house and can bring plenty of light into the house. They’re good for kitchens and rooms where you want to direct the breeze into your home.

Bay and Bow Windows

These windows project outwards from the wall. They’re large and take in light from several directions.

• Bay windows typically have a big window in the middle with a small window on either side.
• Bow windows bulge forming an arc. These models work well for living rooms and dining areas.

Skylights

If you have a poorly lit room with limited wall space, skylights are a great choice to allow more light to enter your home. They’re ideal for attics, bathrooms, and hallways.

Tips on Optimal Window Placement

Where you place a window is just as important as the type of window you choose. Here are some tips to help you place your windows and bring in the most light possible.

• South-Facing Windows: In the Northern Hemisphere the sun moves from east to west. It passes through the highest arc in the southern sky. To let this natural light reach deeper into your home, place larger windows on the south side of your house.
• East-Facing Windows: These catch the early morning sun and do well in kitchens or breakfast nooks. Allowing you to start your day with plenty of light.
• West-Facing Windows: These windows bring afternoon sunlight into the house. Use shaded or tinted glass to moderate the amount of light and heat they let inside.
• North-Facing Windows: These windows offer an indirect light source. They’re great for bringing in soft diffused light to the room. It’s a good positioning choice for home offices and art studios.

Tips for Enhancing Natural Light

While selecting the right window and the correct position for it are the best strategies for lighting up poorly lit rooms, there are other strategies that can brighten up your living spaces. If you’re not quite ready for window replacement, here are a few tips to help you light up your rooms:

• Using Mirrors: Since they’re reflective surfaces, mirrors can make a room appear more spacious and well-lit. Place them opposite windows to maximize light reflection around the room.
• Light Colors: Light-colored walls, ceilings, and furniture reflect light. Choose colors like whites, creams, and pastels to enhance the natural light in your home.
• Sheer Curtains: Heavy drapes can block natural light, so settle for sheer or light-filtering curtains instead. They’ll provide privacy and allow plenty of light into the room.
• Glass Doors: Replace exterior solid doors with glass or partially glass doors. This allows more light into entryways and hallways.
• Open Floor Plans: Using an open-space floor plan allows light to flow into more areas of your home. Take down non-loadbearing walls and create a more spacious and bright living space.
• Landscaping: Trim trees and bushes to ensure they don’t block sunlight from entering your windows.

Improve Natural Light With New Windows

Studies have shown that natural light creates a calm and less stressful indoor environment. Natural light contributes to a more positive mood and healthier sleep patterns. Artificial light tends to have a more gloomy feel.

If you’re looking to increase the natural light in your home, it might be time for replacement windows. Quality windows can do more than just increase the amount of light in your home. They can also reduce energy costs, improve energy efficiency, and improve the overall interior design of your living space.

North Country Windows & Baths in Lincoln, NE, and the Surrounding Areas

At North Country Windows & Baths, our Windows are backed by a Lifetime Warranty giving our customers peace of mind. Each window is custom-made to fit your home with state-of-the-art engineering by design, and energy efficiency enhanced by style. Our windows are made to last for years of maintenance-free beauty.

Whether you want a soaker tub surrounded by subway tile or a low threshold shower with granite-like walls, you can customize your BathWraps space and even add accessories like soap dishes, caddies, seating, grab bars, and more Contact us today.