Natural light has countless benefits. It’s one of the few things that we would struggle to live without. Getting plenty of natural light can improve your mood, help you to sleep, boost your immune system, increase your energy levels, help to regulate your hormones and make you feel more alert and focused. Natural light is excellent for your skin and hair, and getting lots of us can help you to look and feel great.
A lack of natural light on the shorter days of winter, especially for people who work indoors, or in places without windows, and struggle to see any daylight for days at a time, is a crucial cause of seasonal depression. Even in the summer, those of us that spend a lot of time indoors can feel cabin fever set in, and there’s no denying that most of us feel more energetic and happier when we’ve been outside in the sunshine, even for just a few minutes.
Unfortunately, sometimes there’s little that you can do about it. You can’t force your employer to install large French windows. But, when you are at home, there is plenty that you can do to let more natural light in.
Clean Your Windows
Dirty windows don’t just look messy. They also block the light. Even if they don’t seem that bad, they might be letting in less light than you need. Get into the habit of cleaning them regularly, and consider hiring a window cleaner to do the outsides.
Replace Old Windows
Sometimes, cleaning isn’t enough. Old windows that are chipped, scratched and damaged might block light. You might also want to consider adding sliding doors, or at least larger windows to let more light in. Look at vinyl window replacement for help.
Add Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces
Small rooms often have small windows. They can feel dark and cold, and it can be hard to brighten them up. Adding mirrors, and other shiny and reflective surfaces can be exceptionally effective. Add large mirrors to walls opposite the main window, and the effects of the light will be magnified. Adding reflective surfaces can also make your small rooms feel larger and more spacious.
Keep Windows Clear (Inside and Out)
A big mistake people make in their homes is surrounding their windows with stuff. They hang heavy curtains, that frame the windows thickly. They add accessories and ornaments to the window sills and outside the frame the windows with large plants and shrubs. While these things might look great, they make the window smaller. They close off the space and block light. Tie your curtains back to maximize window space and try to keep the rest of your window area clear.
Use Light Colors
Dark colors won’t actually affect the amount of light coming in, but they will feel like they do. A dark room is a dark room. It’s hard to make it feel light and spacious. Stick to light colors, like neutrals and pastels to make your rooms feel as though they are flooded with natural light.
