Having a light and airy home is something many of us aspire to, and with good reason! It can bring a sense of peace and calm, of oneness with nature, and on a more practical note can even add value to your home should you one day choose to sell. There are lots of different options to achieve this goal depending on your budget, and the scale of project you want to undertake, so here’s a quick guide to get you started.
Add Windows
Maybe the most obvious option, but a great one nonetheless. Adding windows will bring in light, particularly if you do so in a room with a southern-facing exposure. Not only that, but new windows will help to keep more heat in your home, and you can also expect noise from the outside to be reduced by as much as half – particularly good if you live on or near a busy road, or in the bedroom if you’re a light sleeper. It can also significantly reduce the risk of condensation, and in turn damp in your home – potentially saving you from costly damp-proofing or correcting work. Double glazed windows will also improve the security of your home, as they’re incredibly strong and usually come with very high quality locks fitted as standard – or the potential to fit them without too much hassle, so you can sleep easy at night knowing your home is secure.
All of these benefits, as well as the aesthetic improvement new windows represent, can add significant value to your home should you wish to sell in the future – as well as giving instant return in terms of your day to day comfort. Byfold doors from a company like Mighton are also a fantastic way to achieve all of these benefits, as well as being able to throw open the doors and soak up as much vitamin D as possible whenever the sun shines. Finally, in a room with no outward facing walls or where adding windows isn’t an option – why not consider adding skylights? This is a particularly good option in bathrooms, where you want to bring light and ventilation without compromising privacy.
Decorate Neutrally
The other big one when it comes to adding light to your home – decorate with neutral, light-reflecting colours. By painting walls in a light beige or cream you’ll maximise the natural light you do have in the room – and you can always add pops of colour with statement throw cushions or lampshades. You should also make sure window coverings are kept light and always drawn back – this will have the dual benefit of giving the illusion of more space, as well as letting in the light. Another big factor in keeping rooms light and open is the type of wood flooring you have. Dark hardwood floors will make the space feel smaller as they absorb light. Lighter colored wood floors reflect light and brighten up rooms, making them appear larger. If you have wood floors that have been stained a dark color, you can have them professionally refinished and either bleached, or stained a lighter color. Either that or have brand new light hardwood flooring installed if it’s in your budget. Finally, in areas of your home that just don’t have access to natural light, make sure you add extra lighting with high watt bulbs and decorate in light neutral tones.
Use Mirrors
Mirrors are a great way to reflect the light that is already there around the room. Being creative with mirrors is all part of the fun, use different shapes and sizes of mirrors to create a feature wall. Alternatively, you be more traditional and have one large ornate mirror to be the show shopper in a room.
Using mirrored or metallic decorative items such as, candle sticks, photo frames and light fixtures can all add to creating more light.
Glass doors
Why choose to use an opaque wooden door blocking out natural light when you can use modern or traditional glass paneled doors to let light burst in? You can choose from frosted or tinted glass if you still want your privacy. For internal or external doors why not explore stain glass panels. The light will create gorgeous patterns on the floors and walls when the light shines bright.
Whatever your budget, there are many ways to add more light to your house. But however you decide to do it, the outcomes will be well worth the time and effort.