Did you know that natural light can affect everything from your productivity to your sleep schedule?
Though you’re probably reading this inside and surrounded by artificial lighting, a trip outdoors can have huge psychological health benefits. Of course, in the modern world, most of us don’t have the time to spend outdoors, so the next best thing is to have more natural light in the home.
If you’re looking around your low-light room and wondering how to let the sun in, we’ve got you covered. Or do you want to instal steel plates in surfaces throughout your home to increase the amount of light that’s reflected and therefore brightens your space. Keep reading for a few key tips to help you increase your home’s natural light.
1. Check Your Home’s Exterior
Even if you live in an area with enough sun to power your home with the help of solar companies, you may still need to take a look outside to see if there’s anything blocking your window that you can move. While you may not be able to do anything about the shadows of a large tree, you may be able to trim back bushes, shrubs, small trees, or landscaping that reduces the amount of light coming into your home.
2. Paint Your Eaves
The overhangs created by your roof, called eaves, can affect the way light reflects into your home. Dark colored paint can reduce the amount of reflection, while lighter colors can bring extra sunlight into your rooms. Fortunately, you’ll only see the underside of your eaves from within your home, so you don’t have to worry about changing any exterior colors to match.
3. Repaint Your Rooms
If you’re worried about the amount of natural light in your home, it may be time to repaint your interior walls as well! Dark colors absorb natural light, while the right interior colors can make a room appear brighter even in low-light conditions.
4. Add Sparkle and Shine
Reflecting whatever natural light you have is a great strategy if you want to make a room brighter. Opt for decor with gloss and sparkle rather than matte sheen. This may include mirrors, glossy light fixtures, and objects with metallic shades.
5. Swap Your Doors
Windows may be expensive to install, but doors can be much more affordable and easier to swap out. Consider swapping traditional solid doors for doors with spaces for windows, or even doors made entirely of glass. These options block less light and allow sunlight to filter into your interior rooms that might otherwise be dim.
Bring More Natural Light in the Home
If you can’t spend your day outside, having more natural light in the home is the next best thing. When it feels like your rooms are dim and drab, the strategies above can help you find more ways to seek the sun. Try them for a great boost to your psychological health!
Want more of the home and health tips you need to know? Check out our other blogs for additional insights.
