8 Ways To Increase Natural Light In Your Home
Natural light is a highly desirable feature in any home, offering a range of benefits that extend beyond mere aesthetics. It brightens rooms, lifts moods, and can even increase property value. If you’re looking for effective ways to invite more sunlight into your living spaces, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll delve into the advantages of natural light and outline 8 impactful strategies to boost it, ranging from updating your windows and doors to incorporating clever design elements. At Express Direct, we are committed to helping you create a more inviting and energising environment that promotes well-being and comfort. Let’s explore how you can transform your home into a brighter, more vibrant space.
Advantages of Increasing Natural Light
Boosted Productivity
Spaces filled with natural light create a more inviting and energising atmosphere, making it easier to stay alert and productive compared to dimly lit or artificially illuminated environments. Research has shown that exposure to natural light can significantly reduce fatigue and improve overall work efficiency. This is especially beneficial when working from home, managing household tasks, or simply enjoying leisure activities. By allowing more sunlight into your space, you can create an environment that supports both mental clarity and motivation, ultimately leading to greater productivity in your daily routines.
Improved Mental Health
Natural light has a direct impact on mental health, helping reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. According to research from the Copenhagen University Hospital, morning exposure to natural light improves communication between the brain regions that regulate emotions like stress and anxiety. Additionally, it helps combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that occurs in darker months. As the days get shorter in the autumn and winter, allowing as much natural light as possible into your home becomes crucial for mental well-being. Increasing daylight exposure in your living space can help regulate circadian rhythms and boost the production of serotonin and melatonin, chemicals essential for mood stability and good sleep.
A Break From Artificial Light
In today’s digital world, many of us are exposed to blue light from screens for hours at a time. Prolonged exposure to artificial light, especially from devices like computers and smartphones, can lead to eye strain, headaches, and dry eyes. Natural light provides a healthier alternative, allowing you to reduce your reliance on artificial sources. According to Michigan State University, it also lowers the risk of developing near-sightedness in children and young adults by stimulating dopamine production, which is essential for healthy eye development.
Cost Effective Solution
By allowing more natural light into your home, you can significantly reduce energy consumption. The more daylight you use, the less electricity you’ll need for lighting, especially during peak daylight hours. This leads to lower electricity bills, making natural light not only an aesthetic asset but also an economical choice. Additionally, using less artificial lighting contributes to a reduced carbon footprint, making your home more environmentally friendly. A study by Climate Change Summit reported that when used properly, daylight can reduce energy consumption for lighting by 16-20%.
Increased Property Value
Homes that are filled with natural light generally command a higher market value. Bright, open spaces not only feel larger but also create a more welcoming and luxurious atmosphere. According to the Global Property Market Specialists, Knight Frank, enhancing your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating can boost your home’s value by up to 20%. One effective way to achieve this is by maximising natural light through large glass doors and windows that frame outdoor views. This integration of natural light not only improves the aesthetic appeal of your home but also makes it more attractive to potential buyers. Whether you’re planning to sell in the near future or are looking to invest in your property’s long-term value, increasing natural light is a smart choice that pays off in both comfort and resale potential.
Better Night’s Sleep
Natural light regulates your body’s circadian rhythm, helping you stay alert during the day and sleep better at night. Exposure to daylight, especially in the morning, signals your body to stay awake and active. As the day progresses and the natural light decreases, your body prepares for rest. This cycle is essential for a good night’s sleep, helping you to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the next day.
8 Ways To Increase Natural Light in Your Home
1) Add or Replace Doors
Investing in glass doors is a fantastic way to boost natural light in your home. Sliding doors feature expansive glass panels that let sunlight flood in, brightening your living spaces all day. Meanwhile, bifold doors can fold back to open entire walls, seamlessly connecting your indoor and outdoor areas, creating an airy atmosphere perfect for entertaining or enjoying your garden. At Express Direct, we offer a variety of stylish doors to meet your needs. Our XP10 bifold doors come in 3 to 6 panels, featuring secure 5-point locking systems and robust steel shoot-bolt locking rods for safety. For a sleek, contemporary look, consider our XP Slide LS25 sliding doors, designed with a slim 25mm sightline that maximises glass area while delivering exceptional weather and thermal performance. Both bifold and sliding doors are built with panels injected with a solid-setting liquid component, ensuring durability.
When it comes to front doors, privacy is key. Our XP77 range has stylish options featuring obscured glass inserts perfect for increasing light whilst maintaining home security. For instance, the XP77 Passage and XP77 Portico models use sandblasted glass, allowing light to filter through while preserving privacy. If you prefer a more modern style, we offer the XP77 glazed front door which combines an obscured laminated glass pane with a bold external steel pole handle for added security and style. All XP77 doors come in finishes like RAL 7016 anthracite grey or RAL 9005 jet black and are Secured by Design accredited for peace of mind. By investing in glass doors, you not only upgrade your home’s aesthetic but also significantly increase the natural light that floods your living spaces.
2) Add or Replace Windows
Upgrading your windows is one of the most effective ways to increase natural light in your home. Consider installing larger or full-length windows to maximise sunlight exposure. Energy-efficient options, like our low-emissivity (Low E) glass, let in natural light while helping to insulate your home and keep indoor temperatures comfortable. When replacing windows, opting for slim aluminium frames is the best choice. Strong enough to support large glass panes, they allow more light to enter without the need for bulky framing. Our aluminium fixed and casement windows, including full-height picture and horizontal designs, offer a sleek solution for homes and garden rooms. Custom sizes and integral blinds are available, with pre-made options ready for delivery within 5 days. These expertly crafted windows provide excellent airflow, are Secured by Design accredited, and offer A++ energy ratings with U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K, making them perfect for new builds, extensions, and garden rooms.
3) Get Creative with Light Coloured Paint
Painting your interior walls with light, reflective colours is an easy and cost-effective way to brighten your home. White or off-white shades have the highest Light Reflectance Value (LRV), meaning they reflect the most light back into the room. Even soft neutrals, like pale greys or light beiges, can increase the amount of natural light that bounces around your living spaces. In darker rooms or areas with smaller windows, lighter wall colours help maximise the effect of the available sunlight. This simple change can make a room feel much more open and spacious without any major renovations.
4) Incorporate Skylights
Skylights are a perfect solution for rooms where adding more wall windows isn’t possible, offering natural light from above. Positioned on the roof, they capture direct sunlight without being obstructed by trees or buildings, providing consistent daylight throughout the day. At Express Direct, we offer thermally broken EOS roof lanterns and XP Sky View flat rooflights, designed to maximise natural light while maintaining a sleek, modern look. The EOS roof lantern features slim frames and a full aluminium structure, bringing in light from multiple angles. It’s quick to install and delivers stunning results with its minimal frame design. The XP Sky View flat rooflight offers clean lines and large glazed areas, making it a stylish choice for contemporary homes. Glazed with toughened 6mm softcoat Low E glass, it combines safety with thermal efficiency, keeping your home bright and warm. For more information, visit our showroom to consult with our expert team.
5) Create an Illusion with Mirrors
A tried-and-true method, mirrors are excellent at reflecting light and creating the illusion of more space in a room. Positioning mirrors opposite windows or glass doors allows them to capture and reflect sunlight into darker corners of your home. Large wall mirrors, in particular, are highly effective in rooms where windows may not provide enough direct light on their own. In narrow hallways or small rooms, mirrors not only brighten the space but also create a feeling of openness, making the room feel larger than it actually is.
6) Consider Integral Blinds
Integral blinds provide a stylish and practical solution for managing light in your home without sacrificing aesthetics. Unlike traditional curtains or external blinds, which can obstruct natural light, they are installed between the panes of glass in windows or doors. This unique placement allows you to control the amount of light entering your space while maintaining a sleek, modern appearance. Because they are enclosed, these blinds remain dust-free and protected from damage, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas, particularly bifold or sliding doors. At Express Direct, we offer sliding venetian integral blinds that perfectly complement our bi-folding doors. Our premium Uni-Blinds are sealed within double-glazed units, ensuring both durability and energy efficiency. This design not only boosts the thermal performance of your home but also adds a layer of convenience, as you won’t need to worry about cleaning or replacing traditional window coverings. Plus, with a 5-year manufacturer’s guarantee, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your investment is built to last.
7) Make Regular Cleaning of Windows and Doors a Habit
Keeping your windows and doors clean is essential for maximising natural light in your home. Over time, dirt, dust, and grime can accumulate on glass surfaces, blocking sunlight and making your living spaces feel darker. Regularly cleaning your windows and glass doors can significantly improve light levels, creating a brighter atmosphere. To keep your glass sparkling, use our premium glass cleaner, designed for large glass areas. For best results, hold the can 20-30 cm away from the surface, spray, wipe, and buff to a perfect shine. This non-abrasive formula effectively removes dust, fingerprints, and grease from glass, mirrors, and other hard surfaces without leaving residue.
8) Reflect Light with Aluminium
Incorporating aluminium frames and accents into your home is an effective way to reflect light and brighten your space. The sleek, shiny surface of aluminium bounces sunlight around, improving the overall brightness of any room. From door and window frames to furniture, these subtle additions can significantly impact how light flows through your home. At Express Direct, we have been using premium-grade aluminium since our founding in 2007 to craft our entire range of products. Aluminium’s strength, combined with our advanced thermally broken technology, ensures that our offerings meet the demands of modern luxury homes. Ideal for both residential and commercial projects, our British-made aluminium products feature slimmer frames, lower U-values, and increased durability. Additionally, aluminium is eco-friendly, infinitely recyclable, and virtually maintenance-free. From brightening your home to creating a striking architectural feature, aluminium provides the perfect balance of beauty and sustainability.
Let There Be Light!
Investing in natural light is not just about increasing your property’s value; it’s also a commitment to improving your and your family’s quality of life. By implementing these 8 strategies, such as upgrading to glass doors, installing skylights, and utilising reflective surfaces, you can transform your home into a light, airy environment that you can enjoy all year round. Whether you opt for minor adjustments or major renovations, the advantages of increased natural light are undeniable. We invite you to visit one of our showrooms to explore our extensive range of products and discover the best solutions to brighten up your home.
