How to Increase Natural Light in Your Home for a Brighter Space

Natural or artificial obstacles will scatter light penetrating through windows. To maximize daylight entering your home's interior spaces, open up your windows whenever possible and prune any branches that block light from entering. Blinds can be raised during the day to allow maximum penetration of light. Consider replacing heavy window treatments with light, sheer curtains that allow light to filter through.

Although natural light should be a key component of the interior lighting in your home, it is not always enough. Pendant lighting, task lighting, light tubes and LED lighting offer different benefits for your application to counteract the common dullness when there is not enough natural light. All these sources are available in a dimmable form to control how much or little light is present in a room or area.  

Walls painted white or light colored will reflect the light into the room, allowing the room to feel brighter. White and light-colored fabrics also reflect light, adding a more vibrant look to the space. Avoid using dark or bold colors, as they absorb light and make the room appear darker.  

When the sun moves, your indoor space becomes dark. Strategically placing a mirror in line with windows will allow you to reflect the available light, allowing the room to feel brighter during those transitional times. Mirrors are excellent for bathrooms, hallways, bedrooms and dressing rooms, where you apply your makeup or get dressed every morning.   

Small or enclosed rooms can feel dark and gloomy most of the time. Open up your space by removing the walls between two small rooms and turning them into one big living room. This will allow more light to penetrate into the room and make it feel brighter, larger and more welcoming.  

Skylights are an excellent source of natural light for your home. They will bring more light into the room and can give a beautiful view of the sky. They are another great idea to open up an attic or loft space. A skylight can be opened at night to let cool air in and provide a cool glow from the moonlight.  

Metallic surfaces reflect light, making your house more open, spacious and luxurious. Metallic objects such as picture frames, table lamps, vases, drawers, bowls and other accessories can add glamor to a room.  

A view of the outside can be a great escape from the everyday activities, especially when it's warm outside. Suppose you want to bring the outdoors in. In that case, a glass door for your balcony or patio can give you that feeling. Glass doors also complement different interior styles, such as modern, chic and contemporary.  

Allowing natural light to flow through one wall of a room creates a sense of openness, light, and airiness. Glass room dividers can be used in kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms and others. Glass railing can protect you from falling while providing a clear view of the space.  

A transom window above a door allows extra light to enter the room while providing privacy and security. The transom window can be opened to let light into the room and give a breeze through the house. This can be an excellent way to fill a dark space with natural light.