If you are a fan of Home-Improv shows, you will understand how coveted natural lighting is to practically all home buyers. While some homes are ‘born’ with natural light, others are made to be one.
So, don’t fret if you are moving into a not-so-lit house. Some salvaging can be done with the right furnishing- that is unless the house is impossibly positioned and unable to receive sufficient natural light. Then, you will have to invest in some eco-friendly bulbs.
The quantity of natural in a room can impact your mood. Think about those golden rays of vitamin-D-rich sunlight permeating the polished glass of your casement windows. It is common knowledge that vitamin D uplifts your spirits and prepares you to start the day on a happy note.
In other words, it is only natural that bright rooms make us feel alive, vibrant, and happy. If you don’t think you are getting enough natural light, try the following tips for furnishing your home.
Install a Skylight in your Roof
Okay, this is not technically furnishing, but it is a small adjustment that makes a significant difference. Skylights dramatically draw in more natural light to a place. There are various types of skylights, from the cheaper options to the slightly more expensive ones. It all depends on the type of building and your planned budget.
According to Mack Baines, chief engineer at Raven Homes Solutions the “sun tunnel” is a popular choice among many homeowners. “It is less invasive, doesn’t take up a lot of space, and is more budget-friendly,” he says. We recommend you hire a professional to avoid leaks in the roof.
Paint the Walls
Dark walls tend to absorb natural light. If your room feels too dark, paint the walls with a light color shade- especially one that has the same effect as sunlight. White (with accents) paint is an amazing color for bright rooms. It doesn’t only add a minimalist feel to space but expands the feeling of size.
Cream is an awesome choice too, just make sure there isn’t too much yellow in the cream scheme that you choose. In the dark, yellow can sometimes feel dingy. Also, instead of a flat satin finish, go for a shiner option to enhance the reflection of natural light.
Use the Mirror Effect
The more shiny surfaces your room has, the brighter the light reflects around the room. Consider using materials such as gold doorknobs, brass lighting or chandeliers, mirrors, silver picture frames, and the like, as part of your decorating approach.
With brightly painted walls, large windows, and a good entry mirror to reflect every light entering the room, the house will enjoy sufficient natural light. For the mirrors, ensure they are large, with silver frames; it could be a beveled mirror, antique mirror, Venetian, or sunburst mirror.
Window Designs
The type of windows you install can also affect the quantity of light reaching the room. They say windows are the eyes into the soul of the home (a reverse play on the original quote). It is therefore important to have the ideal kind if you must let in the best outdoor light. Thick window curtains and treatment usually absorb precious natural light so you may want to think twice about heavy or dark curtains.
Light colors and sheer fabrics are perfect for preserving natural light. Most designers advise the use of thick curtains only in colder weather when there is little sun and warmth is a priority. However, when it gets a bit warmer, switch your curtains for something lighter.
Go Transparent
This will depend on your budget as glass can be pricey at times. Use glass in your doors to facilitate the entry of natural light into your room. And if privacy is a concern, you can always choose tinted or frosted glass. In addition to the budget, the home style and security preferences will determine how far you go with your transparent choice.
To allow more light to filter in, install frosted film for windows because it is naturally translucent. This provides an amazing decorating hack for both outdoor and internal windows. For better effect, add different designs including some etching.
Use Lighter Finishes to Contrast Dark Kitchen Cabinetry
If you are fond of dark wood floors and dark kitchen cabinetry in a small space, break up the solid blocks of color with lighter, shiny finishes on your countertops. It will give your kitchen a lighter, larger, and more open feel.
Include other shiny items like big, metallic silver light fittings, a white sink, or white translucent backsplashes to enhance the overall appearance. The ‘island’ seats can also have bright details to balance the dark cabinets. Adding tiles above the kitchen cabinets gives the kitchen a lighter, spacious appearance.
Basically, you can transform any dark space into an attractive, naturally lit one. These tips prove that even when you can’t find a house built with natural lighting, you can make one yourself.
