Natural light is one of the best things for our mental and physical health. Not only does it make us feel good, but it can also help improve productivity and creativity. Unfortunately, many of us spend most of our days indoors under artificial light. Here are six ways to bring more natural light into your indoor space without breaking the bank and without making some exponentially difficult changes.
1. Replace Your Old Shutters or Curtains
If you have old, heavy curtains or shutters, it’s time for an update. Consider replacing them with lighter materials in a brighter color. This will help reflect more light into the room and make the space feel more open and airy. Choosing white shutters can significantly brighten your indoor area because they will reflect sunlight rather than absorb it. Additionally, installing plantation shutters can provide better light control while still allowing in natural light. As for curtains, think about switching to sheers or lighter drapes that won’t block out all the sunlight.
Materials are key for bringing natural light into your indoor space. Choose lighter options in a brighter color to reflect more light and make the room feel airy. Take a deep dive into this guide to sheer curtain fabric and see the magic you can create by simply changing your window treatments. Furthermore, consider leaving your windows uncovered during the day to let in as much natural light as possible.
2. Swap Out Your Lampshades
Lampshades can play a big role in how much light is distributed in a room. If you have lampshades that are dark or dingy, they are probably absorbing more light than necessary. Light-colored lampshades will help reflect light better, brightening up your space. You can also find shades with reflective materials like metals to maximize the light reflection. For example, using a copper or gold lampshade will help bounce light around the room and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Additionally, choosing a transparent or semi-transparent lampshade will allow light to pass through more easily, rather than being absorbed.
3. Clean Your Windows
Dirty windows can significantly reduce the amount of natural light coming into your home. Make sure to regularly clean your windows, both inside and out. This will allow more sunlight to enter and make your space feel lighter and brighter. If you have window treatments, make sure they aren’t blocking out any extra light. Consider removing them entirely or adjusting them so they let in more light. Additionally, you can open up your windows on sunny days to let in even more natural light.
4. Paint Your Walls Light Colors and Add Mirrors
If you want to brighten up your indoor space, painting your walls in light colors is an easy way to do it. White walls are an obvious choice, but other pale colors like pale blue, green, or gray can also help reflect light and make a room feel more open. Avoid using dark colors if you want to maximize the amount of natural light in your space. Adding mirrors is an easy way to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Place mirrors opposite windows so they reflect the natural light coming in. You can also use mirrors to brighten up dark corners or create a focal point in a room. If you have a small space, placing multiple mirrors around the room can make it feel larger and brighter. Mirrors also help reflect artificial light, so they are a good choice even if you don’t have many windows.
5. Bring in Plants
Not only do plants help purify the air, but they can also help increase the amount of natural light in your home. Place them near windows so they can absorb sunlight and help brighten up the room, as well as keep your house cool. Choose plants that are known for being good at absorbing light, such as succulents or snake plants. Putting them in reflective pots can also help increase the light reflection. Some of the best and brightest indoor plants are Aloe Vera, Snake Plant, Weeping Fig, Spider Plant, Crimson Cuphea, and Philodendron. Each of these plants has different light requirements, so make sure to research which ones will work best in your space.
6. Install Skylights
If you want to add more natural light but don’t want to make any major changes to your home, installing skylights is a great option. Skylights are windows that are installed in the ceiling, letting in natural light from above. They are a great way to brighten up a room and make it feel more open and airy. If you have the option, choose skylights that can be opened so you can let fresh air and sunlight into the room. Just make sure to install them properly so they don’t leak or cause any other problems.
There are many benefits to bringing more natural light into your home, both for your mental and physical health. By making a few simple changes, you can brighten up your space and create a more inviting atmosphere. So, try out some of these tips and see how they work for you!
