Opening up the curtains sure does help, but really, what are the most efficient ways to let natural light gently enter your home? Here is what we recommend so you can truly let the sunshine in:

The Right Window

The first and most important thing is the windows. Look around the house and ask yourself: What kind of windows do I have? Do I have enough? Usually, homes, especially older ones have one large problem: outdated or damaged windows. Technology has advanced since the ’90s, so consider advancing your home as well. Energy window ratings show how a window behaves with heat transfer, air leakage and also natural light. The higher VT and SHGC ratings, the more natural sunshine in your interior.

So after you decide on window replacement, think about what replacements you’ll make. Will you add skylights on the ceiling and provide wonderful views? Will your living area be enriched with bay or bow windows? What kind of benefits do sliding and picture windows offer? Remember, the type of window you have determines the natural light and comfort on the inside.

Repaint Everything!

The second thing you should do is repaint everything! And we do mean everything: walls, kitchen cabinets, floors, picture frames… A truly cheap option is to take that paintbrush and allow more light in the home. Why is this efficient? Well, darker colours absorb light rather than reflecting it, while lighter colours do the exact opposite. Making your rooms baby orange or beige might sound awkward at first, but you’ll thank us later when you see the benefits.

Another way to add more light into the home, apart from repainting everything that crosses your path, is by adding wallpaper and unique decorations. So imagine a regular baby blue bathroom. Now imagine colourful wallpapers, shiny countertops, and reflective tiles! The bathroom shines much brighter right? This is because colourful patterns and reflective objects like mirrors, shiny tiles and countertops reflect more light.

The Right Shades

So opening up the curtains does let more light in. However, each window treatment is different. Besides shade, you have blinds, shutters, and curtains. Choosing light material and brightly coloured window treatment will let natural light in even when shut. There are special treatments which at the same time offer privacy protection and appropriate levels of natural light. This is why you should investigate the market a little more and go to a mini shopping adventure before you decide to purchase the cheapest drapes you can find.

Door Makeover

We talked about the importance of windows, but how about we shift a bit to the most underestimated product on the market – doors. The type of door you have and its location in your home significantly determines the amount of natural light. If you have a strong, dark door without any glass accessories around, sooner or later vision problems will start to occur.

Apart from being a huge value increaser, door replacement guarantees more comfort and security. If you are on a tight budget, consider adding glass decorations and small windows around the door which let more light enter the home. Also, immediately change your patio door to sliding. Sliding doors are easy to operate and provide maximum light in a room. They will also do you good when your children will be playing outside and you’ll want to keep a cautious eye on them.