How To Bring More Natural Light Into Your Home

It's no surprise that potential home and apartment buyers often cite "lots of natural light" as something they are looking for in their new residence. There are many ways to increase natural light in your home, including some that are even budget friendly. Here are a few ways to maximize natural light in your home:

• Cleaning both sides of windows and patio doors is a fairly easy way to let more sunshine into your home. In case you don't think your windows are dirty, try cleaning one window with a clean cloth and see how much dirt comes off. Your living space will become instantly brighter by taking this simple step.
• Shrubs and bushes are an important part of creating a beautiful landscape. However, they can grow too tall and block the light coming into the home. At this point, you will need to trim them back to let the sunshine continue to bring natural light into your home. To avoid this, choose low-growing plants and perennials in front of windows.
• Window treatments make a big impact when it comes to how much light they let into a room. It may be time to take down the light-blocking heavy drapery and replace it with sheer curtains. Blinds are another popular option that allow you to control how much light you want to enter the room. They can be lifted to the top of the window for maximum light.
• If you have a multilevel home, you may be able to add a skylight or two. Skylights come in a variety of shapes and sizes that can accommodate many configurations. They are especially popular in bathrooms and kitchens, where natural light is most needed. A skylight in a bathroom creates a spa-like atmosphere, while a kitchen skylight is ideal for when you're cooking or entertaining. You will want to hire a professional to complete this project.
• Solar tubes are something to consider if you do not have a roof that can accommodate a skylight. A solar tube brings natural light into your home through a reflective pipe that can extend up to 30 feet from the roof to a ceiling. They are 10 inches to 14 inches in diameter and do not require a major remodel of the existing structure. As with the skylights, you will want an experienced professional to install them.
• If you are at the point where your windows need replacing, you will want to choose ones that expand the openings to allow more natural light. Bay windows, picture windows and bow windows will offer a great deal of light. Consider adding transom or radius windows above existing windows for extra light without compromising privacy. Or trade your solid exterior front door for one that has glass panels.

There are many ways to enjoy the beauty of natural light in your home, from simply cleaning your windows and patio doors to adding a skylight or two to replacing the windows completely. Contact us for more information on how to let the sun shine brightly into your home.