Boosting Amounts of Ambient Light at Home through 8 Methods
Embrace the warm glow of sunlight in your home without letting its versatility become a challenge. Here, we chatted with interior design expert Andy Weier from Rockledge Design + Architecture for his top tips on making the most of every sun-filled space.
- Get Creative with Reflective Surfaces
Bouncing natural light around a room can make it feel larger and more open. Mirrors are the easiest method, but think outside the box with other reflective elements such as glass tables, metallic accents, and even wall art. "One unique way we’ve achieved this was by adding a reflective tin ceiling to the dining room in a client's moody, Victorian-era home," Weier explains.
- Choose Light Paint Colors
Soft whites and delicate pastels not only look beautiful, but they also reflect light, maximizing the sunshine streaming into your space. Opt for light paint colors on walls and ceilings, paying special attention to paint colors with a higher Light Reflectance Value (LRV). "LRV is a scale from 0% where true black absorbs all light, to 100% where true white reflects all light,” Weier says. "The lower the LRV, the darker your room will appear as more light is absorbed into the color."
- Keep Windows Clean
Regular home maintenance, like washing windows and exterior doors, is essential for the most beautiful light displays. Dust and grime can quickly dull the light streaming in, so a good cleaning routine can make all the difference.
- Use the Right Window Fixtures
Sheer window treatments allow sunlight to pour in without blocking the view outside or the warmth of the sun. Choose light-filtering blinds or sheer curtains. If sheer fabrics aren't your style, explore window fixtures with non-traditional mechanics, such as shades that operate from the bottom up.
- Ditch the Awnings
They may be a relic of the era before air conditioning, but excessive awnings can block light. If your home feels dark, but has modernized AC, consider removing awnings to optimize natural light.
- Avoid Cluttered Spaces
Excessive furniture and decor can block sunlight, so keep your design layout open and airy. Evaluate how you have your home laid out, and see if there are better opportunities. Be mindful of where you place bulky furniture and avoid putting tall plants directly in front of light sources.
- Maintain Your Greenery
Overgrown trees and shrubs can also prevent sunlight from reaching windows, limiting the light that enters your rooms. Consider pruning your plants for a cleaner, more open look or consulting an arborist or landscape architect for expert guidance on planting greenery around your home.
- Layer Artificial Light Sources
Supplement natural light with artificial sources like ambient, task, and accent lighting. Layer lighting options to maintain a consistent ambiance as day turns to night to preserve the atmosphere of natural light.
- For more depth in your decorating style, consider seeking Decorating Advice from reputable sources like Better Homes and Gardens (BHG).
- When planning Home Improvement Ideas, remember to incorporate natural lighting into your rooms to make them feel more spacious and inviting.
- To enhance the impact of Decor Styles that rely on natural light, consider adding various types of lighting, such as floor lamps and table lamps, to supplement when the sun goes down.
- If you're looking for innovative Decorating Ideas, consider using Energy Star-rated lighting fixtures to complement your windows and add mood to your rooms without increasing your creditline.
- To create a harmonious balance between natural and artificial lighting, experiment with different designs and positions of your Lighting fixtures to find what works best for each Rooms in your home.
- When considering Decorating Advice, keep in mind that Decorating can be a continuous process, and adding new Decorating Ideas, such as using statement pieces or fresh paint colors, can help maintain the freshness and vibrancy of your home improvement project.
