By Now Aluminium
There’s nothing more uplifting than having natural sunlight illuminate your home. Whether you’re working from home, relaxing after a long day, or spending time with family, a well-lit space can help improve both your physical and mental well-being.
But how can you bring more light into a room? From just a few quick changes here and there, to a complete remodelling of the room, there are many different strategies you can use to maximise sunlight in your home.
In this blog, we’ll share a few tips that will help you brighten up any space and make it feel more open and inviting.
Tip 1: Clean Your Windows
It may seem obvious to say but cleaner windows will allow in far more light than dirty windows. As dust builds up on your windows, you’ll notice your room becoming darker and darker over time.
Use a window cleaner at least once a week to keep them sparkling like new. Not only will you get more light but clean surfaces will make your home more pleasant too.
Naturally, this advice is just as applicable when it comes to glass doors, see our guide on how to clean bifold doors for more.
Tip 2: Use Mirrors to Reflect Light
Mirrors are a fantastic trick you can use to make the most of your limited light. A couple of large mirrors strategically placed will reflect a ton of light around your room keeping it bright and open.
Mirrors are especially effective in smaller spaces like hallways or bathrooms where natural light may have difficulty reaching.
Tip 3: Installing Bifold Doors
If you’re looking for a more audacious way to bring in more natural light, installing bifold doors is an excellent solution. Clear, bifold doors are great at opening up a space and allowing natural light into your home.
Whether you’re replacing your patio doors or opening up a wall to a new garden, bifold doors create a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
This not only fills the room with light but also gives you beautiful outdoor views.
At NOW Aluminium, we are committed to offering you high-quality bifold doors that are designed to maximise light, perfect for creating a brighter, more open living area. Discover our aluminium bifold doors today.
Tip 4: Reconfigure Your Furniture
Sometimes, the placement and organisation of your furniture can be obstructing natural light.
Big pieces of furniture like sofas and cabinets will inevitably block a lot of light so make sure to place these strategically to keep your space open.
Tip 5: Choose Light-Coloured Paints and Wallpapers
One of the simplest ways to brighten up a room is to use paints or wallpapers that are lighter in tone and colour. White is a classic choice for reflecting light, but there are many other light shades you can choose from such as light grey, beige, or soft pastel colours.
These colours will reflect natural light around the room, making it feel more spacious. It’s best practice to avoid darker colours as they tend to absorb light and make the space feel smaller than it actually is.
When selecting a finish, go for matte paint instead of glossy finishes, as matte surfaces distribute light more evenly and softly.
Tip 6: Add Metallic Accents
Reflective surfaces can also help you make the most of the natural light that already comes into your room.
Incorporating metallic accents such as polished metal furniture, light fixtures, or decorative objects can help reflect light within the space.
Aluminium bifold windows are a great option here.
Tip 7: Swap Heavy Curtains for Blinds
Heavy curtains can block natural light even if they are not a dark colour, so consider replacing them with blinds or sheer curtains that allow more light to filter through.
Blinds can be easily adjusted to control the amount of light entering the room without completely blocking it while sheer curtains brighten the room while maintaining privacy.
Motorised blinds are also a great choice for ease of use and adjusting light levels throughout the day. We recommend choosing lighter colours for all these options.
If you do have bifold doors, check out our post on the best way to dress them.
Tip 8: Incorporate Houseplants
Plants do more than just decorate your home, they can also increase the appearance of natural light in a room. Certain houseplants, such as succulents or spider plants, can be placed near windows to help absorb sunlight and purify the air.
Additionally, the greenery adds a refreshing natural element that can enhance the overall brightness of the room. Choose plants that thrive in indirect light to ensure they stay healthy while helping to brighten your home.
Tip 9: Maximise Outdoor Light With Skylights
If you're working with a room that doesn’t have many windows, investing in skylights is an excellent way to increase natural light. Skylights allow sunlight to enter from above, brightening the room throughout the day, it’s kind of like being directly under the sun.
They’re particularly useful for dark areas such as bathrooms, hallways, or even kitchens. Many modern skylights are designed with energy efficiency in mind, providing natural sunlight while preventing heat loss.
Tip 10: Keep Your Space Clutter-Free
Finally, clutter can block light and make a room feel darker and smaller. Keep your living areas tidy and organised, and try not to place items in front of windows.
You could also take things a step further and opt for minimalist décor with functional storage solutions that keep everything out of sight.
A decluttered room will allow natural light to flow more freely and make your space feel larger and brighter.
Summary
Increasing the natural light in your home can transform your living spaces into bright, inviting areas. From cleaning your windows to installing bifold doors, there are many effective ways to brighten any room.
By implementing a combination of these tips and choosing lighter colours, you can create a more vibrant environment.
If you’re interested in a set of aluminium bifold doors to brighten up your home, feel free to contact us at NOW Aluminium today.
