The importance of embracing natural light in your home

Posted on Wednesday, January 10th, 2018

Let there be light! You might not know it, but allowing enough natural light into your home can be beneficial in more ways than one. It has been found that natural light is one of the most sought-after features for those on the search for a home, but this won’t come as a surprise when you find out the amazing benefits it can bring.

Keep the planet green 

While this may be one of the most obvious reasons for switching to natural light, it is something that’s becoming increasingly important.  It’s not unusual if the majority of light in your home originates from electrical appliances. However, you could be harming the planet more than you think as electricity tends to generate a number of harmful chemicals that contain sulphur dioxide and carbon emissions. Other problems can be traced back to the production of electrical power. For example, there can be a greater amount of production waste, eventually leading to the increase of industrial zones. Such problems can be curbed by the introduction of more natural light into your home, wherever possible.

You can improve your health 

As well as keeping the planet healthy, boosting your home’s natural light can actually improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Sunlight streaming through your windows can increase the amount of vitamins D and B1 that your body produces, preventing the onset of certain diseases such as rickets and beriberi. At the same time, it might also be worth bearing in mind that certain respiratory diseases have been linked to problems with bacteria and fungus developing in dark, damp areas of the home.

Scientific studies have also linked natural light to improved sleep and vitality which, in turn, will improve your overall mood. A type of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder can affect a lot of people if they fail to receive enough sunlight. This is because it’s believed that the “happy hormone” serotonin increases as the nights become shorter and days become longer. To combat this, it is recommended that you receive at least 30 minutes of natural light a day.

How to make room for natural light 

Increasing the amount of natural light in your home isn’t just something that’s easily said, it can be easily done too. First, consider how your exterior might be affecting your interior light levels. Perhaps your trees and bushes are long overdue a trim? At the same time, make sure to thoroughly clean your windows and glass doors as it can be surprising just how much this can impact the light that can pass through.

Inside, you should opt for an interior design that is light, with blinds or curtains that don’t block out the light completely, allowing you to wake up naturally with the sun. By keeping the ceilings in your home the lightest part of the room, the light will be reflected rather than absorbed. Mirrors placed opposite windows can also help to create the illusion of more light.