The Pacific NW is known for its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and rainy weather. While the region is undoubtedly beautiful, the lack of sunlight can make it difficult to brighten up your home naturally. Many homeowners in the Pacific Northwest struggle with dimly lit interiors that can affect mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Thankfully, there are several ways to increase natural light in your home to brighten up your space.
Here are 8 Ways To Increase Natural Light In Your Home
1. Install Larger Windows
Installing larger windows is one of the best ways to increase natural light in your Pacific NW home. Windows are the primary natural light source in any home, and larger windows allow more sunlight to enter your space. If your home has small, outdated windows, consider replacing them with larger, more modern ones.
When installing new windows, consider the orientation of your home. South-facing windows receive the most sunlight, so if you have a room that faces south, consider installing larger windows in that space. East-facing windows receive sunlight in the morning, while west-facing windows receive sunlight in the afternoon and evening. North-facing windows receive the least amount of sunlight, so they may not be the best candidate for larger windows.
2. Use Light-Colored Interior Paint
The color of your walls can have a significant impact on how much natural light your Pacific NW home receives. Light-colored walls reflect more light than darker walls, making your space appear brighter and more open. If you have dark walls, consider repainting them in a lighter color to brighten up your space.
Some popular light colors for walls include white, beige, light gray, and pale blue. These colors reflect light making your space feel more open and airy. Consider painting your ceiling a lighter color as well to reflect even more light.
3. Add Mirrors To Brighten Your Space
Mirrors are an excellent way to increase natural light in your home. They reflect light and make your space appear brighter and more spacious. Hanging a large mirror in a room that receives a lot of natural light can help distribute the light throughout the space.
Consider hanging a mirror opposite a window to reflect the natural light back into the room. You can also place a mirror near a light source, such as a lamp, to amplify the light in the room.
4. Install Skylights
Skylights are a fantastic way to increase natural light in your home. They are installed on the roof of your home and allow natural light to flood into your space. Skylights are a great option if you have limited wall space or if you want to increase natural light in a specific area, such as a bathroom or hallway.
When installing skylights, consider the size and placement. Larger skylights will allow more light into your space but may also increase heat loss in the winter. Those who live in the Pacific Northwest should consider installing skylights with double-paned glass or low-emissivity coatings to minimize heat loss.
5. Trim Trees and Shrubs Blocking Natural Light
The Pacific NW is full of tall evergreens that could be blocking sunlight from entering your home. By trimming back or removing trees altogether you will allow more natural light to enter your home and brighten up your space. When trimming trees and shrubs, be careful not to damage them or your home. Hiring a professional tree trimming service will ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
6. Use Sheer Curtain Coverings Or Light Filtering Shades
Curtains are an essential element in any home, but heavy curtains can block natural light from entering your space. Consider swapping out heavy curtains for sheer curtains to allow more light into your home. Sheer curtains are made from lightweight materials that allow natural light to pass through while providing privacy and a decorative element to your space.
While sheer curtains are a great option for allowing natural light into your home, they may not provide enough privacy or light control for some homeowners. Light-filtering shades are an excellent alternative to heavy curtains and can help regulate the amount of natural light entering your space.
Light-filtering shades are made from materials that allow natural light to pass through while still providing privacy and light control. They are available in a variety of colors and styles to complement any decor. Consider installing light-filtering shades in rooms that receive a lot of natural light, such as a living room or dining room.
7. Keep Your Windows Clean
Dirty windows can block natural light from entering your home. Cleaning your windows regularly can maximize the amount of natural light entering your space. Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and grime from your windows.
In addition to cleaning your windows, make sure to keep your window sills and frames clean as well. Dirt and debris can accumulate on these surfaces and block natural light from entering your home.
8. Consider Solar Tubes
Solar tubes are a great alternative to traditional skylights when looking to increase natural lighting in your home. They are installed on your roof and use reflective material to direct natural light into your space. Solar tubes are also a great option if you have limited roof space or if you want to increase natural light in a specific area, such as a bathroom or closet.
When installing solar tubes, consider the size and placement. Larger solar tubes will allow more light into your space but may also increase heat loss in the winter. Consider installing solar tubes with double-paned glass or low-emissivity coatings to minimize heat loss.
When choosing which methods to use in your Pacific NW home, consider your budget, the orientation of your home, and your personal style. By combining several of these methods, you can maximize the amount of natural light entering your home and create a space that is both beautiful and functional.
