Benefits of Natural Light and Solutions For Dark Rooms
Natural Light Solutions
Getting enough natural light seems to be a challenge for most people. We all love it, we all need it, and we are not getting enough of it. For those of us who live in climates with four distinct seasons, the challenge becomes more pressing. This leaves us needing to prioritize natural light indoors. While we are limited at work, with most of us enduring the warmth of a fluorescent light bulb – our own living space is brimming with options.
The benefits of having natural light in your home are endless. So if large windows, sunrooms, and solariums are limited in your living space – have no fear. Your next renovation could significantly improve your home’s natural light, leaving you not only with added health benefits but with improvements in your overall energy consumption.
Take a look below at natural light solutions, the benefits and lighting solutions for dark rooms.
5 Benefits of Natural Light In a Room
Energy Consumption
Would you believe that the right amount of natural light could decrease your energy costs by upwards of 75%? Almost half of the energy used in our homes is dedicated to temperature control. With natural light streaming in, we are cutting down our usage of indoor artificial lighting and heating.
SAD No More
Anyone who lives in a climate that reaches below zero temperatures in the winter knows what Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is. With our daily sun exposure becoming limited or even non-existent – some of the population can be affected by decreased serotonin levels, melatonin levels, and upsets to the body’s internal clock. These natural light solutions can improve productivity, make you calmer, and even happier.
Sleeping Beauty
Our guiding light is, well, light. It is the major controller of our day-night cycle, which influences our body temperature, metabolism, and sleep. Getting in thirty minutes of some morning sunlight within the first hour after you’re awake could improve your sleep patterns, especially those with insomnia.
Healthier Living Space
If you have a dark living space, this usually means you’ll have various issues with dampness. Things tend to take a long time to dry out, especially during the colder months when all your windows are shut.
Natural light can reduce overall dampness, decreasing the amount of mildew and mold growth. Mold can wreak havoc on your respiratory system, increase eye and skin irritation, and kickstart a bad allergy. Vitamin D is a big one – because without it we wouldn’t have sufficient immune system regulation. Natural light means healthier air.
It’s Pretty
Looking beyond its health benefits, natural light can bring beauty to even the smallest of spaces. Natural light has always been on the top of the list when looking for a home. It has this magical ability to make a room look larger, enhance your interior, and illuminate your housing features.
5 Lighting Solutions For Dark Rooms
Add Mirrors
Mirrors reflect and amplify light; therefore, they will spread out the natural light.
Design With Lighter Colors
Paint With Light Greys. Grey is an excellent color for giving the illusion of more light.
When using wood furniture, floors and trim, keep the wood a lighter tone. If you have painted furniture white with light fabrics will create the illusion of brightness.
Add a light-colored rug to brighten up the room, especially if you have a dark wood floor or carpet.
Keep the lampshades as close to white as possible.
White curtains will always brighten up a dark room.
Windows and Doors
Use wider light-colored trim for the windows. This will give the illusion of a bigger window. Skip the blinds and let the natural light shine in.
Install a door with a window.
Lighting
Keep lighting fixtures to a minimum. For example, use more recessed lighting instead of heavy chandeliers and low-hanging pendants.
Do Not Clutter
Keep the room free of clutter.
Natural Light Solutions, Let Us Help You
Your home should be your happy place. Natural light seems to be an element that has full benefits across the board. Your living space can be more aesthetically pleasing, healthier, and more cost-effective to run. Natural light is a triple threat.
Let Morgan Contractors show you how your home can benefit. Contact us for a consultation – we’d love to shine some light on your natural light situation!
