How To Create Natural Light

Natural light is said to be the number one feature people look for when buying a family home.

A survey by door, window and blinds manufacturer, Origin Global, revealed that 26 per cent would choose natural light as the 'must-have' feature in a home, followed by a large, safe garden (19 per cent) and an open-plan kitchen/dining room (16 per cent). Meanwhile, a study of 2,000 people by David Village Lighting found that a fifth wish they had more natural light in their home, with poor natural lighting contributing to homeowners feeling unhappy with their home's appearance.

Exposure to daylight has been linked to improvements in our wellbeing and mood, and in the home, natural light can make a room lighter and brighter and give the feeling of more space. If you want to flood your home with natural light, these eight top tips are a great place to start.

1) Light colours

Introduce lighter colours to your walls by banishing statement wallpaper and dark block colours in favour of a soft shade of white paint. Shades of white will make a space feel brighter as it reflects the natural light entering the room, rather than absorbing it.

Avoid using brilliant white paint on walls as it can make a space feel cold, an off-white shade will create a much warmer effect. Another trick is to paint the ceiling a couple of shades lighter than the walls to create the illusion of height and space. Choosing a paint with a satin finish will help reflect the light more than matt paint.

Mark Scott

2) Shiny surfaces

Go glossy in your kitchen and bathroom with shiny surfaces on units, again this will reflect light filtering into the room and make the space look brighter and bigger.

Charles Bettes, managing director of architecture and interior design practice, gpad london ltd, explains that when it comes to the kitchen, 'opt for a light colour scheme, and keep it consistent through walls and cabinet doors. This will make natural light reflect off the surface and make it feel more spacious.

'You don't necessarily have to go for white or cream; any pales, such as blues or greys work equally well,' he says.'

In other rooms, adding furniture and accessories with a reflective surface can help diffuse light. Metallic, glass and mirrored accessories can all help to make the most of the light available and add stylish touches throughout the home.

3) The right flooring

Flooring can also be transformed into light-friendly reflectors by choosing wooden, ceramic or stone floors with a polished finish, which will reflect much more light than carpets. If you prefer a carpet then stick to light, neutral colours.

Quickstep Palazzo Summer Oak Wood Flooring, Carpetright

Carpetright

4) Greenery

Don't forget the impact that the greenery outside your home can have on the light levels inside. Turn your attention to your garden and trim any trees, bushes or climbing plants that are growing around your doors and windows.

John Keeble Getty Images

5) Clean windows

While you're outside, give your windows and glass doors a thorough clean to ensure as much light as possible can filter through the glass and into your home.

6) Glass

If you have the budget, then the best way to increase the natural light in your home is to install large new windows and doors. Bi-folding doors are a particularly good choice as they can transform an entire wall of your home into glass for breath-taking views and ultimate light levels.

7) Artificial light

Boost brightness with artificial light that will enhance, rather than take over, any natural light coming into your home. Pay particular attention to areas where light from the windows doesn't reach such as awkward corners, corridors or alcoves.

Installing dimmer switches will allow you to have greater control over how a space is lit, enabling you to gradually alter light levels as the natural light in your home alters throughout the day.

'Popular LED bulbs offer three main choices: soft/warm white, bright/cool white and daylight,' says Jo Dyson, renovation and interiors expert for the Homebuilding & Renovating Show and co-founder of Mae House Design. 'For a cosy, relaxing space I tend to use warm white. I'm a huge fan of dimmers and not just for the main living areas; they're equally important in bedrooms and bathrooms. If you are getting ready for work in the morning you might opt for a bright, light-filled bedroom and bathroom, but want the lights dimmed when you're winding down and getting ready for sleep.'

Modern arc lamp grey - Bend, QAZQA

QAZQA

8. Light furniture

Remove dark furniture and accessories in favour of lighter shades wherever you can, particularly if they are blocking light from windows and doors. Pay particular attention to blinds and curtains, as heavy, dark window treatments can block light from entering your home.

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