Lighting can make or break a home! If you’re looking to spice up your home decor, focus on the natural lighting. Natural light is an essential component of interior design. It’s a significant element to play with, especially if the interiors comprise smaller spaces. In fact, because of the lack of natural light, a larger space can also feel small and cramped. Natural light also has many benefits – it makes people feel energized, and it’s great for killing germs and bacteria in the air. It helps air out a room and keeps mould and moisture from collecting. From going DIY to using gloss paint and glass doors, we’ve put together a list of some creative ways to improve the natural light in your surrounding. Go for paint colors that are light colors, add greenery to the wall space, or install new windows – there are many ways to increase the natural light. Did you know that natural lighting is also called daylighting? Many interior designers use this as a technique to bring light into a home efficiently. Some use skylights and windows and depend on exterior glazing; others use artificial lights where natural light isn’t readily available.
Most clients love a home where natural light is abundantly available. Natural light is a good source of positivity, warmth, comfort, and health. Let’s take a detailed look at the benefits of natural light in a home.
Energy Efficient – Natural light reduces the dependency and need for internal lighting, which helps save energy and electricity. Use windows to allow sunlight to filter in, reducing energy consumption.
Reduce strain on the Eyes – An abundance of natural light makes the home feel warm, cozy, and comfortable. In addition, it helps reduce the strain on the eyes; instead of squinting in the darkness. Sometimes, even artificial lights can cause a headache – in which case, it’s always better to have natural light flood in.
Reduces Stress & Anxiety – Natural light affects a person’s mood positively. It positively affects mental health and lowers stress and anxiety levels.
Improves Productivity – Natural light is known to boost productivity, especially regarding one’s well-being.
Better Sleep – As an important aspect of a person’s sleep schedule, natural light affects the body’s circadian rhythm. It helps reduce irritation around the eyes and helps people sleep healthier.
Great for Houseplants – If your home has plants indoors, it’s better to have natural light to help them grow.
Improves Home Value – Homes with ample natural light tend to have a higher value as they are preferred not just because of the availability of light but also because they give the illusion of more space. Considering the overall energy efficiency they accord as well, homes with more natural light tend to be valued higher than homes with lesser natural light.
Before we discuss ways to light up a dark room with natural lighting, you must know about natural light fixtures.
Natural light fixtures are designed to capture as much external light as possible. Some commonly used natural light fixtures are skylights, windows, and doors. Interior designers use exterior glazing to efficiently welcome natural light into dark rooms. This reduces the dependency on artificial light and saves energy. Three main sources of natural lighting can be brought into a home.
Light directly from the sun Externally reflected light
Internally reflected light
When it comes to natural lighting, it’s not as easy as it looks. Designers need to consider balancing many aspects, such as –
Glare control
Heat gains and losses
Daylight availability variation
Location of interior partition
Selection of glass/ reflective surface Window position, size, and spacing
Other than windows and skylights, some commonly used daylighting fixtures include tubular lights, solar shading devices, redirection devices, etc.
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