4 ways to add more light into your home

As the winter months are just around the corner, it’s a sad fact the dark mornings and nights will be upon us and the hours of natural light will be few and far between!

Natural light has a profound effect on our mood and productivity levels. It provides the human circadian rhythms with necessary mental stimulation and helps to prevent the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Essential vitamin D derived from natural sunlight has numerous health benefits, including regulating the immune system, which is crucial in the winter months when colds and flu flourish!

Add light rugs or runners

Dark wood floors are extremely popular in homes, and while they can add an elegant touch, they are renowned for absorbing light. Combat this by using rugs and runners of a lighter colour. Or, if you need to make a drastic change, strip the dark stain or paint the floorboards a lighter colour. Look to Scandinavian or Nordic design for inspiration.

Dress your windows with light fabrics

Windows are the holy grail when it comes to natural light during the winter, so maximise their light intake by dressing them with sheer fabrics in a light colour. If you have large windows that rely on heavy curtains to keep in the warmth during the cold season, hang a curtain pole that extends well past the width of the window so that the heavy curtains don’t block any of the light during the day.

Add mirrors

Mirrors are a classic way to bounce light around the home, and it is even possible to create the illusion of extra windows by placing a similar size mirror opposite an actual window to reflect the light it lets in. You could also place a mirror behind a lamp or other source of light to maximise how far the light reaches, although placing a well-sized mirror through your home will provide an airy dimension to any room.

Add glass wherever you can

Replace both external and internal doors with ones that have a large amount of glass (doors to toilets or bathrooms can be frosted for privacy!). This allows the light to flow through the house uninterrupted, without being absorbed by any heavy dark wood. Skylights and solar tubing, bi-folding doors and extensions such as orangeries are a more permanent way of allowing more natural light into the home.