How to Make the Most of Natural Light

Natural light is a must-have feature of each and every home.

As we are now spending more time at home than ever before, it is imperative that you maximise each room’s potential.

Natural light will not only make the home look great, but can help with temperature regulation, as well as the overall mood of the family. The absence of natural light can render rooms completely unusable, meaning you will not utilise the home fully.

The Benefits of Natural Light

There is an endless list of benefits to natural light. It is proven to not only increase our mood but also boost our productivity levels. It drastically increases our mental wellness and can even help keep seasonal depression at bay.

When in natural sunlight, your skin absorbs Vitamin D, which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and obesity.

Getting an adequate amount of natural light will dramatically increase the quality of your sleep, boosting your overall wellness. Be sure to open the window wide though, as the UVB rays do not penetrate glass.

Dress Windows Properly

Without proper blinds in place, rooms can often let too much light in, making them unusable. Meaning, you will only use the space in the darker hours of the day, and an artificial lighting solution will be needed.

For very bright rooms, vertical blinds offer the perfect option to manipulate the light that enters the room. They allow you to reap all of the rewards from the natural light entering the space, without the room becoming too bright, or too warm.

These can be particularly useful for home offices, where the room needs to be used continuously, for large periods of the day.

Furniture Placement

Enhancing the light that enters your room may be as simple as adjusting the current furniture set up. Shift around any large pieces of furniture such as sofas that may be blocking the light.

A quick, inexpensive, yet effective solution to your lighting issues.

Add More Windows

Although it might seem obvious, adding more windows will dramatically increase the amount of light the home allows.

You can elevate this one step further by adding French or bi-fold doors to the room at the back of the property. This not only allows more light but looks fantastic. However, ensure the door is dressed with an appropriate blind to guarantee the privacy of your home and family.

Understandably, new windows are not in everyone’s desires or budgets, but there are a few simple tricks you can use to maximise the windows that you already have.

Firstly, ensure they are sparklingly clean. Dirty windows will block a surprising amount of light, leading to a much darker room.

Additionally, ditch the curtains! Opting for blinds which can be retracted entirely allows you to maximise the light that enters the room, adding a fresh vibe to the home. This is particularly useful for downstairs windows.

Light, Bright, Interior Paint

White is best for reflecting light. White walls will enhance the light that makes its way into your home through the windows, giving a fresh, warm feel to the house.

Some are opposed to white paint, maybe feeling it does not allow you to add flair and personality to your home interiors. If this is the case, consider opting for a white paint with a different colour undertone, to make the most of the natural light whilst adding a touch of your personal style.

Be sure you pay attention to the ceilings too, this mass of space is beneficial for radiating natural light and should be painted in a bright, fresh shade.

Consider adding Skylights

Skylights are an investment for the home, and no modern property is complete without one. They allow you to elevate dark rooms, transforming them into a bright, airy sanctuary without compromising even the smallest amount of privacy.

Skylights provide an excellent solution for homes that have been modified, extensions that have been added, and even loft conversions.

Ensure you add the perfect bespoke blind to enable you to make the most of the room.

Beware of the Greenery

Plants, trees, and bushes are all great for a beautiful and well-functioning garden. However, when they are not tamed, they can block out the natural light. If you have large trees in your garden, they might be completely blocking the sunlight from entering your home.

This will lead to not only a much duller space but one that is also drastically colder.

Use Mirrors to Reflect Light

Possibly the oldest trick in the book, but mirrors can help enhance the natural light that enters the room, whilst giving an undeniable illusion of bigger and brighter spaces.

Placing a large mirror opposite any window will help radiate natural light around your home. Even on the gloomiest of days, they will bounce the light around the property, brightening up the space. The bigger the mirror, the more light it will reflect, so investing in something of adequate size is essential.

Flooring to Compliment the Light

Wooden or tiled floors with a high shine finish will help reflect the light in your home. This will enable natural light to radiate through the house and make the whole property feel much lighter and airier.

If you prefer carpet for the bedrooms, opt for a pale rug which will enhance bright rooms rather than zapping the light.

How Smart Blinds can Help

We are proud to offer a vast array of innovative solutions to your lighting problems at Smart Blinds.

Your lighting needs will inevitably differ from room to room, and we are more than happy to discuss any complex needs or desires at your consultation. This may range from motorised blinds to skylight coverings, to blackout blinds for the bedrooms.

Smart Blinds are proud to work with a range of clients on projects differing in styles, requirements, and budgets.

To find out more about our range of vertical blinds, talk to Smart Blinds now on 01635 866600 or 01189 509449. Alternatively, email us at

info@smartblinds.org and we’ll be happy to help.