Effective ways to enhance the natural light in your home

Enhancing the natural light in your space can improve your daily life.

Alumil Team

Updated 28/08/2023

4’ read

A bedroom with white curtains, white walls, white doors and wooden floor.

Natural light has a positive effect in a room, it improves the mood and, best of all, it's free! Enhancing natural light not only offers clear benefits but also contributes to a daily life with lower energy consumption, which is especially valuable in an era of energy uncertainty.

There are several ways to enhance natural light in a room. Below are some useful tips that, when implemented, can deliver excellent results.

Brighter colors on the walls

If you think that the color of your wall does not play a major role in natural lighting, you may want to reconsider, as each color we choose has a Light Reflectance Value, which determines how much it reflects or absorbs the light it receives. The brighter the color we choose, the higher this indicator goes up (e.g. white is at 100%) and therefore, the light falling on our wall is diffused to the rest of the room.

The furniture factor

The furniture of the house also plays an important role in its brightness. First of all, assess whether your furniture takes up more space than it should based on the square footage of your home. A room "crowded" with furniture can feel suffocating, appear smaller, and consequently, seem darker. Opting for minimal furniture in lighter shades can help create a more open and airy atmosphere. Additionally, a white kitchen can add a sense of purity to the space and greatly enhance the diffusion of natural light.

Minimal frames for more light

Your windows, together with their glass panes, are the most important gateways to natural light. To maximize light levels, it's crucial to choose frames with thin profiles that allow for the unobstructed passage of light. Modern aluminium energy-efficient systems are perfect for this purpose, as they combine minimal design (therefore, minimum visible aluminium) with high performance. If you are considering replacing your old frames and prioritizing ample natural lighting, aluminium frames are the ideal choice.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall

Mirrors, apart from their aesthetic value and practical use, reflect light, making a room look brighter and larger. You can place them anywhere, but for the best effect, position a mirror opposite a window in your living room. You will soon find that this small change will improve the natural light levels in the room and add a touch of class and style.

A tidy space always wins

Is clutter related to how bright a space looks? Absolutely. Excessive clutter, items randomly placed, or a lack of storage space can make a room feel smaller and prevent natural light from diffusing effectively. That’s where the power of decluttering comes in.

Invest in storage boxes, organize scattered books and magazines on shelves, add extra hangers for jackets and coats, and tidy up any clothes that are out of place. Most importantly, start getting rid of items that have overstayed their welcome in your home without serving a purpose. By giving your space a breather, you'll create a sense of calm and, naturally, allow more light to flow through.

Natural light for a better mood

A well-lit space, filled with natural light, creates a sense of calm and greatly enhances the mood of those in it. It’s no surprise that sunlight boosts serotonin levels—a chemical that affects mood, appetite, memory, and more. By making small or larger changes to increase natural light, you are sure to notice a lift in your spirits, positively affecting your overall well-being.