Light is sometimes an overlooked factor in your health and wellbeing, especially the light quality that’s available in your home. This is not simply a matter of being able to find things without switching on a light. The issue goes much deeper than that.
Light Health Benefits
According to research, light affects us in many ways, including having an impact on our mood.
Have you heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Sometimes referred to as the “winter blues” this is medically recognised. When daylight hours drop, the human body can react with periods of depression and low motivation.
You may have suffered a touch of this yourself; that instinct to hibernate and put things off until another day. So, making the most of daylight makes sense – especially in your living environment.
Less Artificial
If you have poor natural light in your home it leads to increased reliance on electrical alternatives.
Studies have shown that artificial light affects the body’s production of melatonin, the chemical that plays a role in healthy sleep patterns. In other words, excessive exposure to artificial light can reduce your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
That’s on top of the widely recognised view that artificial light can be detrimental to your vision and can cause headaches.
More Benefits Of Natural Light
Letting abundant brightness into your home can uplift you in other ways too. If you’re investing in home improvement projects or have a décor you’re proud of, why not let nature do all the work in displaying them to best effect!
The colour scheme you choose can be crucial in creating the right atmosphere in your property. Without enough natural light, those carefully chosen shades can fall short of expectations.
Also, a splash of natural light can illuminate some of your most important finishing touches. For example, installing a statement piece of wall art opposite a window can make it even more unmissable.
Remember too, that the more natural light you introduce into your home, the more energy efficient it is.
Let There Be Light
How can you maximise natural light in your property? If you're planning a major home improvement project or new build, it makes sense to go big on windows and roof lights.
Contemporary manufacturing techniques provide an incredible choice of skylights, roof lanterns and Velux windows for loft conversions and extensions.
One of the best products on the market for creative home improvements are bi-folding doors. These are particularly valuable as a space saving opening into the great outdoors. The doors fold back on themselves for access, but are constructed with maximum glass to allow in abundant natural light.
Let It Shine!
There are smaller steps you can take to improve light quality too. Make sure window dressings look amazing, without obstructing the amount of light that can get through. Don’t limit your available natural light by placing taller items of furniture near its sources either.
To further boost the light quality in the room, mirrors can create magic. If you strategically erect a large piece of mirrored glass, or a cluster of smaller mirrors, the reflected light can lift the room. It can also make smaller rooms look bigger! The same applies to carefully placed mirror tiles, or any shiny surface for that matter.
This clearly illustrates that little touches can make a big difference when it comes to home interiors that support your preferences, lifestyle and health.
