Shining Examples - 5 Facts That Shine a Light on the Importance of Natural Lighting

There are a number of benefits to utilising and maximising the amount of natural light in your home. Not only can it boost the mood of the occupants, it has also seen to save money on their electricity bills as well. Plus, with clever window placements, it can give the illusion of bigger rooms, and more value for money particularly if you’re selling your property.

 

1. Natural light saves energy

 

The right windows can maximise the amount of natural light a home can receive. For instance velux skylights, or glass doors really open up a space and harness the natural light during daylight hours hours without the occupants having to switch on and use artificial lights inside. In rooms that aren’t being used for sleeping, an interior design feature like light curtains or drapes also allow natural light through, which could further reduce power bills by not needing as many lights to enjoy the space. Without having to turn on lights throughout the day it helps to reduce energy consumption and reduce electricity bills.

 

2. Natural light make your rooms look larger

 

When natural light is considered correctly in interior and architectural design it can make properties and their rooms look a lot larger. Utilising creative interior design techniques such as placing a large mirror opposite either a window or artificial light creates a wonderful reflection of light, and makes the room seem a great deal bigger. Another design option to consider is to replace a solid door with one featuring a glass panel allowing natural light to flow freely around the property.

 

3. Natural light improves your health

 

Numerous studies have been carried out researching the benefits of natural light on people's health and wellbeing. There are a great number which show that natural light has a positive effect on our health and wellbeing. For example, people who struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) usually do so in autumn and winter months due to the reduction in daylight hours and the amount of daylight available.

 

There is also speculation that the large amount of time people spend indoors, both living and working will increase the likelihood of people experiencing SAD or other illnesses such as depression. This is supported by a study conducted on shift workers which showed that the lack of natural light disrupted participants metabolism, their bodies’ ability to breakdown food as well as weight, energy and mood.

 

4. Natural light creates natural sleep patterns

 

In an ever digitally expanding world the exposure to artificial light via blue light screens only continues to increase through both the amount of devices and our increasing use. Although artificial light is beneficial in most circumstances, there is also an aspect of artificial light which can negatively disrupt the body and mind’s natural state. Research has found that the use of artificial light in the home can disturb the circadian rhythm and affect people's hormone production and brain wave patterns, which has links to depression, obesity and some cancers.

 

5. Natural light equates to productivity

 

Exposure to natural light has been shown in research to improve the productivity of participants. Granted this is usually linked and referenced in relation to employers and businesses as a discussion point around productivity equating to profit, but this benefit is just as important in at home. The energy and creativity gained from sunlight influences productivity and problem solving skills. At home this allows people to complete tasks quicker and more efficiently enabling the occupants to spend more quality time with their friends and family.

 

These reasons showcase why natural light is so important. Small things like changing the furniture layout or positioning mirrors can make a big difference to a space. However, if you have the luxury of designing and positioning windows to maximising natural light, this can really improve your life.