Increasing the amount of natural light in a home has a dual effect: making rooms look brighter and giving the impression that they are larger. The following are some suggestions for bringing in more natural light:
Windows
Increasing the size of the room’s aluminium windows is the most noticeable technique to do this. However, this is subject on the property’s actual design. Large sash windows and tall ceilings are two of the most appealing features of a Georgian home. However, not all properties have this perk.
Maximizing the amount of light that enters a smaller window can be accomplished, in part, by designing the window with slim parts and, if it includes glazing bars, slim glazing bars. For period buildings, it is essential to purchase replica windows (often timber windows) that imitate the slender shape of the originals, as modern window designs often feature hefty parts and frames that diminish the amount of light entering the room.
Remove any obstructions to natural light from entering the room, such as thick drapes or overhanging bushes and trees.
The glazing also plays a role in how much light enters a room through windows. Glazing can come in a wide variety of styles and textures.
Double glazed sash windows or casement windows should allow less light in than single glazed windows, though this varies with the type of glass used. The amount of light transmitted through a certain glass or coating varies depending on its specific transparency rate. For instance, the quantity of light entering a room can be decreased by using hardcoated “K glass,” which has a stronger hue than softcoat “Low E” glass.
However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that too much glare and furniture fading can result from exposure to unfiltered light. The amount of heat and light entering a space can be reduced by using “solar control” glass, which is commonly used for big glazed portions on structures like conservatories and offices.
The Four Corners, the Floor, and the Walls
A home with lighter wall and floor colours appears larger and brighter. The effect of natural light is diminished in rooms with dark walls, whereas rooms with walls painted in light colours seem larger because the light is reflected back into them. Lighter carpets and floors, such polished wood or ceramic tiles, will reflect more light because of their shiny surfaces.
Adding mirrors to your walls will reflect light throughout the room and provide the illusion of extra square footage.
Timber Windows, Single & Double Paned
Need new or repaired timber sash windows or casement windows to let in more natural light?
We at Timbawood are experts in creating exact replicas of your old period windows, along with a range of specialty glazing options.
Although we take great care to faithfully recreate your windows’ original period style, we also include subtle upgrades to their functionality, such as slimline double glazing that passes for single glazing, specialist glazing options like acoustic glass for improved sound insulation, and multi-point locking on casement windows for added security.
To preserve the aesthetics of your home’s original windows while enhancing their functionality, we can also replace the sashes or casements and custom-fit them into your existing window frames.