Natural light has many health benefits, including helping your body produce vitamin D, improving your sleep patterns and increasing your energy. However, Canadians spend most of their time indoors and don’t get enough of it. Increasing the amount of natural light in your home is one way to reap the benefits of sunlight. Here are three ways to do it.
Add mirrors and glass Placing a mirror opposite a large window can double the amount of sunlight in a room. Use strategically placed mirrors to brighten a dark room. You can also custom-cut glass mirrors to almost any shape for a unique look. Besides adding light, mirrors have many interior design benefits, including making the room look more spacious. In addition to mirrors, silver picture frames, metallic accent pieces and glass furniture can all reflect and enhance the light in the room. Using semi-gloss paint in light colours will amplify the effect.
Install larger windows If it’s time for a window replacement, consider installing larger windows in your home. Today’s high-performance window designs allow you to increase your natural light without losing efficiency. Plus, window glazing technology can protect your furniture, drapes and flooring from UV rays that can cause fading and discolouration. Consider replacing your living room window with a bay or bow window. These windows allow sunlight to enter the room at different angles, increasing brightness. Furthermore, you can add transom windows or sidelights to your exterior doors to further brighten entranceways. Also, consider replacing an exterior door to the backyard with a sliding glass patio door, which can triple the amount of light entering the room.
Incorporate skylights or solar tubes Skylights and solar tubes are eco-friendly ways to brighten a dark room without adding lightbulbs. Some skylight models can open to allow more air ventilation through the roof. Bringing in warm sunlight with skylights can help heat your home in winter, saving you money on energy bills. For multi-story homes, a solar tube allows you to bring sunshine from the roof down to the main floor through twisty, reflective tubes up to 9 metres long. The light from a solar tube is equal to three 100-watt light bulbs, so you won’t be turning on the lights as much.
Window Replacements and Installation in Edmonton and Northwest Canada
At All-West Glass, we carry only high-performance, energy-efficient windows. With a bow window or casement window installation, we can help transform your home into a brighter, more comfortable living space. We have locations across northwestern Canada, including Edmonton, Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Fort St. John. Contact us today to get an estimate on window replacements.