Thoughtful window selection and placement can transform your living spaces by increasing natural light, making it bright and inviting. Natural light boosts your home interior’s atmosphere and contributes to energy savings. It makes your spaces appeal larger and more welcoming, which is particularly important when square footage is limited.
Read on to gain insight into how to choose windows that will create refreshing indoor spaces that teem with natural light.
Tips on Window Styles to Increase Natural Light
Bay and Bow Windows
These window styles extend outward from your house and offer several panels in a row that usher light in from different angles, adding delightful brightness to your interior.
Picture Windows
These are fixed windows, meaning they don’t open for ventilation. They are unobstructed, letting the maximum amount of light enter your home.
Casement Windows
This window type is hinged at the side and opens outward, delivering ventilation and natural light you’re sure to love.
Sliding Windows
These windows work well in large areas, giving you tremendous amounts of natural light and expanded views of the outdoors.
Sliding Glass Doors
Including a sliding glass door in your home allows ample light to stream into your space, boosting the atmosphere significantly.
Awning Windows
With a hinge at the top, these windows open outward, so light and fresh air flow into your home even during a gentle rain.
Transom Windows
Transom windows are placed above doors or windows in a variety of home styles from contemporary to traditional. They come in a variety of shapes and designs. They are often rectangular, semicircular, or custom shaped. Transoms enhance the amount of natural light in your home and add architectural interest, and they can be installed on interior walls as well as exterior walls.
Skylights
When a room or hallway doesn’t have enough space to accommodate a window, consider adding a skylight instead. Today’s skylights can be operable (opened for ventilation) or fixed (used only to increase natural light). Vented skylights bring fresh air and natural sunlight into otherwise dark spaces. The fresh air they usher into your home can be as uplifting as the natural light.
Larger Windows Allow More Light to Stream into Your Home
Trees and other landscaping features can block natural light from streaming through your windows. Overcome this common issue by increasing your window size and placing windows high on walls. Adding transom windows over existing windows can make a difference in this situation.
Low-E glass
Keep in mind that the type of glass you choose can impact the amount of natural light that streams into your home. Low-emissivity glass minimizes ultraviolet light, reducing heat while permitting light to brighten up your space.
Sleek Frames
Modern windows minimize frame size and maximize glass “real estate” so you get the optimal amount of brightness in your home’s interior.
How to Optimize Window Placement to Enhance Natural Light
Remove Unnecessary Walls to Create a Bright Space
If you have interior walls that can be removed to create an open concept living space, you’ll allow natural light to infiltrate more freely.
Consider Which Rooms Need the Most Light
Some rooms require more natural light than others. Kitchens, living rooms, and home offices need more light than your laundry room or bathrooms.
Factor in How the Sun’s Changing Position Impacts Your Home Throughout the Day
Consider how the sun’s movement during the day impacts the natural light that can make its way through your windows. You’ll enhance your indoor atmosphere as a result.
- Windows that face south – These receive the most sunlight throughout the day, making them ideal for living rooms, kitchens, and other highly used spaces—like an office if you work remotely!
- Windows that face east – These capture the soft morning light and are perfect for bedrooms.
- Windows that face west – The gorgeous hues of late afternoon and evening including panoramic sunsets can be enjoyed in rooms like the dining area of your kitchen.
Increase Your Home’s Aesthetics and Energy Efficiency with Gorgeous New Windows
Enjoy the refreshing natural light new windows bring to your California home. At Approved Contractor, we know you want your windows installed right the first time, which is why we’ve put an emphasis on training and have certifications to show we’ve mastered the manufacturer’s best practices.
Choose from durable fiberglass, genuine wood, or cost-effective vinyl windows. Learn more about how our window services can improve your home’s energy efficiency, boost its curb appeal, and increase its indoor comfort level.
