Designing a house is a bit like staging a show: every detail counts. And if there is a protagonist that cannot be missing from the spotlight, it is natural light . We are therefore not talking about how many lamps or spotlights to place in each room, but about how to structure the spaces to ensure that the sun is the guest of honor in every room. After all, who wouldn’t want a little sunlight indoors every day? Here are some tricks that will allow you to benefit as much as possible!
Contents
Why is it important to emphasize sunlight in your home?
In the field of interior design, natural light has become a key element (protagonist, for example, of the Scandinavian style) not only for its ability to define and enhance spaces , but also for its tangible impacts on the well-being of the inhabitants and energy efficiency. Among the main reasons why sunlight should be emphasized in the home:
- Improves mood and is good for health: exposure to the sun’s UVB rays promotes the synthesis of vitamin D3, essential for our health and for the production of serotonin, positively influencing mood and concentration, as well as regulating the circadian cycle that improves the quality of sleep.
- Improve the energy efficiency of the home: with sustainable architecture it is possible to design to maximize the use of natural light and drastically reduce the dependence on artificial lighting during the day, leading to significant energy savings.
- Increases the value of the home: natural light amplifies and enhances the rooms, making them visually more spacious and welcoming. A bright house creates a pleasant atmosphere and positively influences its market value.
How to benefit from sunlight at home
When designing a house, sunlight is not just an aesthetic element, but becomes a real ally to improve the quality of life and to guarantee the eco-sustainability of the home. as in a gourmet recipe, the dose makes the difference: too much direct light makes us squint, too little and the environment seems dull. The key is careful planning, where renovation, interior design and lighting design work together. for those who want to make sure that every corner of the house is kissed by the sun, here are some tricks to make the most of natural light.
1. Orientation and layout of the rooms: living area to the west, sleeping area to the east
One of the most important decisions in renovating a house concerns the orientation and layout of the rooms in relation to the path of the sun.
Waking up with the first rays of the sun filtering through the window is pleasant and helps the body regulate its sleep-wake cycle. This is why it is advisable to position the sleeping area to the east.
On the contrary, spaces for coexistence and socialization, such as the living room and kitchen, benefit from greater sun exposure during the central hours of the day. Positioning them to the west, or south-west, means making the most of natural light, making the rooms bright and welcoming for most of the day. Particularly advantageous solution in the case of small kitchens, which would otherwise risk being too dark.
2. Larger windows and glass doors for dark areas of the house
When designing a home, the choice and position of windows represent a key element to guarantee the right amount of natural lighting. Large fixtures with thin profiles can significantly increase the light supply, making environments more livable and welcoming.
Sliding windows or entire glass walls, for example, not only offer a panoramic view of the outside, but radically transform the environment, giving it a feeling of spaciousness and brightness.
In spaces that do not benefit from direct sources of light, such as corridors or small internal bathrooms, the installation of glass doors (do you need some ideas? Take a look at the solutions from Pivato Porte!), even opaque, can represent an effective solution . These allow the light coming from adjacent rooms to be diffused, creating a brighter atmosphere and giving the illusion of a larger environment.
3. Furnishings with reflective surfaces
Another fundamental trick for maximizing the supply of natural light in the home concerns the choice of materials and furnishings with reflective surfaces that can amplify the light , transforming even the shadiest corners into bright and lively spaces.
In fact, elements in glass or with light finishes, wooden furniture in light shades or a sofa by Désirée Divani with a shiny fabric such as velvet, can help to diffuse the light evenly.
We recommend you take a look at the creations of Pianca, Cattelan Italia, Veneta Cucine to find the best furniture to reflect sunlight in your home!
4. Light control systems
While the main goal is often to maximize natural light, it is equally important to have the ability to control and modulate that light. This is not only for aesthetic reasons, but also to ensure thermal and visual comfort.
Curtains are among the most versatile elements for controlling light. When you want soft light, lightweight, light-colored curtains can gently filter the light, creating a welcoming atmosphere, especially in living areas. On the contrary, for the sleeping area, where more darkening may be necessary, curtains with heavier fabrics and darker shades are ideal. For example, a white linen curtain in the Scandinavian-style living room can create a light and airy environment, while a dark blue velvet curtain in the bedroom can ensure a peaceful and restful sleep.
5. Solar tunnels to bring light even into the dark areas of the house
Solar tunnels are a revolutionary architectural solution that brings natural light into the darkest corners of the house. Through a transparent dome placed outside, the light is captured and guided through a reflective tube , ending in a diffuser that illuminates the internal environment. This technique provides stunning natural lighting, and is environmentally friendly and energy efficient . Less invasive than traditional windows, solar tunnels are perfect for corridors, closets and bathrooms, transforming the perception of these spaces and reducing the need for artificial lighting.
6. Harmonize artificial light with natural light
Harmonizing artificial light with natural light means creating a dialogue between artificial and natural light, making the most of each light point to homogeneously enhance the entire environment.
Starting with direct lighting , such as that provided by Cini&Nils spotlights or pendant lamps, it is possible to highlight specific areas of the environment, such as the dining table or kitchen worktop. These light sources, if strategically positioned, can amplify natural brightness during the day and become protagonists during the evening hours.
Instead, with indirect lighting , which projects light towards the ceiling or walls, an enveloping effect can be created . This type of light, combined with the natural light that filters through the windows, offers a feeling of warmth and welcome, making rooms such as the living room or bedroom ideal places to relax.
Finally, the diffused lighting of Oty-Light table or floor lamps introduces a delicate brightness that permeates the space. These lamps, positioned near sources of natural light such as a window or French window, can reflect and diffuse external light, creating corners of relaxation or intimacy.
Do you need advice on managing the lighting in your home ? Contact us for a consultation on lighting design: we can help you find the right compromise between natural and artificial light with renowned brands such as Platek, Cattelan Italia and Slamp.
7. Break down unnecessary dividing walls
In the modern era of architecture and interior design, the open plan has become an increasingly popular concept. Knocking down unnecessary dividing walls can radically transform the perception of a space, especially in small-sized homes. Creating open, well-lit environments maximizes the entry of natural light and offers a feeling of greater space and breath.
If the idea of a completely open environment is not feasible or desirable, there are alternatives that maintain some division while still facilitating the flow of light. For example, large window doors or glass block can be used . The latter, in particular, allows you to separate spaces while maintaining a certain transparency, thus allowing light to filter through.
8. Light colors for walls and floors to increase light reflection
The choice of colors in an environment is not just an aesthetic question, but has a direct impact on the perception of light. Light colors , in particular, have the ability to reflect natural light, amplifying the brightness of a space and making it visually larger.
Let’s think about the tone of the walls: by opting for soft colors such as white, cream and sand, you can guarantee better distribution of light throughout the room.
Home and sunlight: tricks to benefit from natural light
Designing a house is a bit like staging a show: every detail counts. And if there is a protagonist that cannot be missing from the spotlight, it is natural light . We are therefore not talking about how many lamps or spotlights to place in each room, but about how to structure the spaces to ensure that the sun is the guest of honor in every room. After all, who wouldn’t want a little sunlight indoors every day? Here are some tricks that will allow you to benefit as much as possible!
Contents
Why is it important to emphasize sunlight in your home?
In the field of interior design, natural light has become a key element (protagonist, for example, of the Scandinavian style) not only for its ability to define and enhance spaces , but also for its tangible impacts on the well-being of the inhabitants and energy efficiency. Among the main reasons why sunlight should be emphasized in the home:
- Improves mood and is good for health: exposure to the sun’s UVB rays promotes the synthesis of vitamin D3, essential for our health and for the production of serotonin, positively influencing mood and concentration, as well as regulating the circadian cycle that improves the quality of sleep.
- Improve the energy efficiency of the home: with sustainable architecture it is possible to design to maximize the use of natural light and drastically reduce the dependence on artificial lighting during the day, leading to significant energy savings.
- Increases the value of the home: natural light amplifies and enhances the rooms, making them visually more spacious and welcoming. A bright house creates a pleasant atmosphere and positively influences its market value.
How to benefit from sunlight at home
When designing a house, sunlight is not just an aesthetic element, but becomes a real ally to improve the quality of life and to guarantee the eco-sustainability of the home. as in a gourmet recipe, the dose makes the difference: too much direct light makes us squint, too little and the environment seems dull. The key is careful planning, where renovation, interior design and lighting design work together. for those who want to make sure that every corner of the house is kissed by the sun, here are some tricks to make the most of natural light.
1. Orientation and layout of the rooms: living area to the west, sleeping area to the east
One of the most important decisions in renovating a house concerns the orientation and layout of the rooms in relation to the path of the sun.
Waking up with the first rays of the sun filtering through the window is pleasant and helps the body regulate its sleep-wake cycle. This is why it is advisable to position the sleeping area to the east.
On the contrary, spaces for coexistence and socialization, such as the living room and kitchen, benefit from greater sun exposure during the central hours of the day. Positioning them to the west, or south-west, means making the most of natural light, making the rooms bright and welcoming for most of the day. Particularly advantageous solution in the case of small kitchens, which would otherwise risk being too dark.
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2. Larger windows and glass doors for dark areas of the house
When designing a home, the choice and position of windows represent a key element to guarantee the right amount of natural lighting. Large fixtures with thin profiles can significantly increase the light supply, making environments more livable and welcoming.
Sliding windows or entire glass walls, for example, not only offer a panoramic view of the outside, but radically transform the environment, giving it a feeling of spaciousness and brightness.
In spaces that do not benefit from direct sources of light, such as corridors or small internal bathrooms, the installation of glass doors (do you need some ideas? Take a look at the solutions from Pivato Porte!), even opaque, can represent an effective solution . These allow the light coming from adjacent rooms to be diffused, creating a brighter atmosphere and giving the illusion of a larger environment.
3. Furnishings with reflective surfaces
Another fundamental trick for maximizing the supply of natural light in the home concerns the choice of materials and furnishings with reflective surfaces that can amplify the light , transforming even the shadiest corners into bright and lively spaces.
In fact, elements in glass or with light finishes, wooden furniture in light shades or a sofa by Désirée Divani with a shiny fabric such as velvet, can help to diffuse the light evenly.
We recommend you take a look at the creations of Pianca, Cattelan Italia, Veneta Cucine to find the best furniture to reflect sunlight in your home!
4. Light control systems
While the main goal is often to maximize natural light, it is equally important to have the ability to control and modulate that light. This is not only for aesthetic reasons, but also to ensure thermal and visual comfort.
Curtains are among the most versatile elements for controlling light. When you want soft light, lightweight, light-colored curtains can gently filter the light, creating a welcoming atmosphere, especially in living areas. On the contrary, for the sleeping area, where more darkening may be necessary, curtains with heavier fabrics and darker shades are ideal. For example, a white linen curtain in the Scandinavian-style living room can create a light and airy environment, while a dark blue velvet curtain in the bedroom can ensure a peaceful and restful sleep.
5. Solar tunnels to bring light even into the dark areas of the house
Solar tunnels are a revolutionary architectural solution that brings natural light into the darkest corners of the house. Through a transparent dome placed outside, the light is captured and guided through a reflective tube , ending in a diffuser that illuminates the internal environment. This technique provides stunning natural lighting, and is environmentally friendly and energy efficient . Less invasive than traditional windows, solar tunnels are perfect for corridors, closets and bathrooms, transforming the perception of these spaces and reducing the need for artificial lighting.
6. Harmonize artificial light with natural light
Harmonizing artificial light with natural light means creating a dialogue between artificial and natural light, making the most of each light point to homogeneously enhance the entire environment.
Starting with direct lighting , such as that provided by Cini&Nils spotlights or pendant lamps, it is possible to highlight specific areas of the environment, such as the dining table or kitchen worktop. These light sources, if strategically positioned, can amplify natural brightness during the day and become protagonists during the evening hours.
Instead, with indirect lighting , which projects light towards the ceiling or walls, an enveloping effect can be created . This type of light, combined with the natural light that filters through the windows, offers a feeling of warmth and welcome, making rooms such as the living room or bedroom ideal places to relax.
Finally, the diffused lighting of Oty-Light table or floor lamps introduces a delicate brightness that permeates the space. These lamps, positioned near sources of natural light such as a window or French window, can reflect and diffuse external light, creating corners of relaxation or intimacy.
Do you need advice on managing the lighting in your home ? Contact us for a consultation on lighting design: we can help you find the right compromise between natural and artificial light with renowned brands such as Platek, Cattelan Italia and Slamp.
7. Break down unnecessary dividing walls
In the modern era of architecture and interior design, the open plan has become an increasingly popular concept. Knocking down unnecessary dividing walls can radically transform the perception of a space, especially in small-sized homes. Creating open, well-lit environments maximizes the entry of natural light and offers a feeling of greater space and breath.
If the idea of a completely open environment is not feasible or desirable, there are alternatives that maintain some division while still facilitating the flow of light. For example, large window doors or glass block can be used . The latter, in particular, allows you to separate spaces while maintaining a certain transparency, thus allowing light to filter through.
8. Light colors for walls and floors to increase light reflection
The choice of colors in an environment is not just an aesthetic question, but has a direct impact on the perception of light. Light colors , in particular, have the ability to reflect natural light, amplifying the brightness of a space and making it visually larger.
Let’s think about the tone of the walls: by opting for soft colors such as white, cream and sand, you can guarantee better distribution of light throughout the room .
if you want to introduce a bolder color, a white frame around it can balance the effect, keeping the room bright. Furthermore, by decorating the wall with other reflective surfaces such as photo frames and mirrors, you can emphasize the light even more.
Among the flooring materials, however, those capable of reflecting the light coming from the windows are the light wood of the parquet (take a look at the Woodco parquets!), some shades of marble or ceramic tiles in soft shades such as those by Ceramiche Keope and Ceramica Bardelli.
9. Mirrors to reflect light
Mirrors are also powerful tools when it comes to manipulating and maximizing light . Positioned strategically, they can capture natural light coming from windows or other openings and reflect it into otherwise shadowy corners, brightening and livening up the environment.
Indeed, in a narrow corridor or in a dark corner of the living room, a large mirror can not only give the illusion of a larger space, but can also double the amount of light. This reflection effect can transform an environment from gloomy and stuffy to bright and welcoming in an instant.
In addition to traditional mirrors, there are many design solutions that incorporate reflective surfaces into furniture, decorative panels or even floors. These solutions, while thinner, can help spread light evenly, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, natural light is an invaluable resource that, if used correctly, can completely transform a home. Through careful planning and the use of innovative solutions, it is possible to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but which also improve the quality of life of the inhabitants. We at Home Trends Ideas are professionals in the field of renovations, interior design and lighting design and we will be happy to provide you with advice on your project. Do you need a quote or want more information about our work? Contact us now!
