Winter is upon us and the decrease in natural sunlight will start to take a toll—perhaps this year more than any other before. A lack of natural light can increase eyestrain, decrease focus, and reduce productivity. It can also make your home feel small, dark, and depressing. It is no wonder a lot of homeowners want to do what they can to get more natural light into the home. Replacement windows in Seattle, WA are one way to get more natural light, but there are some other things you can try as well.
Why is a Bright Home so Appealing?
It is true, a home with open spaces and plenty of natural light feels more appealing. This is because light from the windows gives the perception of more height and space. It also brings in more warmth, making the home feel more welcoming and comfortable. And homes with more natural light draw the attention of prospective buyers and have more value. So if your home feels a little dark, here are a few tips you can use to capitalize on natural light and freshen up the place.
Lighter Color Palates
As you might guess, light colors add brightness to a room. This is because lighter colors reflect light instead of absorbing it. So where possible, try painting, furnishing, and decorating in light, bright, neutral tones. This does not mean whitewashing everything in your home. Light colors can include sage, tan, blue, and grey. Even furniture, throws, pillows, and rugs in lighter colors will help brighten up a room. Find a palate that works for your home and your tastes and go from there.
Sheer Window Treatments
Window coverings are a great way to control light and privacy. And fortunately, you do not have to sacrifice privacy for more daylight. Blinds are usually the most common option because they are the most versatile. They can tilt or pull-down depending on how much light you need. But not everyone likes the look of blinds. This is why mixing window treatments is another common solution. Try pairing a sheer roll down window shade with heavier drapes for a more elegant solution. You can use just the shade on days where you want more daylight or the heavier drapes for times you want to block the light completely.
Smooth Flooring
People don’t think about it as much, but flooring also contributes to the amount of light in a room. Dark wood floors or thick carpets will absorb a lot of light. To brighten up space you might consider smooth stone or wood finishes in lighter colors. Not only will these make space feel larger, but the right option will also help hide a lot of dirt, stains, and dust between cleanings.
Sometimes to add more daylight into a home you need to go right to the source—the windows. If your windows are more than 15 years old it might be time to invest in replacements. And why not use it as an opportunity to get more natural light.
To talk to a professional about replacement windows in Seattle, WA. The design experts at Signature Window & Door Replacement can help you find the right window style and material for your home and budget.
