Dimly lit house? Tips to solve
The lack of natural light in a house can give the feeling of living in a cave, reflect sadness or boredom. This is a very frequent problem in the winter months since we have fewer hours of sun; however, when this problem also occurs in summer it is necessary to take action.
A poorly lit house not only causes a higher cost in the electricity bill. Natural lighting is very important for health, in fact, when a person spends most of their time in places exposed to high levels of natural light, their body produces a natural chemical called serotonin.
This substance is associated with the nervous impulses and the sensation of well-being, reason why when there is a deficit in the organism the person can experience depression and low mood. For that reason alone, it can be said that a well-lit house is a happy, healthy and energetic house.
Good lighting: an aspect reserved for luxury homes?
The solution to illuminate a house more can not be to buy lamps and install them in all rooms and corridors, since this would be very painful for the pocket every time the person receives the electricity bill. In fact, good lighting is believed to be a unique aspect of luxury homes, as this factor is assumed during design. But this does not have to be like this. There are poorly lit luxury homes and simple homes that have spectacular natural light, due to other factors such as location, orientation and even decoration.
If you are thinking about looking at new houses to buy, it is important that you look at the lighting, since this is a fundamental aspect to make a decision and avoid additional expenses. If, on the other hand, you are looking for houses to reform, you can take advantage of the constructions to adapt the house to a more friendly environment in terms of lighting. The houses to reform, like the new construction houses, are the most suitable for making changes and solving light failures.
In this article we will give you definitive alternatives to make the house a bright place and also, why not, more spacious.
Ideas to light a house naturally
The first thing that a person must do before making any change in her house, is to know what is the orientation of the same with respect to the sun; that is, be aware of which areas of the house receive light at certain times and which do not. This will also allow you to know where to start making changes and at what scale.
It depends on the budget and the needs of each person, there will be different options to solve the lack of natural light in the different areas of the house. Here are some alternatives to restore energy to apartments and houses in a natural way.
1 Install roof windows
For those who live in an attic or home, roof windows are the most common option for adding natural light to the home. Simply installing a roof window in any area of ​​the home can make a dramatic change to your home in terms of lighting.
Roof windows can make even the smallest of spaces flooded with natural light and air; Even some places that look dull, gray or damp look more spacious just by placing a window in the ceiling. There are many roof window options on the market that are ideal for brightening your home. Also, heat leakage does not have to be a concern as roof windows with glass can now be found offering total insulation.
For more privacy or to regulate the amount of light and avoid overheating on very sunny days, there is also the option of installing blinds.
2 Install solar tunnels
Solar tunnels are as effective as roof windows, and sometimes even better, since being made of reflective material they intensify the light inside.
Solar tunnels are installed through the roof of the house and are capable of illuminating even the darkest of spaces. Although it is not possible to see the sky through a solar tunnel, it is a great alternative to improve natural lighting at home in those places where it is not possible to install a window on the roof. In addition, installation is less expensive than electricity and can be installed in humid areas, such as bathrooms.
Among other benefits are:
-Provide more energy efficient than lighting -electric
-Provide better insulation than windows
-They are able to give natural lighting in rooms without exterior walls
3 Redesign the spaces
One way to solve natural lighting problems in a home is through the redesign of darker spaces. This, although it is not the cheapest option, is highly recommended, since not only does it allow natural light to flow better through the house, but it is also an ideal way to change the style and decoration of the home.
A glazed panel to divide the areas and close the cabinets can make a dark corridor a lighter place with little need for electricity during the day.
Another alternative is to change the wooden doors for translucent glass doors. And those who are concerned about privacy or do not want to put a completely glass door, can opt for one with panels only in the central part or on the sides, which also allow natural light to pass through.
4 Replace walls with windows
The replacement of walls by windows is another way to gain more natural light in the house. This does not automatically mean that the walls must be knocked down to put a glass that covers the entire space, in fact, there are less drastic ways to achieve a more elegant and bright space. Sliding walls or glass doors are also a way to maximize space in the smallest areas of the house; in addition to providing a cozy and modern environment.
5 Improve the decoration
One of the easiest ways to fix lighting problems in your home is by changing the way light is reflected in rooms.
Good décor can maximize natural light levels in a home without the need for renovations. Some alternatives to decorate a house and increase the entry of natural light are curtains.
Thick, dark curtains only cast shadows in areas of the house and prevent light from entering. The most advisable thing is to place curtains in light colors and translucent fabrics, so that, even when they are closed, there is natural lighting. If the lighting in the rooms is annoying at night, it is always possible to install blinds to reduce the amount of light that enters through the windows.
6 Paint the walls and ceiling
Painting the walls in light tones is a very effective option to improve the lighting in a house, since the paint contains particles that can reflect up to twice as much light in a space. Warm colors absorb light and light tones reflect it, making darker areas of the home appear lighter without the need for too many windows. Glossy or metallic finish paints also help to reflect more light compared to matte paints.
It is also important to paint the ceilings in lighter colors than the walls. White is the most used color for ceilings and the reason is because it provides a feeling of greater light and space.
7 Clean the rooms and windows
As unbelievable as it may sound, a dirty home can seem darker and more depressing than it actually is. It is essential to keep the house clean and tidy so that the light can be reflected correctly on the different surfaces.
It is important to try to clean the walls at least once a month, as well as the wooden furniture and avoid that dust accumulates in the corners of the rooms. Also, although it may not seem like it, pruning the bushes and keeping the garden in good condition can also help improve the lighting at home. It is not just a matter of aesthetics, as trees and large plants can block light and darken the interior of the house.
8 Place the mirrors strategically
Mirrors and metallic or reflective surfaces can double, or even triple, the range of natural light in a home.
Aluminum, stainless steel or copper are materials that are generally used in the kitchen, in the living room or in the bathrooms. An ideal alternative to improve lighting is to try to incorporate as many artifacts and decorative elements made with this type of materials. Similarly, if mirrors are placed strategically (for example, in front of a window) the impact of natural light will be much greater, since in this way the light bounces several times and disperses throughout the room.
In conclusion
There are many alternatives available to solve the problems of lack of natural light in a house; Some options are simpler, such as improving the decoration or maintaining the garden, while others require the execution of reforms but are more efficient.
Furniture in light colors, such as white and beige, is also great for enhancing lighting. When in doubt, it is always necessary to remember that the fewer shadows, the more light will be reflected inside the house. Likewise, it is important to note that simple solutions can be the best, so before carrying out a reform in the house, the decoration, cleaning or color of the paint should be taken into account.
With new technologies, houses illuminated with LEDs are increasingly fashionable, an innovative and intelligent option that also brings beauty to the home. However, the downside of LED-lit houses is that the price is higher than other simpler options. In addition, as we have explained previously, these recommendations can be applied in flats and houses, as well as in new construction, flats or houses to reform, luxury houses or in any type of home.
