How To Make The Most Of Natural Daylight At Home

By Larry Bohan on 30 March 2020

With almost 40% of us now following some sort of hybrid working schedule and spending more time at home, it is

Getting a good amount of daylight can have a massive impact on our wellbeing, both mentally and physically, and can boost energy and performance to help you adjust to your new makeshift bedroom/office or in your crash-course in home-schooling.

For those fortunate enough to have gardens, this is obviously a lot easier done than in households without.

But first, let’s start by looking at some of the reasons why incorporating sunlight into our daily routines is a must.

Physical Benefits

Vitamin D doesn't discriminate based on whether you get your sunlight dose indoors or out. The ‘sunshine vitamin’, as it is also known, is essential to our physical wellbeing and can help prevent heart disease, weight gain and cancer.

Being closer to natural light when indoors also helps the body be more awake for when it matters. This will naturally lift productivity and increase concentration as there is less strain on the eyes.

Whereas over dependence on light bulbs can increase stress and increase the likelihood of eye strain and even migraines.

And of course, by embracing nature and reducing reliance on artificial light, the planet and your bank balance will thank you for it too.

Mental Health Benefits

Greater exposure to sunlight is known to help people feel more positive and reduce stress levels. A lack of sunlight can cause the production of melatonin in your body to slow, causing you to be deprived of energy, disturb your sleeping pattern and feel depressed.

Couple getting enough natural light with regular ventilation by airing your home a few times a day to keep yourself from feeling tired and low.

Small Changes You Can Make

Here are a few little things you can do around the home to make the most of the current situation and get the best out of natural light.

Brighten the Walls

If outdoor space is in short demand, a clever way to help light reflect around your kitchen, lounge or any room for that matter is by painting your walls in a bright colour, such as white or light grey.

Opt for a satin or semi-gloss finish to maximise the reflective properties of the surface and don’t forget the ceilings.

The same rules of reflection apply for mirrors, shiny ornaments and even the rug.

Clean Your Windows & doors

It might seem obvious but this can help in several ways and applies to households with gardens and those without.

Not only will washing your windows and doors help sunlight more easily filter into your home, it can also improve your views to outside as we stare out of our windows longing for a return to normality.

Bring in the Plants

If you’re working from home, why not welcome a bit of greenery into your sterile office space?

As well as cleaning the air around you, studies have proved Indoor plants can boost concentration, reduce stress, aid productivity and lift your overall mood.

On the flip side, watch out for any trees or shrubs that might be blocking your windows or doors. Keep them trimmed for unobtrusive views and to let the light pour in.

Future Planning

It could be that your loft is crying out for a conversion into a home office/study using pitched roof windows for plentiful daylight or that an extension with divided zones could be the perfect way to have that quiet space while still being close to the garden.