Windows
Redesign Your Layout. You can’t physically pick up your house and turn it in the direction of the sun, but you can redesign the interior to benefit from the areas that get the most natural light. Start by looking at how the sun moves around your home and make adjustments where you can. Consider swapping rooms around so that your living areas are located in light-facing spaces. Or station a workspace by a window to make the most of the light.
Filter Light Cleverly. While privacy is important in many rooms, there’s no need to sacrifice sunlight with heavy, opaque window treatments. Try light, sheer curtains or cellular blinds on your windows and glass doors for a bright, airy look that still provides privacy. A light linen fabric is a great choice for that really pretty, diffused-light look. On skylights, use sheer pleated blinds to maximize natural light, as seen here. In bedrooms, pair sheer window treatments with a blackout option to darken the room when you sleep. Blackout blinds are available for skylights too.
If you don’t want or need a sky view or more ventilation, then a tubular skylight might be a better option for your home. It’s the quickest, most economical way to add natural light and works well in any room, especially small bathrooms, closets, hallways or areas with a lot of obstructions (such as an attic). A tubular skylight is a domed or flat glass lens mounted on your roof, with a reflective aluminum tunnel that connects to a diffuser mounted on the ceiling below. Sunlight is reflected through the tunnel to where you need it, and the unit can be equipped with a solar night-light for a soft nighttime glow, or an electrical light.
The solar-powered skylights seen here don’t need electrical wiring and can be operated via a smartphone app or a remote control. Plus, you can leave them open without worry, as an integrated rain sensor will close them for you at the first sign of inclement weather. They also come with a “no leak” promise, to ensure you have peace of mind while gaining maximum natural light.
This large square window seat has a deep reveal (frame & sill) on both inside and outside which helps protect the internal space from the heat of the sun while allowing a beautiful outlook.
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