Let there be light: home modifications to boost daylight with Quickslide

Exposure to natural light has a direct impact on productivity, mental and physical wellbeing, as well as the overall aesthetics of a property, as Quickslide Windows & Doors has explained…

The amount of daylight one receives on a day to day basis effects the human circadian system, the biological process which regulates the human sleep cycle; if the human body is not exposed to the correct light-dark cycle over 24 hours, even if it’s only two hours out, productivity and health can suffer.

The production of vitamin D, a necessary mineral for the maintenance of bones and joints, is also affected by the availability of daylight.

As well as the possibility of causing thinning hair and lacking energy, a lack of vitamin D has been related to depression and obesity.

Improving access to daylight not only benefits human health and aesthetics, but energy conservation too. By taking advantage of the daylight, homeowners can save on energy bills; especially during the summer months, both heating and lighting will seriously benefit from an improvement in the amount of daylight in the home.

Here are five home modifications to boost daylight:

Install bi-fold doors

One of the best and most popular ways to improve the amount of daylight in a home is by installing bi-fold doors, especially if the room is south facing! Studies suggest that the integration of bi-fold doors in a house is perhaps more important to new buyers than a new kitchen or conservatory.

Bi fold doors from Quickslide Windows & Doors provide a seamless progression from the inside to the outside, creating a brighter and more welcoming environment.

Consider floor to ceiling windows

Larger windows, particularly floor to ceiling designs, provide better access to daylight and better distribution of the light in the room. Alternatively, for a nod to Art Deco designs, as were popular in the 1920s and 1980s, sections of exterior wall can be replaced with glass block to bring in a fair amount of natural light. However, its important to bear in mind that glass block is not a structural replacement!

Arrange homes based on their usage

Room orientation should be based on the position of daylight. For example, rooms such as the kitchen, which are used more in the morning, should be facing the morning light to fully take advantage of the natural light. This will enable the stimulation of the circadian rhythm.

Install skylights

Skylights, also sometimes known as ‘windows for the roof’, usually offer a medium-sized opening and face upwards. Thanks to being angled towards the sky, they are a fantastic addition for flooding a room with light.

Use higher gloss paint

It’s well known that mirrors reflect light, thus giving the illusion of a brighter and bigger space. While homeowners are unlikely going to request floor to ceiling mirrors throughout their home, the effect of mirrors can be mimicked with higher gloss paint.

The higher the gloss, the higher its ability to reflect light. While this doesn’t mean the whole home has to be painted in a high-gloss paint, to brighten up a room, take the paint up a notch in a glossier direction. For example, matte lovers should sample eggshell, and eggshell lovers should eek towards a semi-gloss!