When you consider home design, primary features like furniture, layout, and décor details obviously come to mind. But one aspect that’s of concern to every interior designer is how light fills the space. Often, the mission is to maximize sunlight in every room during the daytime hours, which makes a home feel more expansive, warm, and inviting.
Beyond aesthetics, science has a thing or two to say about the mental health benefits of sunlight, tying it to increased productivity and even a boosted mood. So how do you extract as much sunshine as possible? We’ve got a full guide below with interior designer tips and tricks.
Use Light Colors and Reflective Finishes
Lighter colors through paint, textiles, and flooring will naturally make a space feel brighter and more airy. Additionally, reflective finishes—like satin and semi-gloss paints versus matte—will help the light bounce for a sunnier-feeling space, says interior designer Lauren Winsor. Just be mindful that shinier paint finishes can highlight imperfections, so make sure your walls are smooth and prepped for best results.
Incorporate Glass and Mirrors
Speaking of reflective surfaces, mirrors and glass do an excellent job of nixing shadowy spaces because of the way they bounce light around a room. A strategically placed mirror or pane of glass (think: picture frames, glass cabinetry, or table top) will help multiply natural light sources,” Winsor explains. “Just be careful about placing large mirrors directly across from a window as it can create glare.”
Rethink Your Layout
Layout may only seem consequential as far as “flow” goes, but it can also impact how much light fills your space. “Rethink your layout to avoid blocking windows or creating dark corners,” says interior designer Emma Corner. “Pull furniture away from window areas, opt for low-profile pieces when possible, and avoid heavy, dark window treatments that can weigh down a room.”
Add Windows in Strategic Places
If you’re building your home or renovating it, it's important to know which direction they face. "East-facing windows will bring in the crisp morning light, while west-facing windows will provide that golden-hour glow,” explains Kayleigh Eppinger, principal at Epp Interiors. “Conversely, north-facing windows will only allow indirect light into a space which won't provide much bang for your buck.”
Hang Drapes High and Wide
Just about every interior designer recommends hanging your drapery high and wide. The effect not only makes your windows appear larger, but also allows for the most light to enter the room. "If you want a lot of light but need privacy, consider adding blinds or sheers inside of your drapery," Winsor suggests. "The layered effect is both beautiful and functional."
Weave Metallics in Your Décor
In the same way light reflects of glass, mirrors, and reflective paints, metallic décor can help light bounce around the room and prevent it from being absorbed into dark surfaces, explains Mark Schubert, principal designer at Phillip Harrison Interiors. This might look like chrome lamp bases, gilded light fixtures, or metal picture frames and sculptures.
Opt for Light-Filtering Drapery
Light-blocking drapes are great for bedrooms where you want to get some peaceful shut-eye, but opt for light-filtering drapes in gathering spaces where you want more sunshine.
For example, Eppinger says, “Window treatments made of bamboo or lace will cut down on harsh direct light that might be uncomfortable in someone's face, but still allows for all the ambient light to pass through and brighten the space.”
Soften Your Space With Organic Materials
Incorporate soft, organic materials like linen, rattan, bamboo, white oak, or soft wool to help maximize sunlight. Schubert says these naturally pale materials keep the space grounded and inviting without causing a room to feel too sterile. The idea is that you want a balance of both reflective surfaces and soft textiles for a more welcoming space.
Keep Your Windows Clean
Keeping your windows sparkling clean may seem a bit of a no-brainer, but the reality is that this chore is often overlooked.
Windows gather dust, droplets, and grime, all of which can impact the light flowing into a space, Corner says. Clean your interior windows at least once a month, and deep clean the exterior (including screens) in the spring and fall.
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