6 Effective Ways to Control Natural Light in Your Home

Like most homeowners, you don’t think about the amount of natural light that comes into your home until it’s too late. By then, the harsh sun is already streaming through your windows, creating an unbearable heat wave inside. This article will discuss six ways to control natural light in your home and make your living space more comfortable during all seasons.

1. Install Window Shutters

Window shutters are a great way to control natural light in your home. They come in various styles, including louvered and plantation, which can be adjusted to fully open or close depending on the amount of light you want. When closed, window shutters act as an insulator against cold and hot temperatures, reducing energy costs and helping maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. If you are interested in window shutters, visit shuttercraft.co.uk/shutters to learn more. Additionally, they can be painted or stained to match the décor of your home and provide an extra layer of privacy. Window shutters are one of the most effective ways to control natural light because they block out both direct sunlight and UV rays while still allowing some light to enter the room.

2. Use Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains are a great way to control the amount of natural light in your home subtly. Unlike traditional heavy curtains, sheer curtains allow some light to filter into the room while providing privacy. Sheer curtains come in various sizes and fabrics so that you can choose the best suits your needs. Additionally, they are lightweight and easy to install or remove as needed. When choosing sheer curtains, it is important to choose a fabric lined with weave or blackout material for even more efficiency in controlling the amount of natural light entering your home.

3. Use Mirrors

Adding mirrors to your space is a great way to control natural light entering your home without significantly impacting the room’s design. By placing large mirrors strategically throughout the room, you can redirect and reflect sunlight away from certain areas of the space. It will help to evenly distribute the natural light in your home, creating an ambient glow that is not too bright or overwhelming. Also, mirrors help open up the space and create an illusion of more light than what is present. Mirrors can also conceal unattractive views or bright spots in the room and add a decorative touch to any living area.

4. Use Window Films

Window films provide a cost-efficient way to filter out ultraviolet rays and potentially harsh sunlight. Many of these films can even be installed by homeowners without needing additional help from a professional contractor. This makes them perfect for those who want to quickly take control of their lighting situation without breaking the bank. The durable nature of these window films ensures that your lighting will remain suited to your needs and comfort level, no matter what nature has in store. Additionally, these films often come with UV protection to help protect furniture against fading over time due to excessive exposure from direct sunlight coming through nearby windows.

5. Plants Trees

Planting trees around your home effectively reduces the amount of natural light entering through windows. Not only can trees provide much-needed shade, but they also divert sunlight away from your windows and onto their thick foliage. The shape, size, and kind of tree you plant will decide how effective it is in controlling the amount of natural light; for example, if you are looking for maximum light reduction, choose dense trees with rounded leaves, such as honey locusts or wax myrtles. Additionally, tall trees such as Lombardy poplars and willow oaks should be planted further away from windows to give maximum protection.

6. Use Awnings

Awnings are a great way to control natural light in areas with large windows. Awnings can be installed on the exterior of your home and adjusted to block out direct sunlight when needed. It will help reduce temperatures inside the house and harsh glare on TVs and computer screens. Awnings are also a great way to add a unique touch to the exterior of your home and provide an added layer of protection from the elements. They create a barrier on balconies or outdoor patios and reduce fading of furniture fabrics and floor coverings. Not only do they help with controlling light in the home, but they also add charm to the exterior of your house. 

Controlling natural light in your home is important for creating a comfortable living space. Using different methods such as installing window treatments, placing mirrors strategically around the room, mounting awnings outdoors, or adding window films to your windows, you can reduce the amount of sunlight entering your home while allowing enough natural light to enter. Additionally, planting trees around your home reduces the natural light entering through windows while providing additional shade and privacy.