How to Introduce Natural Light Into Your Home

You can never change the direction of a house. Whether your home has southern exposure or northern, you’re stuck with it. But if you crave natural light, there are still ways you can introduce natural light into your home.

Clear Some Trees

Trees are effective for shade, but sometimes they can be oppressive, especially if they are blocking the sun’s rays from ever reaching your house. Hire a tree company to come out and trim branches and fell some of the trees on your property. The difference will be noticeable immediately.

Install a Custom Cupola

An architect can design a custom cupola for your house. This will allow natural light to enter from the top. Install the custom cupola in a location that will get the most sun, such as on the roof slope that faces east or west. Custom cupolas have the added benefit of increasing the charm of your house.

Add a Sun Room

If you can afford an addition, a sunroom is a great choice for getting natural light. A sunroom would typically have at least half the wall space as windows on three sides, with possibly a door to the outside on one end. Sun rooms make great reading rooms because of all the natural light that pours in. An architect or builder can design and construct your sunroom.

Install a Solar Light

A solar light, sometimes called a sun tunnel, is a large round tube that installs from the top of your roof to the top of your interior ceiling. These are equipped with special solar glass and mirrors that attract and transfer the light of the sun downward through the tube. The affect can be dramatic and your houseguests may mistake it for a ceiling light. Solar lights need to be installed by certified contractors.

Construct Transom Windows

If you have high ceilings, such as nine-feet high or more, transom windows are a great way to bring natural light into your home. Transom windows are windows that are installed in a wall above regular windows and doors. They can be in plain rectangle shapes or extremely decorative shapes, such as in the shape of a half moon. They can be made with plain glass or full-frosted, or etched with intricate designs. The beauty of transom windows is that they don’t reduce your privacy. You can close your curtains on the lower windows, while still letting natural light in through the transoms. An installer who does custom windows Walnut Creek can install transom windows for you.

After you decide which option you’ll choose to introduce natural light in your home, you’ll be able to enjoy your altered surroundings for years to come.