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One of the keys to an inviting living space is good lighting, and natural sunlight is essential to a healthy home. But due to their location or design oversight, many homes lack plenty of natural sunlight, especially during the winter months.

If you’re one of those homeowners, it can feel like you’re living inside a cave. But it doesn’t have to! In this post from Window World Twin Cities, we’re breaking down our favorite inspired tips for letting more sunlight into your home. Contact us to check out our replacement window options today!

1.   Add a Bay Window or Bow Window

Replacing your traditional windows with a bay or bow window is a great way to bring extra light into your living space. These windows extend past the wall and increase the amount of light inside your home with a three-dimensional design. Or add natural light to your kitchen with a garden window.

2.   Replace Your Door for Natural Light

Your entry door is an opportunity to bring more natural light into your home. Choose French doors if you have the space, or add a transom window and sidelites to your front entry door. If you’re concerned about privacy, choose glass that offers privacy like custom glass from Window World.

3.   Replace Your Windows With Low-E Windows

If you’re covering your windows to keep the solar heat and UV rays out, it’s time to replace your windows with Low-E window solutions from Window World.

4.   Use Bright Window Trim

While darker and black interior window trim has been trending in brighter interior spaces, it’s a bad investment for a home with low natural lighting. Our replacement windows from Window World are available in several interior design colors to match the interior of any home. Choose from shades like white, almond, and natural oak to frame your windows. Check out our design options here.

5.   Choose Glossy Furnishings Over Matte

Glossy molding, walls, trim, and furnishings are more reflective than matte-painted surfaces. Choose accent pieces and flooring with glossy surfaces when possible to maximize the light inside your living space.

6.   Stay Away from Dark Tones

Darker hues were all the rage in 90s interior design, but there’s a reason designers tend to shy away from them today. Although they can make a living space feel cozy and homey, darker furnishings and interior design choices tend to make a room feel darker than it already is. If your home is short on natural light, steer clear of these darker colors and embrace lighter hues instead. You don’t have to lean into bright white to lighten up your space. Try muted hues and pastel shades like eggshell, peach, and moss.

7.   Keep Your Windows Clear

One of the most common interior design mistakes is to place furniture in front of windows where it can obstruct the light. When you’re designing your furniture layout, be sure to keep furnishings out of the way of windows, especially taller furnishings like shelves. You should also avoid obstructing your light with heavy curtains or blinds, opting for lighter window coverings that allow plenty of light into your home.

8.   Add Plenty of Mirrors

There’s a reason most designers use mirrors in their interior design. Mirrors reflect light, bouncing it around the interior space of your home. Use your mirrors strategically by placing them across from your windows. Adding accent furniture with mirrored and metallic surfaces can also add to the brightness inside your home.

9.   Choose Art Carefully

Small or dark wall art won’t help the lighting problem in a dark room. Instead, opt for brighter pieces with lighter frames. When it comes to design size and style, bigger is better if you’re trying to make your space feel brighter.

10.                     Play With Accent Rugs

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed accent rug to transform your living space. Add a light-colored accent rug to brighten up your space by reflecting what light comes through your windows while creating a focal point for your room.

11.                     Add Metallic Details

Use metallic decor to accentuate your space and reflect light. From silver chandeliers and lamps to gold accent pieces, use these details sparingly.

12.                     Keep Your Trees Trimmed

Take a look outside. Is your natural light obstructed by overhanging branches or heavy foliage? Rethink your landscape to allow more natural light into your windows.

13.                     Decorate With Plants

While they won’t bring more light into your space, adding plants can make your living space feel more like the outdoors. Add a few low-maintenance plants or ferns to give your living space a brighter, greener feel.

Order Your Custom Windows and Doors

With custom windows and doors from Window World, getting more light inside your living space is easier than ever. To check our design solutions, stop by our online Design Center and plan your new replacement window design. Connect with a Window World Twin Cities replacement window specialist at 651.770.5570 or contact us online to get your free quote today.