Window ideas that balance natural and artificial light

Spring is here and summer is on its way. It’s about the time we start to crave natural light indoors–particularly as the days get longer. In any home renovation project or new build, it’s important to plan the style and placement of windows to strike a perfect balance of natural and artificial lighting.

Choosing window style

It’s becoming more and more common to see windows used as walls, doors and even ceilings. A wall of windows opens up the entire space to natural light and views. These windows can be singular or multiple panes depending on your preference and the aesthetic of the room. Window doors (like sliders) also give the illusion of seamless indoor/outdoor integration. A window-turned-door is a choice that is both functional and beautiful. It will immediately provide a bright and appealing access from any room to a patio, balcony, porch or deck. A ceiling of windows can be created with a sun tunnel, roof window or skylight, depending on the room. As an alternative to a skylight, sun tunnels are a creative way to funnel natural light into any room, brightening up even the darkest spaces. By opening up your ceiling, you’ll see day turn to night, watch the changes in weather, and create a beautiful natural setting indoors.

Planning window placement

The sky’s the limit when it comes to where and how to place windows that draw in natural light and scenery. The trick is to maximize the amount and create harmony between natural and artificial lighting solutions. Keep in mind the direction the light comes from, and the placement of the window. For example, you’ll get the most light in the morning if your windows face east, but will need artificial lighting to compensate in the afternoon and evening.

Where possible, try to place windows facing south to get the natural lighting benefits from sunrise to sundown. Use window solutions to open up spaces that are small, or naturally dark (like corridors, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, etc.)

Finally, if your home has tall ceilings, match your windows to the architecture by placing them both high and low. Cathedral windows filter a great amount of light into the home because they are placed high, creating the illusion of an open ceiling or roof. Don’t be afraid to use the full height of the space to maximize the amount of natural light shining through.