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Bright living room with large windows, sheer curtains, mirrors, and light-colored decor.

The Brightest Tips to Improve Your Home's Natural Light

July 17, 20252 min read

Increasing the amount of sunlight in your home not only makes your space feel spacious and more inviting, but can also boost your mood and energy levels. Whether you're preparing to sell or just want to enjoy a lighter, airier home, we’ve gathered several strategies to help you maximize natural light. Below, we explore how simple adjustments and smart home improvements can flood your rooms with sunlight.

1. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to amplify natural light in your home is through the strategic use of mirrors. Placing mirrors directly across from windows can double the amount of sunlight in a room. Not only do mirrors reflect light, but they also reflect the view and add depth to your space.

2. Clean Those Windows

It might seem obvious, but clean windows allow for more sunlight to beam into your home. Regularly washing your windows inside and out will remove dirt and grime that block natural light. Consider this a gentle nudge to give your windows some TLC and let the light pour in.

3. Trim the Hedges

Outdoor landscaping can play a significant role in how much natural light makes its way into your home. Overgrown trees and shrubs can cast shadows and block sunlight. By keeping your landscaping trimmed and tidy, your windows are unobstructed and ready to let in all that glorious light.

4. Choose Light, Reflective Colors

When it comes to interior paint, choosing light, reflective colors can do wonders for brightening a space. Soft tones like whites, creams, and pastels not only make a room feel airy but also reflect natural light better than darker shades. Consider giving your walls a fresh coat of paint to help bounce light around the room.

5. Install Larger Windows or Skylights

If you're up for a more significant change, consider installing larger windows or skylights. Expanding window size or adding skylights can dramatically increase the amount of natural light in your home. While this option may require a larger investment, the transformation can be truly breathtaking.

6. Use Sheer Window Treatments

Heavy, dark curtains can absorb precious sunlight. Switching to sheer window treatments allows for privacy while still letting in an abundance of natural light.

7. Add Glass Doors

Replacing solid doors with glass ones, especially for rooms that lead to outdoor spaces, can significantly enhance natural light. French doors or sliding glass doors not only improve light but also visually expand your living area and create a seamless transition between indoors and out.

Lighting up your home with natural sunlight doesn't have to be a daunting task. By implementing these bright ideas, from simple decor tweaks to more significant architectural changes, you can transform your living spaces into light-filled sanctuaries. Not only will your home look more inviting, but you'll also enjoy the health and mood benefits that come with increased exposure to natural light.

Mary Ellen was born and raised in Long Island, New York. After graduating from college, she worked on Wall Street for JP Morgan in New York City. For the past 25+ years, she has been living in the Alpharetta, Georgia with her husband and daughter. International travel and business are her passions and she loves to go to as many different countries of the world as possible and to indulge in the culture.

Mary Ellen has an outgoing personality and is known to be aggressive in marketing real estate. Her goal is to make YOU happy and she knows that buying and selling houses can be very stressful. Her job is to make it as stress-free as possible. With her background in accounting and finance, she will be able to help you find the best value your money can buy.

Her professional associations and certifications include Atlanta Board of Realtors, Leadership Council for Keller Williams Realty, CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) and CFIS (Certified Foreign Investor Specialist) as well as being a member of KWGPS (Keller Williams Realty Global Property Specialist). In the past several years, Mary Ellen has worked to achieve several additional designations including CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist), SFR (Short Sale and Foreclosure Specialist, e-Pro Certified and a Certified DRS AgentTM

Mary Ellen Vanaken

Mary Ellen was born and raised in Long Island, New York. After graduating from college, she worked on Wall Street for JP Morgan in New York City. For the past 25+ years, she has been living in the Alpharetta, Georgia with her husband and daughter. International travel and business are her passions and she loves to go to as many different countries of the world as possible and to indulge in the culture. Mary Ellen has an outgoing personality and is known to be aggressive in marketing real estate. Her goal is to make YOU happy and she knows that buying and selling houses can be very stressful. Her job is to make it as stress-free as possible. With her background in accounting and finance, she will be able to help you find the best value your money can buy. Her professional associations and certifications include Atlanta Board of Realtors, Leadership Council for Keller Williams Realty, CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) and CFIS (Certified Foreign Investor Specialist) as well as being a member of KWGPS (Keller Williams Realty Global Property Specialist). In the past several years, Mary Ellen has worked to achieve several additional designations including CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist), SFR (Short Sale and Foreclosure Specialist, e-Pro Certified and a Certified DRS AgentTM

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