Increasing the amount of natural light in your home can actually reduce your heating and lighting costs. It also makes rooms seem bigger and more inviting.

Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to get more natural light into your home.

I came across this article in the DYI section of the Bunnings website and thought it would be great to pass on.

Windows, Curtains and Blinds

On sunny days, open curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible.

Replacing heavy curtains with a lighter or see-through material helps to let in more light during the day and keeps in the heat at night.

Aluminium or wooden venetian blinds and vertical blinds come in a range of colours and let you control the amount of light that comes in. By angling the blinds, you direct the sunlight to where you want it.

And if you’re building or renovating, make sure that you design your windows to be taller rather than wider, which lets in more light.

Mirrors

Use mirrors to reflect natural light and open up small spaces like hallways. Placing a mirror opposite a window that gets good light will make a room sunnier.

As well as hanging mirrors on the wall, you can put them on your wardrobe door or on a desk behind flowers to create the feeling of more space.

Place your mirrors in a number of rooms around the home to find out what reflects the most natural light, before permanently installing them.

New doors

Replacing a solid front door with one that has stained, clear or frosted glass gives you a brighter and more inviting entry room.

Changing a solid interior door for one with window panels also lets more light in.

There’s a range of doors with stained glass, clear and frosted panels that can work for you depending on your budget, security requirements and tastes.

Skylights

Installing skylights in hallways or small rooms with no windows lets in more light and makes it feel bigger. Skylight kits are inexpensive and easy to install. Another option is to install a dual action window and skylight higher up on your wall to let in more light and fresh air.

Colour Scheme

Painting walls and ceilings white, or in light colours, means that any natural light that comes in will be reflected. White painted trim around the window also helps.

Remove obstacles

Trim any trees and bushes that may be blocking the light through your windows. Removing objects from your windowsills and keeping your windows clean also increases the amount of light coming in.

Indoor plants

Growing plants or herbs indoors is a great way to make sure that you let more natural light into your rooms to keep them healthy. You’ll also get the added bonus of a year round supply of fresh flowers, vegetables or herbs.