The Importance of Natural Light – And how to Attain it
Natural light is a much-desired feature within a home or business to make the space feel brighter and more welcoming. Not only does it make for sunny, inviting home or workplace, exposure to natural light has a whole host of health benefits too. This month, we’ll be looking at the positive impact exposure to natural light can have, as well as how to optimise daylight in your property.
Positive Effects Of Natural Light
Health and Wellbeing
One of the most beneficial effects that daylight can have is on your health and general wellbeing. Exposure to light is crucial for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, also known as your sleep-wake cycle. The fluctuating levels of light at different times of day across different seasons acts as a cue for our bodies to be in a state of wakefulness or sleep. Without sufficient daylight, people can experience less sleep, trouble getting to sleep, and lower quality of sleep. This can also have an impact on developing a whole variety of long-term, serious health problems.
In a workplace, getting enough light exposure can be a particular problem. Large windows, and skylights are preferable to encourage a good amount of light in the space, to promote health and to improve mood and feelings of wellbeing. This is supported by scientific research, including a study which found that compared to employees without windows in their office, workers with windows had 173% more exposure to daylight, averaged 46 minutes more sleep per night and reported less health problems.
Productivity
Having a good amount of natural light in the workplace and schools is also linked to increased productivity levels. This could, in part, be related to the improved quality of sleep having a knock-on effect on concentration levels and subsequent work output. However, some research has distinctly linked improved student test scores with increased daylight in the classroom.
Energy Savings
In the long-term, strong levels of natural light can help to decrease your energy bills. If you have plentiful natural light flooding into your property, it stands to reason that you shan’t need to rely so heavily on artificial lighting. Reduced usage of lighting can, over time, present as savings in your bills and also provide a welcome reduction in your environmental impact.
How to Attain More Natural Light
With good daylight having such profoundly positive effects, it’s easy to see why it’s something you should look for in any property, work or home. As such, it is perhaps unsurprising natural light is often ranked as one of the top priorities buyers seek out in a new house.
If you are looking to maximise the amount of light in your property, here are some top tips:
- Clean windows: dirt on windows can block a surprising amount of light, preventing direct admittance through your glasswork.
- Opt for light, compact window coverings: large, dark and heavy window coverings can block the edges of your windows and absorb light. Conversely, light, compact window coverings, such as pleated blinds, will maximise light admittance.
- Trim back outdoor foliage: trees and bushes outside your windows are an attractive feature, but keep them trimmed to ensure they aren’t blocking light flow.
- Skylights: skylights are an excellent option to increase daylight in a room whilst also maintaining privacy from passers-by.
- Dimmer lighting: adjustable lighting is a good option to complement natural light, particularly when you just need a bit of a boost to light levels, or to provide some soothing evening illumination.
UK Blinds Direct has a wide range of high quality blinds for our customers across Sheffield and Rotherham to choose from. With blinds in many different styles, materials and finishes, there is sure to be something within our selection to suit all homes and tastes. What’s more, once you have chosen your perfect blinds, one of our skilled fitters can come and perform a seamless installation for you to ensure smooth functioning and safe usage for years to come. Contact our friendly team today with any enquiries – we’re happy to help.