Managing light levels in your home can be challenging to say the least. Sometimes it is too bright, but more often than not, it’s dullness that’s the problem.
That’s where this guide can help. We look at how to manage light in your home in more detail so you can always see what you’re doing and enjoy your time in the home.
Use Natural Light In The Right Way
Many interior design professionals will tell their audiences to maximize natural light wherever possible. But that’s not always the best policy in a lot of cases. While it makes sense to have some natural light in the home, it requires proper management too.
That’s where things like custom window coverings come in handy. These allow proper management of light to prevent it shining too strongly or at times of the day when it is unwanted.
Use The Right Type Of Window Treatments
At the same time, you also want to use the right type of window treatments, depending on the part of your home that you want to address. Obviously, blackout curtains make the most sense in busy cities with lots of light pollution while lighter fabrics are better for living rooms. The goal should be for each room to control natural light in a way that makes sense for that location.
Use Smart Lighting
Smart lighting is another option because of how well it pairs with natural light management. Adding these solutions to control the brightness and color temperature via voice apps can be a great way to complement any light that is coming in from outside.
Smart lighting makes the most sense during the winter when light levels are naturally much lower. These can mimic natural light and extend the day indoors, improving how you feel.
Another tip is to find ways to control the glare that comes from natural light. Sometimes, it can be overpowering, especially in bathrooms.
Start by using frosted bulbs or shades to soften light and create shadows. You might also want to install external shutters for the midday sun if you live in an extremely bright and warm part of the world. These can be outfitted with sensors to open and close automatically, depending on light levels and your preferences, so you don’t have to adjust them manually if you don’t want to.
Add Reflective Surfaces
Finally, you want to add reflective surfaces where it is appropriate to your home. These are a great way to bounce light around a room and make it seem brighter than it is.
Many people underestimate the power of reflective surfaces, but they can be highly effective in many settings. Even just one or two reflections can make a lot of difference in a room and prevent it from feeling dull, even with the lights off.
Of course, you still need to be careful to avoid overwhelming the space. If you feel the brightness level is too high, you can also add dark and dull surfaces that absorb light. It’s always an option.
