Not even the most beautiful chandelier or the most divine smelling scented candle can elicit the kind of moods that good ol’ natural light can. There’s something almost therapeutic about sunlight and it adds a touch of pleasantness to any environment. All this aside, our bodies have a biological need for natural light too- in fact, it is said that spending at least three to four hours every day in sunlight is vital to ensure longevity and good health, as it reduces stress.

Here are some simple ways in which you can bring light into your home.

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The easiest and cheapest way is to install wide windows. Windows in the south and west of the building ensure a better flow of light (more heat too, however). This way, you cut down on the energy used on artificial lighting, thereby reducing the emission of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. A window of six square feet is as good as a roof glass of one square feet in letting in sunlight.

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Use curtains made of light fabrics like cotton, linen or even lace as they will let more light come in. Heavy blinds and thick fabrics absorb light before it even enters a room.

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Make enough space in your corridors, pathways and basement stairways to let light come in, and enliven walls and ceilings with light colours to allow for more reflection. White is the best hue in terms of reflecting natural light.

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Place mirrors across the room to reflect light. Experiment with different positions before installing mirrors permanently. You can also mirror tile a wall completely for a better visual impact.

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Furniture and fabrics in dark colours can make a room seem dreary. So, opt for lighter shades and fabrics like cotton or linen to evoke a summery appearance.

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Keep window sills free of obstacles. If you’ve placed plants near your windows, trim them regularly so they don’t block the entry of sunlight. Also avoid placing huge furniture in front of windows.

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Every house has those dark corners where natural light just does not penetrate. In these places, use sky lights. These are designed to allow daylight into the house through the installation of glass in a portion of or the complete ceiling.

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Alternately, sky tubes can be utilised. These bring in natural light with the use of a tube and mirror, and appear similar to flush-mount ceiling lights. These are, however, costlier and difficult to maintain.

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Maximising the amount of natural light you let into your house will not only keep the space cheery but also help cut down on those electricity bills.

How well-lit would you say your home is and how do you ensure the maximum in-flow of natural light? Write in!