Maximize Natural Light in Your Home with Windows and Doors

“Most homeowners would agree a home is more inviting when it’s filled with warm, bright, natural light,” said Lance Dahl, CR, Senior Sales Representative – Exterior Products with Callen in Muskego. “That is why natural light is considered a top priority when homeowners take on a remodeling project.” Furthermore, it’s important to know which types of windows, front door configurations, and patio doors will help to maximize natural light entering a home.

“Both bay and bow windows are beautiful window design options because they help make a space feel larger and grander due to the unique way they extend beyond a home’s exterior,” Lance said. Bay windows are more angled and typically composed of one picture window that is situated in between two smaller windows (often casement or single or double-hung windows), while a bay window is usually more curved and is generally made up of four or five windows of the same size, (usually casement, picture, or double-hung windows). “Due to the expansive surface area of an average bay and bow window, both are excellent choices for bringing an ample amount of light into a room,” he said. “More specifically, they’re often incorporated into dining room and living room areas in addition to master bedrooms.”

Sliding windows are another popular window design option. Wider than they are tall, sliding windows are simple in design as they can be opened or closed by gently sliding them horizontally along a track. “Consisting of two large panes of glass, sliding windows are ideal for filtering in plenty of natural light and airflow into a space,” Lance said. “They’re frequently chosen for kitchens and living room spaces.”

Casement windows usually consist of a single pane of rectangular glass, are hinged on one side, and can be opened outwards with the use of a crank. “They are great for adding light and airflow into kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and more,” said Lance. Comparable in size to casement windows, double hung windows open vertically rather than outwardly and have two operable sashes within the frame. In other words, the top and bottom sash can provide proper light and ventilation into a space. “A classic choice, double hung windows are versatile and work well in a variety of areas in a home, but are especially popular in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms,” he said.

Picture windows are comprised of a sizeable, fixed piece of solid glass that is completely free of any obstructions, such as sashes. “So, for those looking to not only maximize the amount of natural light a space receives, but frame a large, unobstructed view of your property, picture windows are the most ideal choice,” said Lance.

When it comes to your home’s front entry door, you can invite natural light in with the help of transoms and sidelights. “While transoms are fixed pieces of glass that lie horizontally above the door for added height, and sidelights are fixed pieces of glass that vertically border the left and right side of a front door to enhance the entryway’s aesthetics, both increase the amount of light that filters through your door,” Lance said. The glass itself can come in varying levels of opacity, and an array of shapes and decorative patterns, such as stained glass or crystals. “Regardless of style, all glass types are beneficial for filling a home’s front entry with natural light,” he said.

French patio doors are another option as they are perfect for helping fill a home with natural light. Considered a luxurious and timeless door style, French patio doors can be designed to swing inward, outward, or slide along a track. Although French doors are often seen with wood grilles, they can be constructed without any grilles to further increase the amount of sunlight a home receives while enhancing the view of the outdoors.

“In addition to choosing the windows and door styles that best suit your needs and preferences, it’s also beneficial to consider positioning and view along with size and the number of windows,” Lance said. “For example, the direction your windows and front door face, i.e., north, south, east, or west, will determine the amount of light your windows or doors will receive throughout the day as well as the intensity of that light. Keep in mind, windows and doors can be strategically placed in such a way to take advantage of natural light, or to accentuate or frame particular views of your property, such as gardens or walking paths.”

Size and the number of windows and doors chosen to incorporate into a space are also important factors to consider. The larger the dimensions of the windows or doors and the more of them used, the more natural light a home will receive. This is where homeowners can get creative.

“Picture floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room, a wall of windows in a breakfast nook adjacent to your kitchen, or windows bordering either side of a doorway,” said Lance. “Not only are these innovative ways to maximize natural light, but they are also aesthetically pleasing and will add value to your home.

“When it’s time for your next home remodeling project, remember to take natural light into careful consideration, as it not only creates a warm and inviting indoor environment, but it also benefits a person’s physical and mental health. It’s important to choose to incorporate window and door styles that provide plenty of natural light and best complement your home.”

To maximize natural light in your home, Call Callen today.