Lighting is an essential part of interior decoration which controls the harmony of colours and affects the whole mood of a room. Despite the fact that artificial lighting has improved over the years, there is absolutely no substitute for natural daylight.
- Examine the potential for improved lighting in your home.
- Bricked up windows and doors can be opened up if the original lintel is in place and surrounding brickwork is structurally sound. Existing windows can usually be made larger, as long as a adequate lintel is constructed to support it. Always consult a professional builder if structural work is to be done.
- Take a look outside your home - overgrown trees and plants may be blocking light. Could they be pruned or cut down?
- Don't be put off if you are overlooked by nosy neighbours and want to add or enlarge windows. Use frosted glass to protect your privacy.
- If you live in a conventionally designed house would like to change it an open-plan design to allow light in and air to circulate, think about removing interior walls - but always seek specialist advice as supporting brick walls cannot be knocked down.
- Velux windows: Velux windows can easily be fitted from the inside of your property. They don't require planning permission, and are available in a range of shapes and sizes.
- Skylights: Consider a top-lit solution for stairwells, halls and. dark corridors. Skylights can be easily fitted, and don't require planning permission. There are also tubular skylights which are ideal for small shower rooms or internal rooms without windows. Skylights and roof windows can provide spaces with the warmth and brightness of natural daylight. They can enhance almost any interior and are becoming increasingly popular. However, in order to gain the maximum benefit from a skylight, it's important to understand the designs, materials, positioning, and proper installation.
- Making the most of existing light.
- Imaginative decoration can exploit existing light.
- Use shutters or slatted blinds as opposed to the traditional net curtains.
- Mirrors can be used in small rooms and narrow corridors to give a greater sense of space.
- Decorate with a light pale colours to make the most of available light and space.
- Glass blocks and doors could be used instead of solid walls and doors to connect interior rooms. Although these are more expensive they're worth it.
- If windows and skylights still don't allow sufficient light, there is the alternative of glass flooring which can bring in light from a first floor room to a dark ground floor room.
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