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If the past few months of global pandemic and lockdown have taught us anything, it’s the unparalleled importance of natural light. The benefits of regular exposure to natural light are welldocumented, and extend to both physical and mental health.


help reduce symptoms of mental health problems like anxiety disorders and depression. Although many people are now returning to work, some companies will no doubt have seen remote working as a more productive setup, and will ask their employees to continue working from home. In this


N


atural light helps boost levels of vitamin D and as a result, regular exposure is proven to


case, especially, it’s pivotal that your home is naturally well-lit. Jonathan Hey is the founder of, Aliwood, a UK-based manufacturer of bespoke roof lanterns. The company deliver traditional and beautiful roof lanterns which are built to last and add light to any property. Jonathan offers his advice on ways in which you can lighten up your home because, lockdown or not, a lighter space is a better space.


Install Glass Doors Or Doors With Windows


The best way of introducing natural light into your home is undoubtedly through having more windows. Now, admittedly, replacing an entire wall with large glazed screens probably isn’t feasible for most. However, replacing your doors with ones which include glazed vision panels is an option, as well as adding sidelights to


LIGHTING 5 ways to introduce more natural light into your home


your entrance door. The benefits of this tactic are most keenly felt in dark rooms that have small or no windows, where even adding a fanlight above the door can make a huge difference!


Mirrors, Reflective Surfaces & Colour Schemes


Mirrors (or any other highly-reflective surface for that matter) are perfect for making a space feel brighter and more spacious. You can use actual mirrors, or materials like reflective tiles in the bathroom or the kitchen. These surfaces offer the ultimate illusion, reflecting natural light around rooms, whilst at the same time adding a touch of style as you do so!


You don’t even need to use glossy, mirrored surfaces, necessarily. Using lighter colours throughout the home (which naturally reflect more light, anyway) can turn a space from dark and dingy to warm and welcoming in an instant. This doesn’t just mean in the paint you use, however. Lighter furniture has exactly the same effect – choosing light wood rather than antique, dark furniture, for example.


22 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2020


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