How to Use Your Windows to Maximise Natural Light

Windows play a crucial role in the home. Used well, they’ll provide architectural wow, increase natural light, deliver great energy performance and support your overall interior design goals.

Making best use of daylight not only reduces the need for artificial lighting but also boosts mood and increases productivity. Clever use of the features that are already in your room, such as your windows, is a great way to create a budget-friendly space. Positioning your desk near a window can improve exposure to natural light, for instance, making your work environment brighter and more inviting.

But what are the best window design elements to elevate your project, and how can they be successfully incorporated?

more from the residence collection

The Best Windows to Increase Natural Light

Specifying features like transom windows, fanlights, and sidelights in your home design can significantly enhance the amount of natural light in your space, creating a more inviting and productive environment. Plan and implement these elements carefully, and you can transform your home into a bright, welcoming haven.

Transom Windows

Transom windows are often set horizontally above doors or other windows. A stylish and practical addition to a home, they come in various styles, from rectangular designs that match the width of the door below to arched configurations featuring fan-shaped panes.

Transom windows were traditionally used for ventilation, opening so air can circulate throughout the house to aid both heating and cooling. While modern HVAC systems now deliver these functions, transoms continue to add charm and elegance to your entryways and living spaces, letting in more natural light in the process.

A mix of heritage-style opening and fixed transom windows, plus glazed French doors with sidelights, work alongside the roof lantern to bring a light and airy feel to this conservatory project by The Residence Collection

Fanlight Windows

Fanlight windows are primarily a decorative feature designed to let in more light. They often incorporate coloured or stained glass, arranged in intricate patterns, such as a sunburst, floral motifs or geometric designs. Stained glass not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also adds a touch of elegance and character to the space.

Unlike transom windows, fanlights are fixed – so they do not open and close. Both fanlights and transoms, however, can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home while boosting natural light.

Sidelight Windows

Sidelight windows are narrow strips of fixed glazing positioned on one or both sides of a door. These can be an excellent addition to your entryway, allowing more light to flood into your foyer. When paired with transom windows, sidelights create a grand and welcoming entrance.

These contemporary windows from The Residence Collection feature slim framing to maximise the glass ratio, with adjustable internal shutters at the bay and roller blinds on the full-height fixed panes to provide full control over daylight levels

Using Daylight Effectively

Optimising your living spaces to take advantage of the light through your windows can significantly improve your wellbeing. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this natural resource in various areas of the home:

• Configure rooms and furniture to maximise daylight while minimising issues like screen glare. For example, place your desk perpendicular to windows to illuminate your workspace effectively without direct sunlight hitting your screen. Similarly, position seating areas to enjoy natural light without straining your eyes. When arranging your living room, consider TV placement. To reduce glare, avoid positioning it directly opposite or adjacent to windows. Using adjustable mounts and curtains or blinds can help manage light levels and reflections.
• Take the chance to add plants to your rooms to boost productivity and mood. Small, low-maintenance species like cacti and spider plants are ideal for windowsills, bringing a touch of nature indoors. In living rooms and bedrooms, larger plants can create a vibrant and refreshing environment.
• Use window coverings such as blinds, shades or sheer curtains to control the amount of daylight entering rooms. Light-filtering window coverings and anti-glare window films can help to maintain a bright space without causing excessive glare. This approach works well in living areas, bedrooms and home offices alike.