Natural light doesn’t just make a room look better, it makes you feel better. Exposure to daylight boosts mood, saves energy, and even helps regulate sleep. Whether you’re remodeling a single room or your entire home, maximizing natural light should be high on your priority list. Here’s how to design a brighter, healthier space with your remodel.

1. Upgrade or Add Windows

It seems obvious, but the most effective way to bring in more natural light is by adding more access points. Consider:

Larger windows: Replace small or outdated windows with taller, wider versions.

Picture or bay windows: These styles let in more sunlight and open up views.

Transom or clerestory windows: Great for high walls or rooms needing privacy and light.

Pro tip: South-facing windows get the most consistent daylight, while east- and west-facing ones catch morning and evening light, respectively.

2. Swap Solid Doors for Glass or French Doors

Interior doors with glass panes (like French doors) can allow light to flow between rooms, especially if you have a layout that’s more closed off. Glass-paneled entry doors or sliders also increase daylight at the front or back of the home.

3. Use Reflective Surfaces and Light Colors

Light bounces. So if you want more of it, choose materials that reflect it.

Paint walls in light colors: Whites, creams, soft grays, and even pale blues reflect sunlight well.

Glossy or satin finishes: These surfaces bounce light more effectively than matte ones.

Mirrors & metallics: A well-placed mirror can double the impact of a window. Shiny fixtures, tiles, and hardware can also reflect ambient light.

4. Rethink Layout and Interior Walls

During your remodel, think about how your home’s layout either blocks or shares natural light.

Open up floor plans: Removing walls or widening openings between rooms allows light to travel.

Install interior windows or glass partitions: A creative way to borrow light from brighter rooms without sacrificing structure or sound privacy.

Use half-walls or pass-throughs: These keep rooms defined while letting light move between spaces.

5. Skylights and Solar Tubes: Vertical Light Solutions

Skylights aren’t just for attics anymore. They're ideal for:

Bathrooms with limited wall space

Kitchens where cabinets take up most of the walls

Hallways or stairwells that feel dark and enclosed

For tighter spaces or lower budgets, solar tubes are a great alternative. They channel sunlight from your roof into your home through reflective tubing.

6. Trim Landscaping That Blocks Sunlight

Natural light starts outside. If your windows are shaded by heavy trees or overgrown shrubs, trimming them back can make a huge difference. Keep hedges low and plant taller greenery strategically to let sunlight in without creating glare.

7. Light-Enhancing Finishing Touches

Choose light-colored flooring to bounce sunlight upward.

Avoid heavy window treatments. Opt for sheer curtains or light-filtering shades.

Use glass or acrylic furniture to maintain visual openness.

Ready to Brighten Up?

A well-lit home feels more open, spacious, and inviting. It’s one of the best upgrades you can make for daily comfort and long-term value. If you're planning a remodel, let natural light lead the way.

Need help designing a brighter space? Our team at Luxe Construction specializes in remodeling that brings in beauty, functionality, and all the sunlight you deserve.