6 Ways to Incorporate Natural Lighting in Your Bedroom Design

Everyone needs some sunlight now and then, and incorporating natural light into your bedroom design is a great way to get some on a regular basis. Natural light also helps regulate your circadian rhythm, and can help improve your mood.

“Adequate lighting is needed for visual performance and safety, and to reduce falls and injuries,” according to a study done by the National Library of Medicine. “Light is also highly essential for health and well-being through the regulation of bodily functions.”

Here’s NewHomeSource’s list of ways you can incorporate natural lighting into the bedrooms of your new build.

1. Consider Window Placement

One of the benefits of a new build is the freedom to decide what kind of windows you want and where they go. For bedrooms, consider:

• East-facing windows for gentle morning light – ideal for early risers.

• South-facing windows for consistent daylight throughout the day (especially beneficial in colder climates for maximizing warmth).

• Corner windows to capture light from multiple directions and reduce dark spots. Consult with your builder to assess sun paths and adjust window placement for maximum effect.

“The size of windows should be as large as possible and located in the proper place to ensure as much access to natural lighting as possible,” said Satoko Turnbull, marketing manager at Shawood said. “Consideration of which way the room faces can help with natural lighting options throughout the day.”

2. Opt for Larger or Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

Larger windows dramatically increase the amount of natural light that enters a room. Floor-to-ceiling windows or sliding glass doors (if the bedroom connects to a balcony or patio) have the added bonus of easy outside access.

• Use low-E glass for energy efficiency.

• Add operable windows to allow for ventilation and natural cooling.

• It might seem obvious, but regularly cleaning the windows will help to let more light in.

“For those who cannot have windows, skylights and solar tubes work well in bedrooms,” Turnbull said.

3. Choose Light-Reflective Interior Finishes

Even with optimal window placement, the way light bounces around the room affects brightness.

• Use light-colored paints or wall treatments, particularly in white or pastel tones.

• Consider light-toned hardwood or laminate floors and light-colored rugs for a light, airy feel.

“Light colors should be painted on walls and ceilings to reflect natural lighting, and mirrors should be placed in certain areas to help bounce early sunlight beyond the windows and more into the room,” Turnbull said.

4. Minimize Obstructions Outside the Windows

Design your landscaping to work with your lighting goals:

• Avoid placing large trees or bushes directly outside bedroom windows unless shade is important.

• Use low-profile landscaping or reflective surfaces (like light-colored paving stones) to help direct light inside.

5. Use Minimal or Sheer Window Treatments

While privacy is a must in bedrooms, heavy curtains or dark shades can block out quite a bit of light. Instead:

• Choose sheer drapes, light-filtering blinds, or top-down/bottom-up shades for flexibility.

• If you prefer blackout curtains for sleep, consider pairing them with a second layer of sheer curtains for daytime use.

“In terms of avoiding natural lighting, heavy window treatments should be avoided, with semi-opaque options the best since they can diffuse the light while providing some level of privacy,” Turnbull said.

6. Design with Mirrors and Reflective Decor

Strategically placing mirrors and other reflective décor can help bounce natural light around the room.

• Using metallic accents or a mirrored closet door for additional light diffusion.

• Even small mirrors placed opposite or adjacent to windows can help light bounce around the home. Just be mindful that you don’t make it blinding!

Incorporating natural lighting into a bedroom design isn't just a stylistic choice, it’s a lifestyle enhancement. Newly built homes offer a great opportunity to utilize daylight without the need for renovations.

With the right window placement, material choices, and intentional design features, your bedroom can become a bright, energy-efficient, and calming retreat from the day-to-day life of the main house.

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