Do you know how important natural light is to health, productivity, and happiness? If you did you would probably take greater care when choosing your window blinds, shades, and shutters in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Here is what you need to know about daylighting, and how to implement it in your own home:  

What is Daylighting? 

It is an environmentally responsible strategy that uses the design and placement of windows to illuminate a building with natural light rather than relying on artificial light. It shifts from morning to evening, and season to season—which can make daylighting a challenge to implement. But it is worth it because daylighting provides some pretty powerful incentives.   

Advantages of Daylighting 

Here are just a few reasons why exposure to natural light is important:  

1. Circadian Rhythms 

Views of the outdoors and exposure to daylight provide a stronger connection to place and time. Getting more sunlight throughout the day impacts how well you sleep at night, where artificial light has little, to no effect. Studies show that early morning light, for at least thirty minutes, produces the most benefit.   

2. Health and Well Being

Sunlight boosts vitamin D, which is important in bone growth as well as preventing certain types of heart disease and cancer. Many residents in the U.S. have a vitamin D deficiency from a lack of exposure to the outdoors and natural light. More sunshine means stronger bones, healthier teeth, and less weight gain.   

3. Attitude

Sunlight helps make people feel calmer and more positive. When days are long and nights are short the body increases production of serotonin, a “happy” hormone. That is why many physicians and psychiatrists recommend people get outside in the sunlight for at least 30 minutes a day. Just be sure you put on some sunscreen.   

4. Productivity

Several studies across the globe show how natural light produces higher levels of energy, improves focus, and leads to higher productivity in the workplace. It can do the same for your home.   

5. Vision

Staring at computer screens, tablets, and smartphones all day under harsh fluorescent lighting causes strain which can permanently damage the eye. Natural light helps the eye produce dopamine, which can aid in eye development and reduce the risk of nearsightedness in children and young adults.   

6. Energy Savings

Natural light is free and limits the need for artificial lighting, which helps reduce energy consumption. That said, more natural light tends to also result in unwanted heat gains without the right glazing technologies and window treatments. So to be sure you have plenty of insulation you want to bolster your home windows with double pane glass, inert gas fill, and low-E coatings. You also want to choose window treatments that filter in light, and block unwanted heat.   

7. Aesthetics

More natural light also makes a room feel more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. It gives the illusion of more space. It can highlight a specific area. It feels more warm and welcoming.   

How to Get More Natural Light in Your Home 

It starts with the placement of windows, skylights, and doors. Does the position of your windows allow light to filter into your home during certain times of day? Where do you spend the majority of your time? Do those areas of your home get enough exposure? If not, you might think about installing new windows. Then you can capitalize on the natural light by choosing the right window coverings. Gauzy fabrics or adjustable slats allow you to control the light and view in a room while still maintaining your privacy.   

For more information on daylighting and choosing the right window blinds, shades, and shutters in Fort Lauderdale, FL contact Open House Interiors at (957) 771-1277. Or stop by 4312 North Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, FL  33308 to talk with one of our design experts.