Studies have shown that natural light improves moods, reduces eyestrain and even creates the illusion of spaciousness. A home filled with natural light not only appears bigger but is more pleasant to live in. Short of building a glass house, how do homeowners facilitate as much natural light in their homes as possible?



Windows are a fantastic way of allowing sunlight to in but the window design you select is key. Some window designs are better suited to the facilitation of natural light than others so it is important that you keep this in mind when discussing your plans for the inclusion of new windows in your home.

Window Design Styles

There are several styles of windows from which to choose here are a few of the most popular:

Bay - These large windows are traditionally made of three windows, one large window flanked by smaller windows. A window seat under a bay window is heavenly.

Double-hung – This classic window design style has an outside sash that slides up and down and an inside sash that slides up. This style of window allows a lovely breeze in as well as facilitates natural light.

Casement – Casement windows are usually hung in pairs and mounted on hinges that allow the sash to swing in or out (depending on what you prefer).

Bow – These windows are similar to bay windows but have more than three panels which join to form a gentle curve.

Tilt-turn – This window design is popular in Europe, these unusual windows tilt in towards the room at the top and also turn a full 180 degrees – excellent for easy cleaning.

Jalousies – This window design is comprised of many slats of glass that open and close. Jalousies windows are extremely similar to Venetian blinds.

Skylight – This window design is perfect for small rooms where normal windows would be overwhelming. Skylights are essentially windows which are fitted at an angle rather than vertically, usually through the ceiling or roof.

Fixed – As these windows can not be opened their sole purpose is to allow light in.

Stained glass – This window design is popular in Victorian inspired homes around the world. Patterns are made from different pieces of coloured glass and the sparkle of different coloured beams of light has a wonderful effect.

Window Design Considerations

Before finalising your window design ideas you need to take a few things into consideration.

The design of your home – you’ll want the design of your windows to fit into the overall design of your home. Rounded windows may look a little obscure when fitted into a really tall wall just as overly large windows may be inappropriate in a small home. Select a window design that can be used through your home to achieve a consistent design theme. Incorporating a large variety of window designs may be overpowering. Window design should be complimentary never overwhelming.

The climate you live in also has to be taken into consideration - if you live in a cold or noisy area you may want to fit double-glazed windows but not all window designs are well suited to this type of treatment. Make sure you get all the information you’ll need to make wise window design choices from your window supplier.

Letting the Sun In

Filling your home with natural light is easy with the correct window design selection. Another way of facilitating natural light is to always keep your windows clean. For homeowners who don’t fancy spending weekends balanced on ladders Pilkington Activ™ Self-Cleaning Glass is a definite must. Self-cleaning glass is making life far easier and is giving home owners many reasons to use glass in the construction of their homes. What could be better than bright, open rooms with excellent outdoor views facilitated by huge glass sheets, without having to spend your days cleaning the glass?