Looking to enjoy more daylight in your home? Windows filter light through every corner of your home, effortlessly adding cheer to your space while even boosting your mood. However, not all windows are created equal when it comes to bringing more natural light into your home. For a bright and airy atmosphere, you’ll want to consider the best windows for natural light as well as their placement.
What is the Best Window Direction for Natural Light?
When it comes to the best windows for natural light, let’s talk about window direction first. This aspect is a little harder to control than upgrading to a new window style. But it’s certainly possible to install new window in a wall without windows!
The best window direction for natural light depends on the time of day. Here’s what to think about:
North Facing Windows
North facing windows offer consistent sunlight throughout the day. Because of this consistentcy, there isn’t a specific “best” time of day for maximum light in north facing rooms. The quality of light remains relatively steady and gentle from sunrise to sunset. This makes north facing windows ideal for spaces where you want consistent, soft lighting without the fluctuations and glare that come with direct sunlight.
North facing windows are also ideal for activities that benefit from steady, natural light without the harshness of direct sun. They are typically favored by artists and for displaying art.
Bonus: Because north facing windows avoid the intense midday sun, rooms with north facing windows tend to remain cooler in the summer.
South Facing Windows
South facing windows get ample sunlight all day long, from sunrise to sunset. This continuous exposure can help keep your space bright and warm, which is especially beneficial during the colder months.
The abundant light can naturally heat your home in the winter. When your south facing windows have a low-application, they can potentially lower your cooling costs.
East Facing Windows
East-facing windows are all about the morning light. These windows catch the first rays of the sun, making them a wonderful choice for an energizing start to the day. The morning sunlight that pours in can fill a room with warm, bright light, ideal for kitchens and breakfast nooks where you might begin your day.
As the sun moves towards its peak in the sky, the intensity of the light diminishes from your east-facing windows. This leads to less direct sunlight and a cooler, more shadowed space in the afternoon and evening. The natural decrease in light can be perfect for spaces you use more in the morning than in the late afternoon.
See one of our replacement windows projects: New Kitchen Windows in Topsfield, MA
West Facing Windows
West-facing windows come into their own in the afternoon and evening. They capture the full strength of the sun as it descends in the west. Think about times when you see rooms in your home that are bathing in intense, warm light. This ambiance typically happens during the late afternoon and early evening.
This makes west-facing windows ideal for living rooms or dining areas where the evening light can enhance the ambiance. However, strong sunlight can also raise indoor temperatures. Installing windows with a low-e application can help solve this problem.
The Best Windows for Natural Light
You now know all about the best window direction for natural light. So, what about the best windows for natural light? Here, we’re talking all about window styles
Picture Windows
What are the best windows for natural light? Picture windows! This is the #1 consideration for window styles if you want more natural light in your home.
This is what makes picture windows the perfect choice for more natural light:
+ Large, fixed panes enhance natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting.
+ Picture windows maximize sunlight entry, ideal for brightening homes.
+ Typically grid-free for an unobstructed view, but customizable with grids if desired.
+ Designed to offer sweeping, expansive views of the outdoors.
+ Frame views like a live painting, connecting indoor spaces with New England nature.
+ Provide a clean, modern look that makes rooms feel more spacious and open.
Slider Windows
Looking for modern window styles that offer an abundance of natural light? Don’t overlook the slider window. Here are the reasons why sliders are one of the best windows for natural light?
+ Sleek and rectangular design.
+ Primarily glass with minimal obstruction, excellent for maximizing natural light.
+ Similar in appearance to large, rectangular picture windows but offers ventilation.
+ Large sizes can cover substantial wall areas, bringing in even more sunlight.
+ Customizable in various widths and heights to suit different architectural needs.
+ Panels glide smoothly along tracks for easy operation.
+ Ideal for areas where vertical windows are impractical, like near patios or in rooms with limited space.
Bay Windows
Bay windows are a distinctive window style. They’re beautiful and make for an eye-catching curb appeal. But bay windows go beyond aesthetics when it comes to increasing natural light. Here’s how they work:
+ Bay windows invite more natural light than flat windows due to their protruding design.
+ They catch light from different directions, ensuring ample sunlight throughout the day.
+ The structure typically consists of a large central picture window flanked by smaller angled windows.
+ Angles are usually set at 30 or 45 degrees to the wall.
+ Bays provide expansive, panoramic views that enrich the living experience.
Bow Windows
Bow windows and bay windows are often grouped together when it comes to window styles. However, they aren’t the same thing. Bow windows do not have a window seat like the bay window. They also have more windows than a bay window, which is a reason why they’re one of the best windows for natural light.
+ Bow windows increase natural light with their curved, panoramic design.
+ Typically feature a series of four to six windows that create a rounded appearance.
+ They extend outward from the building in a gentle arch, allowing light from multiple directions.
+ Enhance the view and the sense of space in a room.
+ Add a unique architectural element to a home’s exterior.
+ The curved design creates additional space inside, often used for seating or storage.
+ Bow windows make rooms feel more expansive and inviting.
French Style windows
Picture the transformation bold window designs can bring to your home. Whether it’s the charm of French garden windows inviting a warm breeze or the modern elegance of sleek black-framed windows, these upgrades can completely elevate any space.
Customize Your Own Window Designs for Maximized Natural Light
At Coastal Windows & Exteriors, we can make your dream home come to life with more natural light in your space. One of the ways we can help you achieve this is with custom window styles, including combining different window styles for more natural light than ever before!
The secret? Combining different window styles optimizes natural light intake but also adds a unique architectural flair to your home. New combinations can make your spaces feel larger and more inviting, all while allowing you to control light and airflow according to your needs.
Here are some suggestions for combining custom window styles to maximize light in your home:
+ Combine a large picture window with arched or half-moon windows above for added height and elegance.
+ Pair sliding windows with awning windows above to allow both ample light and easy ventilation.
+ Use a combination of casement windows flanked by narrow, vertical fixed windows for a modern look with functional airflow.
+ Install bay windows with transom windows above each section to enhance both light and architectural detail.
+ Combine frosted glass casement windows with a small, clear glass fixed window above for privacy and natural light.
+ A grand picture window with sidelights and a transom window above your entry door creates a bright, welcoming foyer.
Looking to see how new windows will make a difference in your home? We offer all the window styles for modern homes, along with traditional and every architectural style in between. Please call us for a free consultation–your first step in bringing your dream home to life with new replacement windows!
