We are well into summer and one thing that we are certainly not without is sunshine.
While many of us would love to spend all day in the sun, that’s not possible for a lot of reasons. That’s exactly why we have windows in our homes: we want to let sunshine in and brighten up the room. (Who wants to sit in a dark room all day?)
Windows, though they may all seem see-through, can in some cases significantly impact the amount of light that gets into our homes. Here are a few reasons you may want to consider new windows:
Your window has a blown seal. A blown window seal isn’t hard to miss and can be a big culprit when it comes to a poorly-lit room. Windows that are foggy or have a milky white film on them often have bad seals, causing moisture to get in between the panes of glass. This is an eyesore, of course, but it also blocks out natural light which can affect the brightness of your room.
Your windows have blemishes. Over time, you may begin to notice scratches in your windows, which also block sunlight. Many older windows with lower-quality glass don’t hold up well over time.
Your windows are old. Newer windows, believe it or not, have better technology behind them than older windows. Newer windows have smoother glass, Low-E coatings, and are better insulated. They block out harmful UV rays (which can fade your carpet and furniture over time) while still letting in light. On top of that, they’re easy to clean and energy efficient, saving you money on heating and cooling.
You want to open up your space. There are plenty of options to choose from that can significantly increase the perceived size of a room. Bay windows are a great example of this. They create the illusion that the room is much bigger, and add a significant amount of light to a space. Garden windows are another great option in some homes.
Like we said: windows can have a huge impact on the brightness of your room for a variety of reasons!
Other Tips to Consider
And that’s not all. Whether you just installed new windows or you’re looking for other ways to brighten up a room, here are a few more options:
De-clutter. Spaces can often seem dull and dark when we have too much stuff in them. By organizing the room and opening up the space, you can make for a much brighter and more inviting room.
Paint. Sometimes, a new paint job is all you need to add a little pop to your space. Believe it or not, bright, vibrant colors like red and yellow can actually make the room look much smaller. Instead, stick with calmer and more subdued colors with a mix of whites and creams.
Plants. A little green in the room can make the room seem much more lively and inviting to you and your guests. Consider getting a few houseplants to spruce up your space.
New window treatments. If your curtains are dark, drab, and full of dust, then it might be time to replace them. Swap them out for a lighter fabric that will help bring in more sun.
Have questions? Want to learn more about what Omaha Door & Window has to offer? Reach out to us via our website’s Contact Us page. We’d love to help out! We’re also available on Facebook and on Twitter @OmahaDoor.
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photo credit: Casual living room, blue velvet sofas, wood floor, 1950’s metal and wood record storage table, framed photos by Wonderlane, Seattle, Washington, USA via photopin (license)