Living in Southern California, we have the luxury of soaking in an abundance of sunshine. It’s no wonder that’s our state name. So it only makes sense that we take advantage of this opportunity in our homes. In this post, we’ll explore a myriad of ways to maximize natural light with windows and doors – from brighten every room to expand your visual and physical living space to the outdoors.
BRING THE OUTDOORS IN
No matter what size room or home you have, utilizing glass with windows and doors will make every place feel bigger and brighter. Not only will it fill the space with natural light, but it also captures the sounds of nature and extends the visual area with an expansive view.
Windows and doors aren’t only an option for the high-end homes. They should be thoughtfully considered for any space, and especially in a small room, an ADU or backyard guest house. Natural sunlight and views of the outdoors create a healthy and happy living experience for everyone.
A modest 11×11 bedroom, or a total building size 500 square feet, could feel dark and cave-like with small windows and solid doors. But if you plan ahead with thoughtful design intent and budget allocation, you’ll thank yourself tenfold in the end.
HOW CAN I GET MORE NATURAL LIGHT IN THE KITCHEN?
KITCHEN WINDOWS
A bright Kitchen is not only ideal, it’s necessary. This is a workspace where a lot of time is spent preparing meals, gathering with friends and family, and cleaning. You may have all the various light sources like recessed can lights, undercounter light strips and decorative island pendants. But don’t forget the windows.
If you are planning a kitchen remodel, the most important placement of the sink is facing a window. A kitchen window can add additional natural light and a relaxing view while washing dishes. Either relocate the sink to sit directly below an existing window, relocate or add a new window altogether. Better yet, consider a larger operable window if you can.
HOW CAN I ADD NATURAL LIGHT TO MY BATHROOM?
BATHROOM WINDOWS
A window in a bathroom is essential. We start and end our days here, and allowing sunlight and serenity into this room creates a natural self-care retreat space.
Of course, bathroom windows are also important to allow steam and odors to escape. The best operational windows are casement with a crank or a slider. Even a small window near the shower and toilet area is ideal.
A window near the vanity helps to bring in natural light especially when getting ready. If you’re dealing with a small space, a clerestory window above the vanity mirror will help maximize wall space while still allowing light to fill the room.
Picture windows are luxurious near a bathtub to really soak in the views and relax.
HOW CAN I GET THE MOST NATURAL LIGHT IN A ROOM?
GLASS DOORS
FRENCH DOORS with Grids
Glass doors are one of the best ways to create an expansive feeling in any room and flood the space with natural light.
With French Doors, not only will you be able to access the outdoors through this room, but you’ll have floor to ceiling views and even more square footage of sunlight.
For homes with a bit of tradition, French Doors with grids are the way to go. Architectural styles like Modern Farmhouse, Transitional, Colonial, Mediterranean, Regency or Deco come with a sense of history and additional level of detail.
Grids add romance and charm to any home and provide a bit of decorative separation between the indoors and outside.
FRENCH DOORS without Grids
For a style that’s more modern, contemporary coastal, or perhaps to contrast against a traditional home, French Doors without grids look fantastic.
If you really want to capture a clear view without anything blocking the sightline, a single pane window or glass door with no obstruction is the way to go.
French Doors add a touch of drama, which doesn’t mean your home has to be fancy. This simply means the act of opening the doors to the outdoors, looks and feels a little extra special.
Consider the amount of outdoor space available so the doors are able to open fully without hitting any furniture or structures. Even with a small patio, you can still select two 18″-24″ doors to create the same sense of style and appeal.
SLIDING GLASS DOORS
Sliding Glass Doors are an absolute win-win for any room. Not only does it capture a generous view and maximize natural light, but it’s a major space saver.
Essentially, sliding doors are a fixed glass window on one side and an operable door on the other.
We love sliding doors because they don’t take up too much room, won’t get in the way of outdoor furniture and can make it feel as though the room extends beyond the wall.
When we design for an accessory building unit or backyard rental, we always include sliders (without grids) because often times both indoor and outdoor space is limited. Glass doors extend each room at least an additional three or four feet out, and fill the room with an abundance of light.
BI-FOLD GLASS DOORS
When you like the idea of a wall of windows, like sliding glass doors and side lights, but you really want to open up the wall completely without having any static or fixed glass portion, we have a solution for you.
Accordion, or Bi-Fold Doors, open up the entire wall to expand the living space to be truly indoor outdoor.
The only caveat we want to mention, is it’s important to remember to leave room on either side of the outdoor wall to stack the doors. You’ll need at least 3 feet of space beyond the exterior wall, and whatever width the stacked doors will take up.
The example above has a wrap-around porch that’s about 6 or 7 feet deep. This is plenty of space to allow room to walk comfortably, while accommodating the stacked the bi-fold doors. Also consider where you want to place any outdoor furniture so it’s not in the way.
MULTI-SLIDE GLASS DOORS
If you want to maximize the outdoor space without the look of stacking bi-fold glass doors, consider Multi-Slides. Multi-Slide Glass Doors act like a telescope function, where one glass pane is fixed at the end, and the rest of the glass doors slide and stack parallel.
Keep in mind, you’ll need a thicker wall and track for this option, however, it offers the best of both worlds – clean and modern design along with a high-end luxury aesthetic.
WINDOWS & DOORS
What style is right for your home and budget? If you’re looking to replace or add new windows and doors, we love working with Lion Windows and Doors for all our new construction, home additions and interior design remodel projects in and around Los Angeles.
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MAXIMIZE NATURAL LIGHT AT HOME WITH WINDOWS AND DOORS | by Sara Plaisted
