When designing or renovating any interior space, natural light should always be a priority. It influences how a room looks, feels and functions - and plays a far bigger role in our wellbeing than we often realise.
According to a Workplace Wellness Study by Future Workplace, natural light and fresh air were identified as the two most important contributors to employee wellbeing. These principles apply equally in the home, where air flow and sunlight can have a meaningful impact on health and comfort.
Here are some of the key ways natural light can benefit your wellbeing.
Most of us instinctively recognise the difference between a dark, stale room and one filled with natural light. Bright, open spaces feel warm and welcoming, while dim, enclosed rooms often feel heavy or draining.
But the influence of natural light goes beyond mood. Research shows it can help improve energy levels, reduce fatigue and ease eyestrain. One paper notes that the body uses light as a form of “nutrient,” supporting metabolic and neurological processes in much the same way as food or water.
As the paper explains, natural light contains a spectrum of colours essential to overall wellbeing. When light levels are low or poorly balanced, our mood and energy can be affected.
Natural light also plays a major role in regulating the circadian rhythm — the internal body clock that helps determine when we feel alert and when we feel ready to sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, light exposure influences melatonin production, a key hormone that promotes quality sleep.
Too much artificial light at the wrong time of day can disrupt these rhythms, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Regular exposure to natural daylight helps keep these patterns stable.
Rooms that lack natural light and airflow are more prone to mould and mildew. These issues can affect both indoor air quality and long-term health. Allowing more sunlight and ventilation into living areas helps keep these problems in check and creates a fresher, healthier home environment.
Sunlight is strongly linked to the production of serotonin - the “feel-good” neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, supports calmness and contributes to a general sense of wellbeing. Serotonin also plays a role in bone, eye, blood and cardiovascular health, showing just how wide-ranging the benefits of sunlight can be.
During cooler months, sunlight brings natural warmth into the home, improving comfort and reducing the need for artificial heating. Of course, in warmer climates it’s equally important to balance natural light with effective light control, so your interiors stay comfortable without being exposed to harsh UV or heat.
Managing natural light is all about flexibility - letting sunshine flow into your home while maintaining comfort, privacy and protection for your interiors. Luxaflex offers a number of smart solutions designed to help you achieve this balance.
These shades feature an innovative top-down/bottom-up design, allowing you to position the shade exactly where the sun enters the room throughout the day. This helps soften harsh daylight while still welcoming natural brightness.
With soft, horizontal fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing, Pirouette Shadings offer beautifully diffused light. The vanes can be adjusted to control brightness and create a subtle, elegant glow.
Designed for wide windows and sliding doors, Luminette Privacy Sheers combine a softly curved vertical design with integrated fabric vanes, delivering gentle filtered light while maintaining privacy.
With their Signature S-Vanes, Silhouette Shades transform harsh sunlight into a soft, diffused wash of light. They are ideal for creating a calm, inviting atmosphere.
Many designers prioritise natural light as a foundational design element, aiming to invite as much light into a space as possible while ensuring it remains balanced and comfortable. Achieving this balance often comes down to choosing window coverings that enhance the quality of natural light rather than block it out entirely.
S-Wave Curtains from the Luxaflex® Curtain Collection are a popular choice for creating soft, ambient light throughout the day. Their gentle folds interact beautifully with sunlight, creating subtle movement and visual interest as light shifts across the room.
In coastal homes and properties with expansive views, translucent window coverings such as Luxaflex® Duette® Architella® Shades are often used to soften strong sunlight while maintaining a warm, natural glow. These fabrics help create a calm and inviting atmosphere without compromising daylight.
For bedrooms or spaces where privacy and darkness are essential, blockout fabrics within the Duette® range provide an effective solution. They offer excellent light control for restful sleep and added comfort during evening hours.
If you're interested in learning more, or about maximising the use of natural light in your home, book a complimentary appointment with a Luxaflex consultant at a showroom near you.
