How to Increase Natural Light in a Room

Natural light doesn’t just make your home feel brighter; it can lift your mood, boost productivity, support healthy bones, and even improve sleep. But in many homes, especially older ones or flats, natural light can be hard to come by, but that doesn’t mean it has to be.

How to Increase Natural Light in a Room

Luckily, there are several effective ways to bring more natural light into your home, even in rooms that feel dark or enclosed. You can increase natural light in a room by:

Installing rooflights or skylights
Adding a roof lantern for larger, open spaces
Using light, matte colours on walls and ceilings
Choosing reflective flooring, like tiles or light wood
Keeping windows and roof glazing clean
Rearranging furniture to avoid blocking light
Placing mirrors to reflect light into shadowed areas.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these options to see how they can help make any room feel brighter, fresher and more inviting.

1. Add Rooflights

Rooflights, also known as skylights, are perfect for internal rooms where traditional windows just aren’t an option. Because they sit flush with the roof, they won’t alter your home’s exterior look but can do wonders for the room beneath.

If you have a long room like a hallway, modular rooflights (set in a line) may be the perfect fit. Or if you struggle to keep a small internal bathroom light, the smaller footprint of circular rooflights can bring in light without taking up too much ceiling space.

2. Include Roof Lanterns

In larger, open-plan areas like kitchens or living rooms, a roof lantern can create a dramatic impact. Unlike flat rooflights, lanterns are raised and pitched, meaning they can catch daylight from sunrise to sunset. And, because of their elevated height, they create a sense of grandeur and openness that complements the interiors below beautifully.

3. Consider Your Room’s Finishes

The colours and finishes you decide on can make or break a room’s bright and airy atmosphere. As a general rule of thumb, light colours will help reflect light while dark ones absorb it.

Light-coloured paint can help reflect daylight gently around the room. Go for a matte finish to prevent the harsh glare that gloss paint can sometimes cause. Pale wood, polished tiles, and smooth, reflective finishes can also help extend the reach of natural light. If changing the walls and flooring isn’t possible, adding light-coloured rugs or curtains or even accent cushions can all help brighten your room.

4. Keep Windows Pristine

Our climate is unpredictable; leaves smacking against the windows one second, blazing sun the next. Build-up of grime and dirt on windows prevents daylight from passing through, dulling the room within. Cleaning your windows 2-3 times a year can be an underrated yet simple way to increase natural light in a room.
Or better yet, consider self-cleaning glass for your rooflights to make upkeep easier. Brett Martin glass is specially coated to break down dirt, so rainwater can wash it away more easily. That means brighter rooms, clearer views, and less maintenance.

5. Change Your Furniture Arrangements

Large, boxy furniture placed near windows can restrict the flow of natural light. Something as simple as moving a wardrobe or shelving unit away from the window can help daylight spread more evenly through a room. Consider making swaps to furniture like glass-topped tables, open shelving, or pieces standing on legs to help, as they don’t block light the way solid pieces do.

Mirrors are another smart trick. Positioned opposite or near a window, they reflect light across the room, making them especially useful in smaller or north-facing spaces.

Small changes can make a big difference, but if you're looking for a more impactful way to bring light into your home, a rooflight or roof lantern could be the next step. Explore our ranges to find a design that works for your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Get Natural Light into an Internal Room?

Rooflights are one of the most effective ways to brighten internal rooms without external walls. They let in direct light from above and are ideal for spaces like bathrooms, hallways, and stairwells where standard windows aren’t possible.

Why is Natural Light in a Home Important?

Natural light supports your mood, sleep, and energy levels. It helps your body produce vitamin D, can improve concentration during the day, and often makes rooms feel more spacious and inviting. It also reduces the need for artificial lighting, saving on energy bills.

How Can I Increase Natural Light in an Apartment?

Stick to light wall colours, keep windows clean, and choose reflective surfaces like mirrors and polished floors. If you’re on the top floor, it’s worth checking with your building management or local authority to see if you can install a rooflight.