14 Natural Light Killers: Window Treatment Mistakes to Avoid

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The unsung hero of interior design, natural light can breathe new life into drab rooms. Yet, by making poor decisions about their window treatments, many homeowners unintentionally block the light from entering their homes. It’s as if you were to throw a party and then lock the sun out!

Visualize the sun’s rays streaming in through your windows, which act as the home’s eyes. Now imagine those same eyes strained behind loose-fitting shades or, even worse, completely blindfolded. That is the basic result of our careless choices in window coverings. Rest assured! We hope that by illuminating these typical pitfalls, we can assist you in avoiding them.

Natural light in our homes is increasingly important, according to recent studies. Research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2021 indicated that people’s mood, cognitive function, and general well-being are all greatly enhanced when they are exposed to natural light indoors. This emphasizes how important it is to have window coverings that let more light in rather than less.

This table lists fourteen typical window treatment blunders that block natural light, along with descriptions of each and suggestions for how to fix them:

Mistake	Explanation	How to Fix
Using dark, heavy curtains	Blocks most light, creating a gloomy atmosphere	Opt for light-colored, sheer curtains
Choosing blackout blinds for all rooms	Eliminates natural light completely	Use blackout blinds only in bedrooms, light-filtering options elsewhere
Incorrect curtain rod placement	Too low or narrow placement limits light entry	Install rods higher and wider than the window frame
Overuse of layered treatments	Multiple layers obstruct light flow	Simplify treatments, use single layer when possible
Neglecting top-down shades	Limits control over light and privacy	Install top-down, bottom-up shades for flexibility
Using solid shutters	Blocks light when closed for privacy	Choose plantation shutters with adjustable slats
Ignoring window size when selecting treatments	Ill-fitting treatments block light unnecessarily	Measure carefully and choose appropriate sizes
Selecting overly ornate valances	Can block the top portion of windows	Use simple, streamlined valances or skip them altogether
Failing to clean windows regularly	Dirty windows reduce light transmission	Establish a regular window cleaning routine
Choosing dark window frames	Absorbs light instead of reflecting it	Opt for light-colored or reflective window frames
Overlooking reflective surfaces	Missed opportunity to amplify natural light	Place mirrors strategically to bounce light around the room
Using vertical blinds in all spaces	Can create harsh shadows and block light	Reserve for large windows/doors, use horizontal blinds elsewhere
Neglecting exterior obstacles	Trees or structures blocking windows	Trim vegetation, consider window alterations if possible
Forgetting about UV protection	Fear of fading leads to over-protection	Use UV-filtering films or treatments that allow light while blocking harmful rays

You can turn your house into a bright haven by staying away from these problems. The point is to embrace the sun, not run away from it. The windows in your home are a gift from nature; take care of them properly.

So, open the blinds and curtains and let the sunshine in. Your energy bill, your mental state, and your overall well-being will all be grateful. Ultimately, natural light ought to perpetually take center stage in the magnificent theater of home design!