Windows have a number of benefits in homes. Due to the amount of light that they allow into a home, windows make living spaces feel and look more spacious. The increased natural light will also help improve your mood, prevent or treat depression, help you sleep better at night, give you a boost of vitamin D (helping to prevent some cancers, weight gain and heart disease) and make you more productive.
If you are considering a home remodel, you definitely want to bring windows into your plans. Here are a few ideas that you may want to consider in your design.
1. Clerestory Windows
Windows that are placed above eye level will allow privacy to be maintained and assist in diffusing light that enters the room. These are called clerestory windows. Although often used in train stations, gymnasiums and churches, clerestory windows can be used in residential homes. They are particularly helpful in areas of the home where there is limited wall space, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
In the kitchen, this style of window should be placed above shelves and cabinets or used as a backsplash. Light will be allowed into the space, but you won't have to worry about losing storage space. In the bathroom, these high windows are perfect when placed above bathtubs and showers, as they allow the natural light to flow into the space while maintaining privacy and plenty of wall space.
2. Bay or Bow Windows
Bay and bow windows often serve as focal points of rooms, which is why they tend to be installed in bigger rooms such as living rooms, dens, bedrooms or dining rooms. These windows are well known for their elegance and unobstructed views. They have the ability to enhance the visual appeal of both the interior and exterior of your home.
Bay and bow windows funnel natural light into your home. Bay windows consist of three windows with the largest window in the middle, while bow windows generally have three or more windows that are all the same size. Depending on the type of window, such as double-hung, casement, etc., these windows can provide excellent ventilation for the home.
Both styles of window provide the illusion of a more spacious room and can even add space directly in front of the window, which makes the perfect place for a window seat that can be used for storage space or a seating area.
3. Skylights
If you would like natural light to come into your home from above, then you may want to consider installing skylights in the roof. When placed in the right location, the amount of natural light that will enter your home can be abundant. This will help to reduce how often you have to use your regular lights, thus saving money on your utility bill and maintenance costs (you won't be changing light bulbs as frequently).
Depending on the type of skylights that you purchase and have installed, you may be able to increase the air quality of your home. Some skylights come with electric openers that will allow you to open the skylight by simply pushing a button, while others can open manually or not at all. If you opt for the ones that do open, you can enjoy fresh air when the weather is nice outside — and even more energy savings.
There are a lot of different types of windows available on the market, which can be very overwhelming, especially if you aren't used to purchasing your own materials. If you need help determining what you need for your home remodeling project, don't hesitate to
contact
Mikro Corp. for assistance and more information.
