Replacing your windows is a big job, it can be costly, but there are several reasons to do it. You might want to replace old windows that are letting cold air in to keep your home warm and dry. Sometimes we replace our windows because the old ones aren’t as clear as they used to be, or because we want some extra UV protection. But, we tend to replace our windows with new ones of similar size and shape. It’s easier, it’s cheaper, and there’s usually much less disruption to your life.
But this isn’t always the best decision. If your home has small windows or even some rooms that don’t have any at all, then there are many advantages to installing larger windows, bifold doors and new windows to spaces without any. Let’s take a look at some of those benefits.
To Maximise Natural Light
Natural light has many benefits. It can help us to fight off seasonal affective disorder and boost our mood. It can brighten our skin, improve our immune system and help us to beat fatigue. Natural light gives your body an excellent vitamin D boost, which has countless benefits to your health and well being.
Unfortunately, many of us struggle to get enough natural light, especially in wintertime, when there’s less sunlight. If you work at home and spend much of your time during daylight working in a home office, you may have no excuse to go outside. Whatever you are doing with the rest of your time, if you’ve got large windows, your home will be filled with natural light for at least some of the day, and you are bound to be exposed to more. If you work at home, you could even follow the sunlight around your house during the daytime.
To Connect Your Home and Garden
We spend a lot of time on both our indoor and outdoor decor. But, while you might spend a lot of your time and money creating the perfect garden space, somewhere that boosts your creativity and helps you to relax, you only get to enjoy it in the spring and summer. Winter comes, you lock your backdoor, and your garden gets very little attention for months. This means that you only get to reap the rewards of having a garden that you love for around half of the year.
A large window or glass door can give you a fantastic way to connect your indoor and outdoor space. It means even when you are sitting inside on a fresh winters day, you’ll be able to enjoy the sight of your garden, almost as an extension of your indoor space. This can help you to relax and unwind, and reduce any cabin fever that you might feel from spending vast amounts of time in the colder months cooped up at home.
To Make Your Home Feel Bigger
Another significant advantage of large windows looking out on the views around you is that they will make your home feel more abundant. If your rooms are small or confined, large windows can help you to open the space up. Creating airier rooms that feel larger and less cramped. Maximise this effect by adding mirrors and other reflective surfaces, especially on the opposite wall to your windows. Adding skylights and sun tunnels can also help to give the appearance of a much larger and more open space.
A Large Window Can Add a Feature
Giving your rooms a feature, or focus point can stop your furniture and accessories getting lost within your decor. A feature can help to break things up and give you a solid base from which to plan the rest of your decor. What could be a better feature than your window?
The window itself, with a cool frame, an accessorised sill, or interesting panes and sections can be an attractive feature. But, your window also gives you a way to use the view as a feature, framing it, and letting it become a part of your home. This is exceptionally effective if you’ve got a great view to look out on.
They’ll Add Value to Your Home
People like a view, they like good windows that are large, attractive and energy-efficient. Windows are often something that prospective buyers look at when they are viewing a new house. This means that large windows can increase the value of your home, acting as an investment.
Improved Mood and Mental Health
All of these benefits work together to make sure that large windows can be a great boost for your mental health. You’ll be happier and more relaxed, you’ll sleep better, you’ll find it easier to cope with stress, and you’ll be more comfortable in your home. You might even love your home more with larger windows.
Your Houseplants Will Thrive
Like windows, houseplants have many advantages. They can improve the quality of the air in your home, which is good for your health, prevents mould growth and reduces humidity. They can make you feel happier and less stressed out, and they look great!
But, it’s often harder to keep houseplants alive than we might think. Many of us struggle. But, usually, all plants need is food and light. A house with large windows has plenty of light, so all you need to do is remember to water them.
Your Rooms Will Look and Feel Cleaner
Large, clean windows that let in plenty of light can help our rooms to feel cleaner and even healthier. The air will feel fresher, even when the windows are closed. Your walls will look brighter and fresher, and reflective surfaces will shine. Your rooms will feel fresher, and the air is less likely to be stale.
Reduced Energy Costs
Large windows don’t just let in more light. They also maximise the warmth created by the sun. You could save money on your utility bills if you position larger windows in areas where the sun shines on your house. This will make your home warmer, and with great insulation, this warmth gets trapped inside your house.