With the loft being located at the top of the house, and as they vary considerably in size depending on the property you own, it can be difficult to install conventional windows. This is often a concern for those looking into the possibility of a loft conversion, but don’t let this simple aspect put you off making worthwhile home improvements. 

In this article, we’ll be explaining your options when it comes to achieving as much natural light as possible, perfectly illuminating your loft conversion.

Opt for skylights

Skylights are a highly-popular way of lighting up a loft conversion. Not only do they add kerb appeal to your home, but they’re also incredibly functional – letting in more light than more conventional windows. The roof structure won’t need altering in any way as they can simply be added to your existing roof. This means little disruption to your everyday life while the conversion is underway and it will also help to keep costs down.

Install dormer windows

Although a little more expensive than having skylight windows installed, dormer windows add an element of luxury which transforms your loft into a flawless extension of your home. In order to install them, more headspace will be needed and so your roof will need to be extended upwards in order to achieve this – which is why the dormer window option can be a tad more costly. But for those who are looking for a stunning finish, both inside and outside your home, then it would be an incredibly worthwhile investment.

Consider a roof window combination

Another option is to combine your roof windows so that they sit in either vertical or horizontal rows. This will help to maximise the influx of light into your loft conversion, and you could also achieve some wonderful views if that was a goal of yours when you agreed to the commencement of work.

Not only this, but you could also create somewhat of a balcony-like space, particularly if you install roof windows with vertical windows. This will allow you to enjoy the views all year round and experience the warm, sunny weather during the spring/summer months.

Light tunnels are an option

Light, or sun tunnels as they’re often referred to, transmits sunlight from the roof down a reflective tube. The light will then reach your newly converted loft space, ensuring it’s well illuminated without the installation of windows. This is a particularly handy method if you have trouble lighting up a room with windows.

Light tunnels can be installed on pitched roofs and flat roofs. With advancements in technology, there are more light tunnel options available now which aren’t required to be fitted directly over the space you wish to add more natural light to. This means that you won’t be restricted when it comes to the placement of the sun tunnels, which can retain the aesthetic of your property – particularly on the exterior.

The placement of your windows

In order to get the most out of your roof windows, whether you opt for skylights or even dormer windows, you just have them positioned where the sun can shine through them adequately. Depending on where your windows are fitted with respect to the sun, you’ll be able to flood a room with light with little effort required.

You should also consider where the light hits your home at different times throughout the day. If you’re planning on using the loft conversion as an extra bedroom, then you won’t want the bright morning sunshine streaming in through the window, as it could wake you up prematurely, particularly during the summer. However, if you’d like to use it as an office or study area, then you may want ample amounts of light to fill the room all day long.

You should also consider privacy. If you’ll only be using the room in the evenings, perhaps as a snug or a TV room, then you won’t want the windows to be positioned where neighbours could peer in. Where you could add blinds, it spoils the aesthetic of the window itself, particularly if you’ve splashed out on a dormer.

Paint the walls accordingly

To further enhance the amount of light that fills the room, paint the walls a particular colour. Often, homeowners opt for off-whites, creams and beiges. Not only does this ensure the room is neutral, but it also allows for natural light to reflect off them, giving the illusion of a brilliantly bright space without the addition or cost of extra windows. Although, not all rooms will suit such muted, ‘safe’ shades.

The colour you go for could entirely depend on the direction in which the room is facing, because the colour of your room will change as the sun does, and so it’s important that you’re picking the right tones.

North-facing rooms – try bold, bright colours for north-facing rooms as the natural light which generally shines in them is often a cool, bluish shade. Lighter colours would look muted and flat in a north-facing room.

South-facing rooms – the light coming from a high-in-the-sky sun will make a room appear cooler towards the beginning of the day and warmer towards the end. You’ll have the best of both worlds with a south-facing room – darker tones will look bright and sophisticated, whereas lighter shades will appear to be glowing.

East-facing rooms – the light will be warm and yellow-toned when shining into an east-facing room just before noon. It will then turn more blue as the day goes on. To complement this, consider painting an east-facing room yellow, orange or red.

West-facing rooms – the light in the evenings will fill a room with warm, soft light, whereas the light emitted in the morning can cast ghastly shades, making certain colours look washed out and dull. Go for beige or cream tones when painting west-facing rooms – they will stay light and airy in the morning, but soft and cosy in the evenings.

Colours which are on trend right now, according to Pantone, include:

• Classic Blue (the colour of 2020)
• Flame Scarlet
• Saffron
• Biscay Green
• Chive
• Faded Denim
• Orange Peel
• Mosaic Blue
• Sunlight
• Coral Pink
• Cinnamon Stick
• Grape Compote
• Lark
• Navy Blazer
• Brilliant White
• Ash

Kingsmead Conversions are able to carry out loft conversions and attic conversions to an excellent standard, all done with quality workmanship and materials. We have a team of experts on hand to deliver exceptional results, including builders, architects and carpenters. With a fully comprehensive service available, we’ll be able to help with your ultimate home improvement plans. For more information, get in touch with us today – we operate throughout Oxford, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Aylesbury and the surrounding areas.