Lighting

Top Ideabooks

Appears in

Decorating Guides

See also

Pendant Lighting

10 Ways to Make Good Use of Winter's Light

Take advantage of the sun we still have with light curtains, window seating and heat-capturing accents

Shawn Gauthier November 4, 2011

I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.

I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected,... More

Comment4

Click "Embed" to display an article on your own website or blog.

Fall's sunlight is waning, and it's noticeably chillier both inside and out. Since heat is pricey (and it’s more fun to spend the money on sledding excursions and hot chocolate anyway), use what sunlight there is left to warm up your home. Some of the most effective changes are neither difficult nor expensive; check out the following photos for inspiration. You may end up with a home that not only warmer, but more stylish, too.

More: Smart Home Designs Capitalize on the Sun

Incorporated

Take advantage of your home’s smaller spaces. Because of their smaller square footage, sunlight streaming through the windows will keep these spaces warmer for a longer period of time. If you work from home or have an activity that requires you to spend a lot of time in one spot, move it to one of your smaller rooms. You’ll be comfortable and cozy.

ZeroEnergy Design

Set up seating areas around your windows. This may seem counterintuitive (we always hear about chilly drafts near windows), but if your windows are well sealed, there shouldn’t be a problem. This way you can enjoy a meal or read the newspaper while basking in the direct warmth of the sun.

Traditional Living Room Traditional Living Room

Place a sofa right in front of your windows. It's not perfect for every space, but if it works in yours, beams of sunlight will warm you as you relax on the couch.

Sylvia Martin

Consider sheer curtains. People feel the need to cover their windows with heavy drapery in the winter. While layers of fabric do add warmth, they can also block out what sunlight there is. Sheer curtains provide privacy and that same feeling of warmth without completely blocking the sun.

User

Mirrors are a godsend when decorating for any number of reasons, including their ability to maximize sunlight. Placing mirrors across from or adjacent to your windows allows them to reflect warm sunlight throughout the room.

Rupal Mamtani

If you live in climate that is generally chilly all year, you may want to invest in darker upholstery fabric, which feels cozy and may even retain more heat.

Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.

If a full furniture makeover is out of your budget or simply unnecessary, achieve the same effect with accessories. Even the addition of dark throw pillows will add warmth …

Globus Builder

… as will a few throws. Imagine how great you’ll feel wrapping yourself in a throw that’s toasty warm from lying in a sunny spot.

John Maniscalco Architecture

I don’t know about you, but my feet are always chilly in the colder months. An easy fix for this is a rug in a dark shade — it will collect heat from any sun it may get during the day. Your toes will thank you.

Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.

Another idea: swapping your summer linens for dark ones. Not only is this look uber chic, but you’ll feel extra cozy when snuggled up on a winter’s night.

More: 10 Elements of the Just-Right House
Innovate Home, Heated and Cooled by Design
High Design With Solar Panels
Smart Home Designs Capitalize on the Sun

Comment4

Sponsored

Dream Baths by Kitchen Kraft

12 Reviews

Your Custom Bath Designers & Remodelers in Columbus I 10X Best Houzz

Dream Baths is a complete design-build-remodel firm located in the Historical German Village area of downtown... Read More

Sponsored

Effimero 1-Light Stem Hung Pendant Lamp, Brushed Nickel

$80

5-Piece Estorial Brushed Steel All-In-One Bath Set

$91

Solbi 4-Light Chrome Finish Bath Vanity Wall Fixture White Alabaster Glass 33"

$122

1-Light Semi-Flush Mount, Natural Brass

$60

1-Light Bath Vanity Elina Wall Sconce With Frosted Glass Shade, Polished Chrome

$86

Rounds Hanging Pendant Lamp, Medium

$198

Sponsored

MCR ROMERO WORK LLC

Innovative & Creative General Contractors Servicing Franklin County

We are a small company, LLC located in the city of ohio in search of business contracts, commercial among others... Read More

Sponsored

Comments (4)

See 1 more comment

Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo

PRO

CAROLE MEYER

These are great ideas and I really LOVE that last photo....I am redoing our master bedroom and now I want to start again! Carole

1 Like November 6, 2011 at 5:19PM

Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo

sadie1jane

I dont know about you, but those dark grays and black and white dont look warm and cozy to me. Looks damp and chilly. Throw in some browns and reds...something warm and inviting. I live in a place with long cold winters...pics 6 and 7 make me shiver! The first few pics, of light filled rooms are much better!

Like November 6, 2011 at 9:05PM

Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo