How To Freshen Up Windows With Natural Light

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Your windows could do with a freshen up, but you don’t want to spend a fortune? That’s ok!

Turning your tired, sad-looking windows into a beautiful feature doesn’t have to do big damage to your back pocket.

You can achieve beautiful and stylish windows with surprisingly little outlay…

Before you rip down the existing window treatments, let’s take a look at the window itself.

Cleaning

Now you’ve de-cluttered your windows, give them a really good clean – you’d be amazed how much light is filtered out through dust and dirt on the glass!

Our windows are a prime place for gathering dust, dirt and grimy little fingerprints.

And you’d be amazed how much difference a good clean can make to not only the look but to the amount of natural light that comes through them.

So, let’s get to work giving them a good scrub!

Rinse the outside of the windows with your garden hose.

Remove any fly screens.  Mix up a solution of mild dish-washing detergent and warm water and wash them using a window washing brush.

Rinse and use your squeegee to remove excess water.

Wipe the perimeter of the window with a clean, dry cloth.

Wash the fly screens and pop them back in.

Clean the inside of your windows using a 50/50 solution of distilled white vinegar and water.

Spray the solution onto the window and clean using a dry cloth.

Stand back and enjoy the benefits of your hard work!

Painting

Are your painted window sills and architraves peeling and shabby?  That’s not hard to fix!

Rub them back using sandpaper, then fill any dents or chips with word putty.

Give your windows a new lease of life by painting the woodwork with a fresh, light-colored paint.

Dark colors absorb light: light colors reflect it.
I know that’s something you probably learned in primary school, but a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference to a room.

And remember, the ceilings should always be lighter than the walls.

Choose a light palette and gloss finishes and enjoy the difference: what was a dingy, uninviting space can be transformed into one that’s cheery and bright.

Added Extras

Why not give your windows a fresh, new look by adding that extra touch to what’s already there?

New tie-backs, an added pelmet or a beautiful swag might be all you need!

Get creative with decorating your windows – what about strings of artificial roses or other ornaments that are special to you?

When it comes to replacing the window treatments, there are plenty of budget friendly and stylish ideas out there!

With a family to think of, what you need is something practical, trendy and functional:

Window dressings

Let’s face it, most windows need covering, whether it be blinds, shutters and curtains.

This not only helps with temperature control over the cooler and warmer months, but it also aids in privacy.

Here are a few suggestions for window treatments you can use in your home.

• Roller Blinds – Of all the options available, roller blinds would have to be one of the top picks!  Available in a huge range of fabrics and colors, they are stylish just as they are, or you can dress them up with a pelmet.
• Dual roller blinds are a modern option that offers maximum privacy as well as light control.
• Simple; elegant; stylish… roller blinds do it every time!
• Shutters – If you’re wanting to make a statement of your windows, shutters are just the thing!
• Classic, timeless, beautiful… this is the way to take your windows from ordinary to extraordinary! Nowadays, shutters are available in wooden or synthetic material and can be colored to suit any interior design palette.
• Venetian Blinds – An all-time family favorite, Venetian blinds are never out-of-date.  They’re practical, functional and chic, and they suit nearly any style of home.  Timber, aluminum or synthetic, the choice of finishes means that there’s a perfect pick for your home.
• Curtains – Lace curtains or sheers filter out a lot of light, as do heavy drapes which don’t pull back completely.  Consider removing these curtains and replacing them with lighter window treatments.  If a measure of security is needed, translucent blinds allow light into the room while providing that level of privacy from outside.  Remove ornaments or picture frames from the window sills to allow as much light as possible to flood in.

Trees

While trees outside your windows provide a certain level of privacy, they may also be preventing a lot of natural light from entering your home.

Take your pruning saw and hedge trimmer and give them a haircut – the amount of extra light entering your home can be staggering

Reflective Surfaces

Where possible, opt for reflective surfaces: highly polished floor tiles, gloss paint, mirrors, and glass can add a real ‘wow’ factor as well as helping to make the most of the natural light inside your home.

Skylights

Not every room in the house can have a window, and that’s where skylights or roof windows can work magic!

By allowing light to pour down from above, you can flood any dingy area with natural light and create a charming , light-filled space in any part of your home.

Bedroom, bathroom, playroom, kitchen… a skylight allows natural light to be enjoyed anywhere!

By harnessing the power of sunlight in your home you can transform your quality of life, and help reduce the bottom line on your power bill too!

After all, natural is best and there’s no substitute for bringing nature inside!

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