When we start working with any of our buyer clients, one of the things we do is make a list of their “must haves” in a home. And almost every single time, natural light makes the list.
No matter where you live, natural light in a home is important. But this is especially true in Seattle. Seattle experiences an average of 152 days of rainy weather each year, and most of the time this is paired with dreary gray skies. Not to get too bleak here, but SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a real thing, and needless to say it’s crucial to get as much natural light as possible here!
When you’re hunting for your perfect house and natural light is a priority, here are a few things you should have top of mind:
South-facing and east-facing homes are best for maximizing light exposure.
This is something to pay attention to when you’re deciding which homes to even tour. Your home’s positioning can have a major impact on your ability to get natural light in the first place!
Look for large windows.
Ok, this one is obvious. But not every home makes the most of window placement. Even on a gray day, clouds reflect a ton of light, and you can still benefit from those extra-large windows. Also be mindful if you choose to use curtains—even when they’re open, they darken a space. There’s a reason why we always remove *ANY* window coverings when we’re photographing a home to sell it.
Natural light is great for resale.
Not only is natural light a benefit to your own day to day, but it contributes to making a savvy home purchase and investment. And if you try to sell your home during a gray time of year, you’re going to want your home to look as bright as possible, in both listing photos and in person.
Your design and decor can brighten up your space.
Paint color matters a lot—white will always brighten and lighten up a space. Mirrors can instantly add more light, as they reflect any light that’s already present. So put up a big mirror opposite your windows! Your furniture and decor also have a big impact on the way light is perceived in a room. If you have large furniture, lighter and neutral colors can create the sense of a brighter space. And the same goes for flooring and rugs—choose light-colored flooring and rugs to keep the bright vibes going.
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Our latest listing is this townhome at the top of the hill in North Beacon Hill! It’s many windows along with the fact that it’s south- and east-facing ensure it’s sundrenched all year long. Take a look for yourself here!