Natural Light at Home: 5 Tips for a Warmer Winter

Text : Marie Charles Pelletier

As winter sets in, the days shorten, the skies turn gray, and natural light seems to be in short supply. Yet, with a few simple and sustainable adjustments, you can invite more light into your home, brighten your space, and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. These small changes not only enhance well-being but also help reduce energy costs and lower your ecological footprint.

Fjallet Cabin - une cabane de montagne conçue par un architecte et située à Are, dans le nord de la Suède. La maison a été conçue par Note Design Studio et construite avec du bois de pin durable provenant de SCA. Une cabane de montagne moderne dans la maison de Sophie Odelberg avec une cuisine en bois sombre faite de chêne massif par Nordiska Kok dans le design scandinave. Explorez le design durable et trouvez l'inspiration pour les chalets de montagne. — Photo : Nordiska Kök

1.South-Facing Windows to Capture the Sun’s Warmth

The soft and fleeting winter sunlight encourages us to catch the sunbeams wherever and however we can.

One of the most effective principles of passive design strategies for energy efficiency is to orient windows toward the south.When the sun sits lower in the sky during winter, large south-facing windows allow natural light and warmth to flood into your home all day long. By dedicating around 60% of your windows to the south side, you can naturally heat your home, reduce reliance on artificial lighting, and lower your heating bills. It’s a simple and effective way to bring comfort to winter days as you warm your feet while making your coffee on a Sunday morning.

2. Skylights and Large Windows to Bring Nature Indoors

If your home lacks windows, or certain rooms feel shadowed and disconnected from the outdoors, skylights and panoramic windows can change everything. A dark hallway can be brightened by a well-placed skylight, creating an airy and open feel. A panoramic window in your living room can blur the boundary between inside and out, naturally inviting your head to turn towards the snowy days or forest landscape. These additions don’t just bring in more light, they completely redefine your relationship with your home, infusing it with a sense of openness, lightness and well-being.

La cuisine, conçue par Nordiska Kök, — Photo : Nordiska Kök

La cuisine, conçue par Nordiska Kök, est baignée de lumière naturelle grâce à un puits de lumière, mettant ainsi en évidence la beauté brute et intemporelle des matériaux. — Photo : Nordiska Kök

3. Soft Colours and Reflective Materials for Extra Light

The colours and materials you choose for your walls, floors, and furniture play a crucial role in amplifying natural light. Opting for light, soft tones inspired by the Danish concept of hygge, such as warm whites and subtle grays, helps reflect light and brighten up even the darkest corners. A great choice is Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams, a cool white with a subtle gray undertone that evokes a snowy valley. Another option is Grayish (SW 6001), a neutral tone reminiscent of a soft morning mist. Pairing these shades with reflective materials like marble, glass, or metal can further enhance the effect, creating an atmosphere and softening the light. Even on gloomy days, a well-lit interior feels cozy, inviting, and full of life.

Un nuancier de la teinte Snowbound (HGSW7004) de Sherwin-Williams, une nuance de blanc doux et chaleureux, mise en avant dans la collection Scandinavian Minimalism. Élue '2025 Color Collection of the Year', cette couleur illumine un décor épuré aux accents naturels. — Snowbound (HGSW 7004)

Un nuancier de la teinte Grayish (HGSW6001) de Sherwin-Williams, un gris subtil et apaisant, utilisé dans un intérieur moderne aux influences minimalistes scandinaves. — Grayish (HGSW 6001)

4. An Open Layout for Better Light Diffusion

One of the easiest ways to let light move as freely as possible indoors is to rethink your home layout. An open-plan layout allows light in freely, ensuring it brightens every corner. By reducing unnecessary partitions allows light to spread freely through the space, fostering a friendly, soothing atmosphere. By optimizing the layout of your rooms, you can help make your home more airy and pleasant to live in, even in the depths of winter.

Un espace de vie conçu par Ateliers Jacob, où la cuisine, la salle à manger et le salon cohabitent en harmonie. Matériaux naturels, lumière abondante et finitions raffinées créent une atmosphère chaleureuse et intemporelle. — Photo : Ateliers Jacob

5. Buffer Zones to Reduce Heat Loss

For greater energy efficiency, and avoid letting heat escape into the cold, consider buffer zones near windows, such as vestibules or hallways. These spaces preserve the heat accumulated during the day while still allowing natural light to reach your main living areas. Additionally, incorporating thermal materials like concrete floors, stone, or solid wood walls can help store the sun’s heat and release it slowly during the night, providing lasting comfort. These seemingly simple strategies can significantly reduce your energy consumption in winter, while enhancing the warmth and coziness of your home.

Ce vestibule, imaginé par Ateliers Jacob, agit comme une zone tampon, préservant la chaleur intérieure tout en filtrant le froid venu de l’extérieur. — Photo : Ateliers Jacob

Natural Light: A Source of Well-Being in Winter

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, natural light has a profound impact on our physical and mental well-being. In winter, it helps regulate our internal rhythms, boosts vitamin D production, and improves sleep. By making small changes to invite more daylight into your home, you create a brighter, more uplifting space, a true sanctuary against the cold and gloom of the season..