The true effects of light on your brain

Let’s shed some light on the problem of having a dark or gloomy home.

Cat enjoying a window view.

Light is so important to us mere mortals – it lifts up our mood, sets our body clocks and makes even small spaces seem bigger. So, when we have a home that is a little on the moody side (the polite way of saying gloomy), getting more light inside is important because yes, even inside our homes serotonin (the happy chemical messenger produced in our bodies) is stimulated by light. In hot or cold weather light has this wonderful trick of bringing us good vibes. Whether renovating or renting, there are ways to optimise the light.

Who remembers a bathroom like this?

GLASS BRICKS SOUND SO 70s – BUT WHAT ARE THEY LIKE NOW?

There’s more to a glass block than meets (or tricks) the eye. The finishes on the blocks vary from standard clear (the one most people think of), through to nature themed/etched examples. Imagine though the design potential of all of that, but in colour?

The Glass Brick Company has a frosted turquoise block called Wave Sahara that to my mind is the colour of the water off the pristine Cook Islands at dawn. Sigh. Thank you, I’ll have that as my bathroom wall any day. Yes, you can create this as a DIY project, and it’s not all that hard. You can even buy pre-made panels.

The new glass bricks look more like this.

But wait there’s more – have you considered adding glass bricks? Yes, bricks. Austral Bricks has a range called Poesia that are created from solid poured glass, that look like a perfect boiled sweetie in the most fabulous colours both subtle and exuberant. Insert a couple in a dull wall, or splurge on a feature wall that will illuminate each day with transparent delight.

And don’t just think exterior wall – think about interiors too. If getting light to the centre of the house is tricky and skylights are not an option, these make not only a pathway for light, but add insulation of sound and temperature.

A skylight over the bath lets you relax in peace.

ARE SKYLIGHTS UNRELIABLE?

If anyone has been watching The Block over the past few years, you could not have missed the name Velux, and been amazed as contestants continue to put skylights in every possible roof space. Skylights in a bedroom befuddle my mind, but hey, I like to sleep past dawn every now and then.

There are more suppliers than Velux, and yes, you can buy a kit from hardware stores. Things to consider are quality of the acrylic and size of the frame. But if you are considering this, perhaps also put some thought to the value of being able to open the skylight, and vent heat from a room, and allow fresh air on to the upper space of your rooms. These are referred to as roof ‘windows’, with models fitted with remote controlled operation units – even rain sensor operation and solar power units.

Of course, the more you add, the more it costs – this sort of unit will cost about $2000. A standard skylight style will start at $300 plus professional installation costs between $300 and $600.

The older style lights, and perhaps those installed by cowboy tradies of the ’90s may be responsible for their formerly bad reputation. They have come a long way and offer great results for a relatively small investment. Look into getting a built-in shade – I’ve got them and they are worth what was at the time a ridiculous expense.

A room with a view is always better.

I’VE GOT GREAT LIGHT THROUGH MY WINDOWS – BUT THE VIEW IS GHASTLY. WHAT’S MY OPTIONS?

The eternal dilemma of light versus view. I’m sure even in ancient Rome couples looked out of their insulae apartments, turned to each other and said, “Do you think we could put in a few more olive trees? That view sucks.” And so, it has continued, light versus privacy. Enter the great delights of frosting film. Even if renting, the easy to apply and remove frosting film is a great alternative to shutting the blinds. You can buy a roll of standard film from hardware stores, with a 2000mm x 900mm roll under $30, which adheres with a static charge.

There are absolutely gorgeous versions of the same idea on Etsy; these films, which are also called decals. Imported products offer further whimsy with coloured designs. Cover half or all of the window (or doors) with these and maintain your light quality while having fun with design. A word from the wise here, it is absolutely worth reading all instructions on what sort of installation techniques work for the particular film you have chosen. Don’t skimp on buying a decent knife, and a good smoothing tool, and be careful not to tear a hole in the sheet.

Originally published as The true effects of light on your brain