5 Home Addition Ideas That Increase Natural Light

The addition of natural light to a home is not just about aesthetic appeal; it’s a practical investment that can enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants while also increasing the property’s value. Recognizing the many benefits of natural light, such as its role in improving mood, boosting productivity, and reducing reliance on artificial lighting, homeowners in Ontario are increasingly looking for ways to bring more sunlight into their spaces.

If you’re looking for creative home addition ideas tailored to bring more light into your life, you’ve stumbled upon the right place! We’ll explore your options—from window upgrades to clever interior design tricks—to help you create a more cheerful living space.

Let’s dive right in!

1. A Reading Nook With Bay and Bow Windows

When mapping out your house extension ideas, consider adding a reading nook if you don’t have one yet. These are perfect for areas where light shines the longest during the day.

For this house extension project, choose bay or bow windows to maximize the existing space. Aside from being a natural centrepiece, these window installations provide an unobstructed view of the outdoors. They’re also a hallmark of Victorian architecture—one of the most prominent types of homes in Ontario.

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Lastly, it provides additional floor space and promotes better air circulation. So, if you’ve always wanted a personal reading nook, a brighter home office, or a spacious-looking dining room with lots of natural light, this home extension idea is perfect.

2. Add a Sunroom With Floor-To-Ceiling Windows

Extending your property on one side and turning it into a sunroom is one of the best house extension ideas. It adds extra room without any major demolition or restructuring and increases natural light in your home.

It also adds value to your property, making it a great investment. To increase natural light in this area, install floor-to-ceiling windows that also make the room appear bigger. These windows extend from your ground to the ceiling, creating glass walls that allow light to bounce inside your space. They also make great windows for a garden room, if you already have one!

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If you’re worried about privacy, reinforcing the glass with a security film can make breaking it harder. Plus, it prevents people from seeing the inside of your home.

3. Replace Your Back Door with Glass Patio Doors

Although this one is not technically among home extension ideas, it is perfect for those looking for smaller upgrades. If you have a garden space or a patio, you can replace your back door with glass sliding doors that lead to these areas.

It not only lets more light into your home but also makes for a convenient addition, especially if you host garden parties! It makes the space look bigger and allows your guests to move freely from the indoors to the outdoors.

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4. Window Walls Instead of Solid Walls

Not all home extension design ideas have to literally add more room—there are other ways to make a space appear bigger and let more natural light in. One of them is identifying and converting solid walls into glazed fixed window walls. It’s perfect for older homes where windows may have been absent or very small in size.

It makes for a great addition and investment, even though it requires thorough planning and potential permits. The addition of natural light and new windows can significantly increase your return on investment!

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These windows can also help minimize energy costs and keep you warm in winter, especially if using energy-efficient or low-E glass. The addition of these windows almost helps create a sunroom-like space without any additional construction.

Read more: Energy Star Ratings for Windows and Doors in Canada

5. Double the Amount of Natural Light With Skylights

Another great way to make your space appear more roomy and bright is by installing skylights. It’s one of the most convenient ways to increase natural light since they light up your home without compromising or sacrificing your privacy like windows, which may need to be covered up from time to time.

Skylights are also great for improved ventilation and brighten up any space, especially when installed in a room with wooden, laminated, or ceramic flooring. Light bounces on the floors, making the space look bigger and warmer.

Image source: Canva

Add skylights in an existing property, above a kitchen extension or attic bedroom for functional lighting, or in a completely new space in your single-storey extension projects. Use energy-efficient windows to increase your home’s resale value and reduce your energy costs.

Let the Light in With Durable Doors and Windows From Burano

If you live in Ontario, where winter and rain can make days grey, having all the extra light with these home extension ideas can be a real blessing! Call in the pros for your renovation project and turn these home addition ideas into reality.

Burano Doors has been the trusted provider of high-quality windows and doors for over 40 years, proudly providing Ontarians with their custom home improvement needs. Our catalogue boasts ENERGY STAR-certified products manufactured with cutting-edge technology, designed to withstand Ontario’s weather changes.

So, get the ball rolling on your home extension ideas and contact us today for a free quote!