Let in light

With the Spring Equinox and the clocks going forward in March, we’re only a few weeks away from extended daylight.

And, with energy costs still at all-time highs you may think keeping blinds and curtains closed during the day is helping to keep your rooms warmer, but could it be doing more harm than good?

Make the most of the sunlight, here’s a few tips on why we recommend opening blinds during the day.

We know heating costs are front of mind for many. Make the most of the sun’s energy allowing it to heat up your room during the day, then lower blinds in the afternoon trapping in the retained heat - you may be able to save on energy costs too.

The benefits from being exposed to sunlight are plentiful. A small dose of vitamin D can help those susceptible to tiredness and seasonal affective disorder, the gov.uk website reports that around 1 in 6 adults in the UK have low levels of vitamin D.

Another benefit from allowing in natural light is the mood-boosting benefits from increased serotonin, helping to give more energy, keep calm and stay positive. Particularly useful for those working from home during the day and exposed to lots of blue light from computer and phone screens.

Living with plants has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing, but they’re going to need sunlight to survive.

From indoor plants to kitchen herb boxes, look out for plants that thrive in direct sunlight including the popular yucca and dragon plants, and watch them grow! We also love the pops of colour that plants bring to a room space too.

Take a look at this handy guide to 'happy house plants' from House Beautiful magazine, with top tips on getting your plants ready for spring.

Heading off on holiday or going to be away from home for a few days? Some of the key signs of showing someone is at home come from opening blinds in the day, closing them in the evening and having internal lights come on.

Leading lifestyle magazine Saga, has published an article all about security at home when you go on holiday, and points out that "nothing reveals that a house is unoccupied so much as curtains drawn during the day", read the magazine's home safe tips on the Saga website.

Go one step further and automate this process with Luxaflex® motorised blinds. With PowerView® Automation you can schedule your blinds to open and close at a time to suit you, with times adaptable per room.

“We’d always recommend opening window coverings during the day, whether that’s controlling the angle of a blind’s vanes or fully opening blinds” says Thomas Vermeij, Commercial Product Manager at Luxaflex®.

“With the right blinds and window coverings you’re able to control the light in your home, creating softly diffused light and reducing the reliance on internal lighting, not forgetting the array of health benefits the sunlight can offer.”

Take a look around our website and discover lots of advice and inspiration, allowing you to match window treatments by room in your home.