How Windows Can Transform Your Home’s Nighttime Aesthetic

When you’re debating potential home updates, you’re likely picturing them in the light of day. It’s only natural: that’s when you’re most likely going to look at your house as a full picture. However, you spend just as much time around your house at night, and your home’s windows can play a role in creating a comfortable living space, no matter the hour. 

There are powerful psychological benefits to choosing the right windows for your home. After all, seeing lights on through your windows is likely incredibly comforting, especially knowing you’ll soon be able to wind down. Plus, having the right amount of natural light available as the sun goes down can provide the perfect aesthetic to help you feel less isolated within your space. You want to ensure you can capture this comforting feeling around the clock. Let’s break down your best choices for windows that bring lasting appeal, day or night.

The Psychology of Light

Light (or the lack of it) may play a larger role in your life than you think. Our circadian rhythm, the natural 24-hour cycle—often called the “body’s clock”—that regulates sleep and energy levels, is controlled by light and dark cues in the surrounding environment. Therefore, your exposure to light, especially the light in and around your home, can play a role in your overall wellness. 

On the one hand, approaching your lit-up home at night won’t trigger a circadian wake-up call (which is a purely psychological sense of comfort, warmth and welcome). On the other hand, ensuring your home has an appropriate balance of light at the right times can help keep your rhythm in check. As a result, it’s important to select your home’s window and lighting choices to honor your body’s natural rhythms.

Choosing Window Styles for Evening Impact

When switching up your windows, consider styles that provide beauty and functionality during the day and at night. 

Bay and Bow Windows

Bay and bow windows offer panoramic views made to showcase your home inside and out, no matter the time of day. Since they jut out from the exterior wall, bay and bow windows capture light at multiple angles, adding complexity to your nightly views. 

Casement Windows

Want to open up your home instantly? Casement windows are perfect for bringing in fresh air at night, which can be a great way to expand your space past the cozy bounds of your home’s interior. Plus, since every Window World window comes with screens, you can open your windows wide without worrying about attracting bugs. Casement windows’ clean, simple lines work well with more contemporary home styles, but they can seamlessly integrate into any home type. 

Custom Windows

Make the most of your space and unique nighttime vista with custom windows tailored around your home. Appropriate personalized designs can help you ensure each space is getting the right amount of light (and dark) at the right times. Floor-to-ceiling custom windows are a clear choice for sweeping vertical views, but work with your home’s size and style to determine the right fit. 

Enhancing Your Nighttime Space with Window Treatments

While you may love gazing out over your yard at night or enjoying indoor-outdoor life with family and friends, you’ll likely have some times of day (or night) when you’ll want some privacy. Window treatments are the easiest way to do this. Best of all, they serve a dual purpose, adding more of your personal taste to your home. Some of our suggestions:

• Classic Curtains: Layer curtains for coverage and lighting options from day to night.
• Roman Shades: Control your exact level of light and privacy with ease with Roman shades.
• Sheer Drapes: Romantic and ideal for offering glimpses outdoors, sheers offer privacy without hiding your view entirely.

Choosing Lighting for All-Day Appeal

When designing a space intended for nighttime use—whether it’s your bedroom, home gym or cozy hobby room—you have to consider your lighting needs. This is doubly true with outdoor lighting, which can play just as much of a part in setting the tone of the room as any interior lamps. Let’s cover some of your interior lighting options:

• Ambient Lighting: This is general, non-focused lighting that serves only the purpose of providing overall illumination.
• Accent Lighting: Highlights specific areas and draws attention to objects of interest, like artwork you’re eager to showcase.
• Task Lighting: The practical version of accent lighting, task lighting illuminates specific areas for activities like cooking, reading or working.

Your goal with interior lighting is to create a balance of comfort that allows you to see what you’re doing without making it uncomfortable to rest and relax. Choose where you place your lighting carefully to aid in winding down for the day. 

Pairing Outdoor Lighting with Windows

With windows made to show off your home day and night, you’ll need outdoor lighting to complete the picture. The right lighting can help you achieve optimal curb appeal, making your home welcoming and inviting while preserving your sense of privacy and security. Choose upward-facing uplights to really show your home off to its best advantage. However, even wall sconces or simple landscaping lights like post lamps can be used creatively to light your home’s outdoor spaces, like patios or entryways, for warmth and welcome at night. 

Are Your Windows Performing Day and Night?

Do your home’s current windows provide the best view and the best balance of lighting? If your answer is no, it’s time to upgrade to windows made for beauty and performance. With Window World, you’ll work with local experts to make your home shine, no matter the time of day. Reach out to schedule your free consultation today!