How to Maximise Natural Light Using Stone

In rooms of function such as bathrooms and kitchens, maximising light is a primary concern. For many, a considerable amount of time is spent in a kitchen and what time is spent in a bathroom is focussed on either grooming or relaxation. So it’s not just about the sense of wellbeing that natural light brings. It’s about the clarity of vision and sense of space. So why is stone such a great material for those seeking to maximise natural light?

Maximise Windows

Unless you are altering the structure of your home, the amount of natural light that enters either a bathroom or kitchen is limited by the size and position of windows. 

So, choose window coverings such as Venetian blinds which can be positioned to allow light but avoid visual exposure. Alternatively, for front facing kitchen windows, consider partially frosted window decals. These allow light to be maximised into your kitchen without privacy being compromised.

Reflecting with White

For rooms that struggle to permit enough natural light, the colour of your worktop is key. White is the way to go – but how do you know what is the right white for you? Did you even realise there is such a thing as the right white?!

Worktops are the first aspect of your kitchen that draws attention and must complement walls and cabinets. You may have chosen white walls and cabinets in order to maximise light dispersal. So, your worktops need to offer a contrast. In this instance, look at marble surfaces. While many marbles are white, the natural grain and marbling bring a sense of depth and texture which is lost in surfaces which offer a blanket colour.

Brighten your worktop

Light reflectivity comes from other qualities of stone than colour. If white doesn’t work for you, another light colour can serve to maximise natural light just as well. The range of hues and uniform pattern of quartz is great for this purpose. Alternatively, yellow tones of granite benefit from natural graining and sparkle that can catch the light beautifully. So for bathrooms, lighter granite surfaces set off the smoothness of bathroom furniture whilst playing with the light to bring the room together. 

Choice of Units

In order to maximise natural light as part of a kitchen refit, many people choose an ultra-modern style. This doesn’t have to be a gloss finish, despite the reflectivity which comes hand in hand with shine. In order to disperse the most light, worktops and doors should appear as uninterrupted as possible. So to complement your bright granite, quartz or marble surface, look at handleless unit doors working with shark nose worktop edging.

Use of Glass

This doesn’t just mean windows. For kitchen extensions and projects that allow for structural change, bi-fold doors will both maximise the light and modernise the space. During the Summer months, folding back the doors will mark your kitchen apart by its absence of glass. The room is filled with the light of the season! For bathroom extensions, ceiling lanterns and skylights help to create a haven that casts light on your choice of marble, granite or quartz.

For refits within an existing space, consider using glass within a kitchen to complement your stone worktop. So look at hob splashbacks or unit doors.

Choice of Stone

Completely natural stones are wonderful to build a sense of depth and texture to an otherwise seamless room. However, when you choose light colours, it is key to consider the function of the surface. The reason that quartz or dekton work so well for lighter tones is that they are ultra durable and impenetrable. Lighter colours of natural stone surfaces, although incredibly strong, can be more susceptible to showing stains and marks. So for a busy and intensely utilised kitchen, the manufactured element of quartz and dekton maximise natural light without compromise.