Living in less square footage has advantages. Less room means less cleaning. It also encourages more communal living. It helps to make you more intentional in your purchases and encourages you to live a more minimalistic lifestyle. But no matter how big a fan you are of small homes, there is one sensation that can be hard to ignore. That is the cloistering sensation which often accompanies limited living space. Fortunately, the strategic placement and design of windows can help create an airy, spacious feeling so you and your guests can feel more comfortable. Here are some things to think about:

1. Site Orientation

When it comes to installing windows, it is best to start from the ground up. Site orientation is important. It will dictate how much light and ventilation you will get through certain windows in your home. East facing windows get morning sun, west facing get sun in the afternoon, and south facing windows get the most sunlight year-round. If you plan your most occupied rooms to be south facing, you can reduce the use of artificial light.

2. Daylight

Speaking of light, filling your home with natural light will instantly make any space feel larger. And you don’t always need the biggest windows available to shed light on your interior spaces. A row of smaller windows, or a long transom window high up on the wall will give you ample light. And if you choose skylights and sun tubes, you can capitalize on light from above without taking up valuable wall space.

3. Air Flow

Ventilation is also key to the optimal window placement in Skokie, IL and nothing makes a small space feel even smaller than stale air. So when you plan your windows, make sure you account for natural ventilation. Leave a natural path for air to follow and place operable windows on opposite sides of your home. You can also choose window styles suited for ventilation, like double-hung and casement windows. These give you control over ventilation. You can enjoy a small breeze or a more noticeable current based on how much you open or close them.

4. Privacy

One reason why many homeowners with small spaces feel like they can’t use a lot of windows is because they will compromise privacy. Fortunately, there are plenty of technologies and style options that give you all the light and ventilation benefits, but also help maintain your privacy and security. Etched glass is one option. You can also strategically place windows high on the wall or in corners of your room to maintain more personal space.

5. Indoor/Outdoor Living

One of the best things you can do to open up your space is foster indoor and outdoor living. Sliding doors are a great option. They are basically oversized windows you can walk through to access your patio or yard. Another common option is French Doors.

When determining the best windows for your small home, there are a lot of things to consider. Work directly with a professional from start to finish on your project for the best results. They will know which window products to recommend and which will fit within your budget. Call Scientific Home Services today. You can reach us at (847) 752-0370. Or you can visit us at 7240 Saint Louis Ave., Skokie, IL 60076.