Whether you’re looking to move house, or build a new one, it’s important to have an understanding of how window placement can affect the way you use your home. Adequate light entry affects things from energy usage, to productivity.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
Homeshelf has put together a comprehensive guide on window placement for Australians, considering the direction of sunlight, and its implications for different rooms.
North-Facing Windows: Consistent Light
North-facing windows provide consistent, indirect light throughout the day. This orientation avoids the harsh midday sun, ensuring rooms remain bright without causing excessive heat.
In summer, these windows keep interiors cool by minimising direct sunlight exposure. During winter, they allow low-angle sunlight to enter, offering warmth and light without significant heat loss.
North-facing windows are considered the ideal window placement for those living in Australia or other areas of the Southern Hemisphere.
South-Facing Windows: Cool in Summer
South-facing windows receive less direct sunlight, resulting in subtle and even light distribution. This orientation is ideal for areas where consistent, non-glaring light is preferred.
These windows are cooler in summer, reducing the need for air conditioning. In winter, the lower light levels may necessitate additional heating or artificial lighting.
East-Facing Windows: For Early Risers
East-facing windows capture the morning sun, providing bright and warm light. The intensity of light decreases as the day progresses, offering a cooler environment in the afternoons.
Summer mornings are bright and warm, while the afternoons are cooler. In winter, the morning light is softer, providing gentle warmth and illumination.
These sorts of windows are great for early risers, who enjoy the sunlight in the mornings.
West-Facing Windows: Golden Hour
West-facing windows are characterised by softer light in the mornings, with increasing warmth and brightness in the afternoons and evenings.
These windows can lead to significant heat gain in summer afternoons, requiring shading solutions. In winter, the warm afternoon light is beneficial, reducing heating needs.
This placement captures the afternoon golden hours, and is perfect for those spaces of the home that will be used towards the end of the day, or in large spaces that are expensive to heat.
Choosing Window Facings for Each Room
If you’re designing or rebuilding your home, the orientation of windows is something to consider for each room.
Each land lot will come with its own features that may impact window placements, from high elevation, to overhanging trees and more. And if you have neighbours, consider where their windows are too, in order to ensure you both have privacy.
Beyond those factors, the direction a window faces can significantly impact a room's temperature, lighting, and overall ambiance.
So with all that in mind, here are our recommendations for window orientations per room.
Living Rooms, Kitchens, and Studios: North-facing Window
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Living Rooms: North-facing windows are ideal for living areas. They provide consistent, natural light throughout the day, without harsh direct sunlight. Evenly distributed light quality minimises glare on screens and maintains a comfortable temperature, reducing the need for artificial cooling.
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Kitchens: Kitchens benefit greatly from north-facing windows. The steady, indirect sunlight allows for clear visibility during food preparation and provides a warm and inviting environment for family meals and gatherings. Choose windows that are easy to open, to allow for ventilation and airflow.
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Studios or Creative Spaces: Artists and creatives often prefer north-facing light due to its consistency, and soft shadows. This orientation provides a stable, natural light source, crucial for activities like painting, drawing, or photography, where colour accuracy is important.
Bedrooms, Bathrooms, and Storage Areas: South-facing Window
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Bedrooms: South-facing windows are suitable for bedrooms as they provide a cooler and more consistent light, contributing to a tranquil and restful environment. The reduced sunlight exposure can also be beneficial for temperature regulation, ensuring the bedroom remains a comfortable retreat.
Breakfast Nooks, Home Offices, and Indoor Gardens: East-facing Window
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Breakfast Nooks: East-facing windows in breakfast areas capture the gentle morning sun, creating an uplifting space to start the day. The natural light can help improve mood and energy levels, making it an ideal setting for morning meals and coffee.
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Home Offices: For individuals who start their workday early, home offices with east-facing windows provide bright, energising light. The morning sunlight can enhance focus and productivity, and as the sun moves, the decreasing intensity of light can reduce the risk of eye strain and glare on computer screens.
Dining Rooms, Reading Corners, and Entertainment Areas: West-facing Window
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Entertainment Areas: Living spaces or entertainment rooms with west-facing windows can take advantage of the afternoon and evening light for social gatherings or family time. The natural light can create a welcoming space, and as the sun sets, the transitioning light can add to the ambience of movie nights or casual get-togethers.
Find your ideal home design
At Homeshelf, we understand that the perfect home starts with the perfect plan. With listings for over 400 builders across Australia, we make it easy for you to compare and choose. Homebuilders allow flexibility in floorplans when it comes to window placements, and sometimes sizes too. Speak to your preferred builder about your options, or start browsing flexible floorplans today.
Publisher Website: www.homeshelf.com.au