One of the most defining features of a great barndominium is how it balances rustic charm with modern comfort. And nothing elevates the interior of a barndominium quite like natural light. When designed well, natural light can make your barndo feel more spacious, inviting, and connected to the outdoors. Plus, it’s an energy-efficient way to brighten your home without relying solely on artificial lighting.
In this post, we’ll explore the various ways to incorporate natural light into your barndominium design, focusing on skylights, large windows, and glass doors. Whether you’re starting from scratch or remodeling an existing structure, these ideas will help you create a bright, airy atmosphere you’ll love to live in.
Why Natural Light Matters in a Barndominium
Barndominiums often feature wide open spaces and high ceilings—ideal conditions for maximizing daylight. By integrating smart lighting solutions into your design, you’ll benefit in several key ways:
- Improved Mood and Well-Being: Natural light supports your circadian rhythm, helping regulate sleep and boosting overall mood.
- Energy Efficiency: Reducing your need for electric lighting saves money and lowers your environmental impact.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Sunlight brings out the richness in materials like wood, metal, and stone, making interiors visually striking.
- Better Functionality: Well-lit spaces are more practical for cooking, reading, working, and entertaining.
Let’s break down how to bring more natural light into your barndo using three primary strategies.
1. Skylights: Bringing Sunshine from Above
Why Skylights Work
Skylights are one of the most effective ways to increase natural light, especially in central rooms that may lack enough wall space for windows. They direct sunlight into the core of your home and can dramatically reduce the need for overhead lighting during the day.
Best Rooms for Skylights
- Living Rooms: A skylight can become a centerpiece, especially in vaulted ceilings.
- Kitchens: Adds functional light for cooking and food prep.
- Bathrooms: Provides privacy and light simultaneously.
- Lofts/Second Floors: Great for open mezzanine spaces or stairwells.
Types of Skylights
- Fixed Skylights: Stationary and designed solely to let in light.
- Ventilating Skylights: Can be opened to release hot air and allow airflow.
- Tubular Skylights: Ideal for smaller spaces like hallways or closets.
Tips for Skylight Installation
- Orientation Matters: South-facing skylights capture the most consistent daylight, while north-facing ones offer softer, more diffuse light.
- Consider Glazing Options: Modern skylights offer UV filtering and insulating glass to prevent heat buildup.
- Waterproofing is Crucial: Make sure installation includes proper flashing to avoid leaks.
2. Large Windows: Framing Views and Filling Rooms with Light
Window Placement Is Everything
Window placement has a profound impact on how light enters your home throughout the day. In barndominiums, which often have fewer load-bearing interior walls, you have more flexibility to design with expansive windows.
Ideal Window Locations
- East-Facing Windows: Catch the gentle morning sun.
- West-Facing Windows: Offer dramatic evening light, though they can cause glare and heat buildup.
- South-Facing Windows (in Northern Hemisphere): Provide the most sunlight throughout the day.
- North-Facing Windows: Deliver cool, consistent light, perfect for art studios or offices.
Window Styles to Consider
- Picture Windows: Great for scenic views and unbroken natural light.
- Clerestory Windows: Placed high on the wall, these provide light without sacrificing privacy or wall space.
- Bay or Bow Windows: Add dimension and offer panoramic lighting.
- Casement and Awning Windows: Allow you to direct airflow as well as light.
Design Strategies for Window Use
- Go Floor-to-Ceiling: This maximizes light and creates a striking modern look, especially in main living areas.
- Create Window Walls: Use a series of windows grouped together to make a whole wall feel open and bright.
- Mix Window Shapes and Sizes: A combination of narrow, tall, and horizontal windows can create visual interest while increasing daylight.
3. Glass Doors: Connecting Indoors and Outdoors
Why Use Glass Doors?
Glass doors aren’t just for aesthetics—they’re functional elements that can flood rooms with light, extend sightlines, and promote indoor-outdoor living.
Best Uses for Glass Doors
- Living Room Exits to Patios or Decks: Large sliding or bi-fold doors enhance space and welcome natural light.
- Kitchen-to-Garden Access: Glass doors in kitchens make outdoor dining or herb gardening convenient and appealing.
- Bedrooms with Outdoor Access: French or sliding doors can turn a bedroom into a peaceful retreat.
Popular Glass Door Options
- Sliding Glass Doors: Smooth operation and wide openings; best for modern aesthetics.
- French Doors: Elegant and timeless, they work well for rustic or traditional barndominiums.
- Bi-Fold or Accordion Doors: Create expansive openings for seamless transitions to outdoor spaces.
Tips for Choosing Glass Doors
- Double or Triple Glazing: Helps with insulation and soundproofing.
- Low-E Glass: Minimizes UV rays and reduces heat transfer.
- Consider Security: Use tempered or laminated glass with strong locking mechanisms.
Bonus Tips for Maximizing Natural Light
Even with great architectural planning, you can boost natural light further through smart design choices:
Use Light-Reflecting Interior Materials
- White or Light-Colored Walls: These reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, brightening the entire space.
- Glossy or Satin Finishes: Surfaces like polished concrete or glossy paint bounce light around.
- Mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors near windows amplify light and views.
Minimize Window Obstructions
- Opt for Minimal Window Treatments: Sheer curtains or blinds allow light in while maintaining privacy.
- Keep Landscaping in Check: Trim trees and shrubs that may block your windows or doors.
Design Open Floor Plans
Open layouts allow light to travel freely across spaces. If privacy is needed, use glass partitions or interior windows to maintain flow.
Final Thoughts
Natural light can transform your barndominium from a simple structure into a vibrant, healthy, and energy-efficient home. With the thoughtful placement of skylights, large windows, and glass doors, you can enjoy a bright, welcoming atmosphere year-round.
Whether you’re building from the ground up or renovating an existing space, incorporating natural light should be a priority in your design strategy. Not only does it make your home look stunning, but it also improves livability and reduces your reliance on artificial lighting.
So as you sketch out your floor plans or work with a designer, remember: light isn’t just a feature—it’s a foundation of great barndominium living.