The Advantages Of Glass Balustrades In Autumn And Winter

The days are slowly getting shorter and chillier, and this can trigger some serious nesting instincts. We tend to spend more time at home, and it’s a popular time to make some changes or improvements to prepare for winter. Common seasonal tasks include checking that all the glazing, insulation, and heating systems are in good order.

Updating the interior design with some rugs, cushions and throws are popular at this time of year to create a cosy and welcoming feel in the home. 

The benefits of increasing natural daylight in your home 

You may also be wondering how to maximise the amount of natural daylight to make the most of the shorter days: this can have huge benefits for your health, including better sleep, improved mood, and higher levels of vitamin D, which is essential to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of various diseases. 

Some people even suffer from a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the winter, which can be exacerbated by a lack of natural daylight. However, there are plenty of ways to increase the amount of sunshine in your home, even during winter. 

Tips to boost your light in the winter

Painting the walls white or a light shade will help to reflect more light, as will fixing mirrors to the walls and installing other reflective surfaces such as glass display cabinets. Even simply keeping your windows sparkling clean can help to let the light flood in during the precious hours of daylight.

Working with circadian rhythms

When darkness falls, consider using lighting that is designed to reflect the circadian rhythm. This is the body’s internal clock that regulates our physiology, telling us when it is time to feel wakeful, time to eat, time to rest, and so on. Too little natural daylight can upset the circadian rhythm, leading to worse sleep, poor concentration, and even health risks. 

Circadian lighting naturally adjusts the intensity and spectrum of light throughout the day, so that it is brighter on dark mornings when we need to feel alert and get ready to leave the house, and gradually softens towards bedtime to help us mentally and physically wind down and prepare for sleep. 

Consider installing glass balustrades 

Another way to improve the light levels in your home is by installing glass balustrades. This is obviously more of a commitment than hanging a mirror or cleaning the windows, but by replacing opaque barriers and railings with clear glass, it is possible to transform the flow of light around your home quite significantly. 

They are ideal for staircases, balconies, and loft spaces, providing a strong and safe barrier, but also not obstructing the view and flow of light. During hours of darkness, the glass can reflect artificial light sources or the glow of the fireplace or candles. This can simultaneously create a brighter yet cosier atmosphere.

Glass balustrades will also help your home to feel stylish and contemporary, particularly when contrasted with soft furnishings, rugs and traditional wood flooring. If you have an older style property, there is the option to combine the glass panels with wooden posts and handrails, so that you can retain the character while still benefiting from increased light.

On the other hand, a more modern home will look sleek and sophisticated with frameless glass panels, or a combination of metal posts and semi-frameless panels. 

Glass balustrades are also an ideal choice for outdoor spaces such as terraces, patios, and balconies. They provide an uninterrupted view over your garden or beyond, and let more light filter back inside your home than traditional fencing, hedges, or brickwork. 

Tips for maintaining glass balustrades

Glass balustrades are very easy to maintain, and in most cases they will simply require an occasional wipe down with a soft cloth and mild soapy warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scourers that could damage the surface of your glass.

After cleaning, buff dry with a microfibre cloth to remove any streaks and water stains, and to add an extra shine and sparkle to your glass. Finally, check over the joints and frames for any sign of wear and tear or looseness. The glass will be toughened and highly durable, but there is a small chance of minor scratches that may require polishing.