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 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 SummerSouth-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 RisersEast-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 HourWest-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.
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: 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.
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.
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: 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.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms with south-facing windows can benefit from the diffused light that this orientation provides. The cooler conditions help maintain a fresh and clean atmosphere and reduce the likelihood of mould or mildew growth due to excessive sunlight and warmth.
Storage Areas: Rooms that are primarily used for storage can have south-facing windows, as these areas don't require constant, bright light.
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.
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.
Gardens or Indoor Plants: Place your indoor plants by east-facing windows. The morning sunlight promotes healthy plant growth, while the reduced intensity in the afternoon ensures that plants don't get scorched by the harsh sun.
Dining Rooms: West-facing windows in dining areas offer ambient lighting for evening meals. The warm light at sunset can create a cosy and intimate atmosphere, enhancing the dining experience and encouraging family conversations.
Reading Corners: A reading nook with a west-facing window provides a comfortable spot to relax and read in the natural afternoon light. The softer light later in the day reduces glare, making it easier on the eyes.
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.
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.