Making the most of natural light in the home has been proven to improve our mood and even have an impact on how we feel about our own home. Here, we highlight how bifold doors can provide an aesthetic addition to the home, while also utilising natural light. Read what to look for in a new aluminium bifold door, and the benefits of choosing Origin.
In this guide:
Read the key benefits of utilising natural light in your home.
Find out how installing bifold doors can help you to utilise natural light in the home.
Read what to consider when choosing bifold doors to make the most of natural light.
Find out which house orientation is the best for utilising natural light through bifold doors.
Read the benefits of choosing aluminium bifold doors from Origin.
We answer common queries on choosing bifold doors.
Why is it important to utilise natural light in the home?
An abundance of natural light in the home has substantial benefits for our health, wealth, and happiness:
Health - it gives us a healthy boost of vitamin D and B, while it’s also been proven to boost our energy levels and productivity. Studies have discovered that the more sunlight we are exposed to, the more serotonin we produce
Wealth – more daylight means we have to use less electricity to light our homes, while in the summer, sunlight coming through windows and doors will create warm sunspots, so we can turn the heating off
Happiness – according to Origin research, 83% of homeowners believe that having larger, brighter rooms in their home has a significant influence on their mood; and the same number agreed that a beautiful view made them feel mentally and physically uplifted
Find out whether Brits are utilising natural light while homeworking here.
Find out more about how to choose a bifold door here.
Utilising natural light using bifold doors
According to our latest ‘Forever Home’ research, 99% of homeowners think it’s important to utilise natural light in the home. However, many of us still aren’t taking steps to get the most out of natural light. For example - our recent study on whether homeowners in the UK are utilising natural light also revealed that 60% of homeowners don’t feel that they utilise natural light while working from home.
Half of UK homeowners we researched in our “forever home” survey found that over 90% of homeowners want bi-fold doors in their homes to let more light and connect their property with the great outdoors. Bi-folding doors create a perfect widescreen view to the outside, for uninterrupted views all year round.
Find out how you can utilise natural light with our internal doors while homeworking here.
Choosing bifold doors to utilise natural light - what to consider
When selecting aluminium bifold doors - configuration options and the right design features for your door are key considerations. Origin Bifold Doors, made from durable aluminium, offer incomparably slim sightlines. The larger the glass panel, the more light permeates your living spaces, creating an open, airy ambiance. Origin’s innovative aluminium doors not only provide architectural elegance but also act as conduits for natural light, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
View our full collection of aluminium bifold doors here.
Your choice of bifolding doors will affect how much more light is let in:
Choose the right configuration and leaf size - the door leaves can be anywhere between 400mm and 1,200mm wide, with many different configuration choices. The larger the door leaf, the more glass - meaning the more light is let through.
Material matters – we firmly believe that the strength and durability of aluminium makes it the best material for bi-fold doors. It’s strong yet lightweight, allowing for incomparably slim sightlines. This not only makes for a better view, but also lets in an abundance of natural daylight.
Visit our bifold door configurator here.
Read our complete guide to the benefits of aluminium bifold doors.
What is the best house orientation for natural light?
In the UK, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. As a result, typically a south-facing home gets sun for most of the day, especially at the front of the house.
South-facing homes - as the UK is in the northern hemisphere, south-facing homes will get much more natural sunlight throughout the day as the sun is in the southern half of the sky. It will generally therefore be warmer and much brighter. In the winter, when the sun is lower in the sky, this also means that you will still get the maximum amount of light.
North-facing homes – homes that face the north are naturally cooler than a south-facing home, as the majority of the sunshine will be hitting the back of the house. This is especially true in the winter months, when the sun sits lower in the sky, and so will cast a shadow to the north. Maximise the amount of natural light inside by increasing the number of windows, install folding or sliding doors or increase the size of windows on the south-facing side.
East-facing homes – plenty of morning sun will stream through your windows and doors before the sun goes over your home and sets in the west. This will mean that the front of your house is in shadow in the evening. If your garden faces west, this is perfect for evening sun.
West-facing homes – if your home faces west, you’re likely to have plenty of sun at the front of your house in the evening as the sun starts to set. If your garden faces east, you will have the morning sun, but then your garden will be in shadow in the evening.
Are you looking for a modern, durable external bifold door?
Our recommendation:
Unlike any other door, our aluminium bifolds provide a completely uninterrupted view when open, and offer the flexibility to enjoy your indoor and outdoor space as one. Our doors are also available in 150 RAL colours, allowing you to find the perfect option for your home.
Why choose Origin Bifold Doors?
Origin Bifold Doors stand as the epitome of innovation, seamlessly blend exquisite design with unparalleled functionality. Choosing Origin Bifold Doors for your home is not merely a decision; it's an investment in luxury, convenience, and energy efficiency. Origin Bifold Doors are designed to be low maintenance, allowing you to enjoy their beauty without the hassle of constant upkeep. The durable materials and finishes ensure that these doors retain their elegance for years to come with minimal effort on your part.
Shop our collection of aluminium bifold doors here.
Are you looking for a modern, sleek aluminium sliding door?
Our recommendation:
Delivering first-in-class design, our Sliding Door Collection provides the most spectacular finish for any building project. Available in four different sightlines across two different sliding door systems – the Origin Artisan Slider and the Origin Patio Slider – we have some of the slimmest sliding doors on the market.
Frequently asked questions
Which windows let in the most amount of natural light?
Aluminium frames – These let in the most amount of light as the material is strong yet light enough for slim sightlines. The edge of the frame can be as close as 50mm from the glass, meaning that less window and more light can be achieved. Shop our full collection of windows with aluminium frames here.
Gable windows – Gable windows let in generous amounts of light and can be installed even in the shallowest of roof pitches or alignment of roof pitches. They allow for the maximum amount of light to flood through into the home, but also make a striking statement in any property. Shop our collection of gable windows here.
Are bi-fold patio doors warm?
High-quality bi-fold doors have a thermal break; a component that enables them to keep heat in and cold air out.
The door industry measures this "thermal efficiency" using something called a U-Value, which is the amount of heat lost per square metre of material. The lower the U-Value the better.
Read more about thermal efficiency and U-Values.
Are bifold doors energy-efficient during all seasons?
Yes, bifold doors maintain energy efficiency throughout the year. Their robust frames and advanced sealing mechanisms provide insulation against both heat and cold. Properly insulated bifold doors keep interiors comfortable in all seasons, enhancing energy efficiency and minimising utility costs.
Are bifold doors suitable for dark or small rooms?
Yes, bifold doors are ideal for dark or small rooms. Their design maximises natural light intake, making even the smallest or darkest spaces feel more open and inviting. Bifold doors enhance the perception of space, transforming dim areas into well-lit, airy environments.
EXPLORE THE ORIGIN COLLECTION OF ALUMINIUM BI-FOLD DOORS HERE
