8 Cozy Spaces Filled With Natural Light

With more time spent at home than ever before, finding comfortable, sunlit spaces can be beneficial to your well-being.

As we spend more time at home, we’re often drawn to the light-filled spaces. Reading a captivating book? Working from home? Sipping your morning brew? They’re all made better when enjoyed in a cozy spot bathed in sunlight. And now that we’re experiencing the longest days of the year, there’s even more time to enjoy those cozy spaces filled with natural light.

In America we spend, on average, 90 percent of our time indoors, which makes it hard to reap the benefits of natural light during the remainder of the year when the days are shorter. Not only does natural light benefit your body’s circadian rhythm, but sunlight also boosts your mood by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. 

Let these cozy, light-filled nooks inspire you to live your best life, even while you’re spending most of your time at home. 

Marvin Skycove

This may appear to be a traditional window seat, but Marvin Skycove is much more. It’s a fully constructed, projected glass structure that extends the interior space of a home up to 20 square feet and ushers in natural light and panoramic views from all three sides and above, keeping well-being at the forefront. Skycove is an intimate nook to relax and rejuvenate but is large enough to fit several people to gather, engage, and share. Available in select markets.

A Porch

An enclosed three- or four-season porch is a great way to enjoy the light and outdoor views year-round, especially in colder climates. Just grab your favorite blanket to stay warm when it cools down in the fall and winter and enjoy a book, a magazine, or just gaze out at nature. Optional triple pane glazing or glass coatings can help you keep a space like this comfortable in all climates.

Those fortunate to live in warmer areas can enjoy the sunlight on a porch for most of the year and can even bring the outdoors in with bi-fold or lift and slide doors. This stunning porch may be open and airy, but it’s made cozy with comfortable furniture, lots of pillows and plenty of plants.

Your Favorite Spot Near a Wall of Windows

If you don’t already have a built-in window seat or a four-season porch, there are still ways you can get in on the benefits of a light-filled cozy space. Even if it doesn’t stay there permanently, position your favorite piece of furniture near windows and enjoy the benefits of the sun pouring in.

No window wall in sight? No problem. Get to know where the sun shines in during different parts of the day to take advantage of light in multiple areas of your home. A luxurious chair or chaise lounge placed near the windows in a bedroom can be a perfect spot to catch up on your favorite podcast or enjoy a cup of tea.

A Window Seat

The window seat may be the ultimate cozy-yet-light-filled experience. It can be so much in one: a reading nook, a place for the kids to play, a spot to dream up your next project. It’s even a perfect place to catch some zzzs—for you or the family pet. It’s cozy all on its own, or you can add additional cushions to add an extra layer of comfort.

The Turkel family took their “window seat” to another level. In fact, they refer to it as a living platform. It was custom designed with a Marvin Lift & Slide Door and picture window and allows them to truly enjoy the indoors and out all at the same time. The platform itself is quite minimalistic, but the family keeps their daughters’ toys and a bookshelf nearby for whatever they might be interested in cozying up to do that day.

So, whether you already have the perfect, cozy light-filled spot, or need to get creative to make your own, the benefits of natural light and a cozy atmosphere can do wonders for your well-being.