When choosing a home, many people prioritize good sunlight exposure.
Houses with poor sunlight are often perceived as being difficult to live in comfortably.
Indeed, poor sunlight does come with many drawbacks.
However, there are aspects that can also be considered advantages.
In this article, we will explain the characteristics of houses based on their orientation, factors beyond orientation that affect sunlight, the pros and cons of living in a house with poor sunlight, and tips for living comfortably even with limited sunlight.
Use this as a reference when choosing your home.
Characteristics of Houses by Orientation
Sunlight exposure tends to be influenced by a house's orientation.
Let's start by looking at the different characteristics of houses based on their direction.
Characteristics of East-Facing Houses
East-facing houses, depending on conditions such as nearby buildings and room floor levels, tend to receive sunlight from the morning even in winter.
Laundry hung in the morning also dries more easily.
In summer, direct afternoon sunlight is less likely to enter, so rooms don't become excessively hot.
However, sunlight is blocked from early afternoon onward, making rooms darker.
Therefore, lighting becomes necessary.
Consequently, east-facing houses are recommended for people who:
- Want to be active from early morning
- Dislike summer heat
- Are often away from home until evening or night due to work
Characteristics of West-Facing Houses
West-facing houses have poor sunlight in the morning but receive light in the afternoon.
In summer, the afternoon western sun can cause room temperatures to rise.
As a result, cooling efficiency decreases, potentially leading to higher electricity bills.
On the other hand, in winter, it becomes easier to maintain room temperature, saving on heating costs.
Considering these factors, west-facing houses are recommended for people who:
- Work night shifts and live a nocturnal lifestyle
- Spend little time at home during the day
- Prefer warm rooms as they tend to feel cold easily
Characteristics of South-Facing Houses
South-facing houses enjoy long daylight hours throughout the year.
It's easier to maintain a bright interior from morning to evening.
Houses with living rooms or balconies on the south side are highly popular, and many properties have higher rent.
However, furniture and flooring exposed to sunlight can fade and deteriorate, which requires caution.
Reflected light from windows can also make it difficult to watch television.
Additionally, indoor temperatures tend to be higher compared to houses facing other directions.
Therefore, south-facing houses are recommended for people who:
- Work from home and spend long hours indoors during the day
- Have a lot of laundry and want to dry it on the balcony
- Prefer warm rooms
Characteristics of North-Facing Houses
Considering orientation alone, north-facing houses have the poorest sunlight.
This is because sunlight rarely enters the interior throughout the day.
As a result, you may need to use lighting even during the day and keep the heating on all day since room temperatures are hard to raise.
However, the lack of direct sunlight also means rooms stay cooler.
There is also less concern about floors and furniture fading from sun exposure.
For detached houses, creating a garden in the rear allows you to enjoy barbecues and other activities without worrying about being seen.
Since entrances are often on the north side, you can place a spacious living room on the south side.
For these reasons, north-facing houses are recommended for people who:
- Want to create a garden behind their home
- Spend little time at home during the day
Beyond Orientation: Other Factors That Affect Sunlight
Some people think that orientation is the only factor affecting a home's sunlight.
However, there are other elements beyond orientation that influence sunlight, and it's important to understand them when choosing a home.
Let's explain what specific factors can affect sunlight exposure.
Number and Size of Windows
The number and size of windows are major factors that influence sunlight quality.
Even a house facing a direction with good sunlight won't receive any if it has no windows.
Even a house facing a poor direction for sunlight can let in more natural light by intentionally adding more windows or installing larger ones.
Since the direction from which light enters rooms changes with the time of day, it's also important to check whether each room has windows.
Rooms with east-facing windows receive morning sun and are suitable for bedrooms, while rooms with west-facing windows are brighter in the afternoon and suitable for children's rooms.
Rooms without windows or with small windows are ideal for storing books, paintings, and computers.
Because sunlight enters differently depending on room position even in the same house, it's best to choose a home considering the overall layout and orientation.
Considering these points, it's clear that the number and size of windows are just as important as the house's orientation.
For rental properties where you cannot add windows, make sure to check the orientation, number, and size of windows during the viewing.
This will greatly reduce the chance of regret after moving in.
Surrounding Environment
The surrounding environment is also a factor that affects sunlight, so check it during the viewing.
If there are apartment buildings, condominiums, or three-story houses nearby, sunlight tends to be blocked.
Even if there are no current issues, vacant lots nearby could potentially have tall buildings constructed.
If concerned, check regulations such as north-side slope restrictions and shadow regulations.
North-side slope restrictions are regulations designed to ensure that buildings on the north side can secure sunlight from the south.
They apply in first and second category low-rise exclusive residential zones, first and second category mid-to-high-rise exclusive residential zones, and rural residential zones.
Shadow regulations are designed to prevent situations where tall buildings like condominiums create shadows on neighboring properties.
They apply when certain conditions are met, such as being in a first or second category low-rise exclusive residential zone and within an area regulated by the prefecture or similar authority.
What Are the Effects of Living in a House With Poor Sunlight?
Some people may feel that living in a house with poor sunlight is not a problem.
However, the effects of living in such a house are not negligible.
Next, let's explore what effects can be expected.
Humidity Tends to Build Up
Houses with poor sunlight inevitably tend to accumulate humidity.
As high humidity persists, mold becomes more likely to develop.
When sunlight hits surfaces, the temperature of the ground and exterior walls rises, causing moisture to evaporate and maintain a dry state.
In such conditions, humidity typically does not build up indoors.
When mold develops easily or condensation forms readily, it can also damage the house.
Mold can also negatively affect human health, so if you live in a home where humidity easily accumulates, don't neglect moisture control measures.
While the symptoms caused by mold vary from person to person, common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and dizziness.
Furthermore, mycotoxins produced by mold are said to adversely affect the kidneys and liver, so long-term health problems cannot be entirely ruled out.
Higher Utility Costs
Living in a house with poor sunlight means you'll need to keep lights on for longer, increasing electricity costs. In winter, since rooms are harder to warm, heating costs also rise.
Utility costs are generally said to be higher for winter heating than summer cooling, so there can be a significant difference between houses with good and poor sunlight.
Additionally, since you may need to keep lights on even during the day, electricity costs tend to be higher in houses with poor sunlight.
Disrupted Daily Rhythm
Sunlight plays a role in regulating our body clock.
It is said that exposure to sunlight every morning naturally improves our daily rhythm.
Living in a house with poor sunlight reduces opportunities to be exposed to sunlight, which could make it harder to wake up in the morning or cause difficulty sleeping at night.
Laundry Takes Longer to Dry
When the entire house has poor sunlight, laundry becomes harder to dry.
There may also be situations where you want to air out futons but cannot.
While balconies are typically placed in directions with good sunlight, in areas with densely packed houses, sunlight can be poor regardless of orientation.
As a result, the drawbacks of slow-drying laundry and inability to air out futons arise.
Is It True There Are Benefits? Advantages of Living in a House With Poor Sunlight
Many people think living in a house with poor sunlight has nothing but disadvantages.
While there are certainly drawbacks, there are also benefits.
Next, let's highlight some of these advantages.
Lower Rent
Land with poor sunlight tends to have lower land prices.
Apartments and rental detached houses built on such land are also likely to have lower rent.
Even when renting rather than building, you need a substantial amount of money for initial costs and other expenses.
Since these costs often fluctuate based on rent, the benefit of living in a lower-rent property is significant.
The benefit of lower land costs is also significant when building a home.
If building your own home, you can expect good lighting with clever solutions like skylights or windows placed at higher positions.
Cool in Summer, Saving on Cooling Costs
Houses with good sunlight require air conditioning to be comfortable in summer.
However, with poor sunlight, there's a high possibility of significantly saving on summer cooling costs.
It becomes less likely to feel stuffy when coming home from work, making comfortable living easier.
Since the risk of heatstroke exists not only outdoors but also indoors, reducing this risk is also an advantage.
However, lighting will be needed due to the lack of sunlight.
Therefore, try to choose lighting fixtures with high energy efficiency.
Less Concern About Being Seen
In many cases, poor sunlight is caused by being surrounded by other houses or having block walls nearby.
This is because sunlight gets blocked.
Houses facing roads have good sunlight but draw attention, requiring measures like keeping curtains closed, surrounding with hedges or block walls.
This negates the benefits of good sunlight.
However, in a house with inherently poor sunlight, you can open curtains without worrying about the gaze of passersby or cars.
Easier to Adjust Lighting Brightness
With poor sunlight, it becomes easier to adjust lighting brightness.
In houses with good sunlight, it's difficult to set the right brightness level due to strong sunlight.
You may need to close curtains when TV or computer screens become hard to see due to sunlight.
Strong sunlight also strains the eyes, leading to eye fatigue more easily.
Such stress is less likely in houses with poor sunlight.
Furniture and Floors Are Less Prone to Sun Damage
Poor sunlight means less direct sunlight enters the home.
Therefore, you can enjoy the benefit of furniture and floors being less prone to sun damage.
Sun damage may require floor replacement or furniture replacement, increasing expenses.
Floor replacement sometimes needs to be done entirely rather than partially, potentially leading to unexpectedly high costs.
In a house where floors and furniture don't fade from sun exposure, you can keep expenses down.
Easier to Enjoy Indoor Hobbies
Direct sunlight through windows is extremely bright.
Excessive outside light can interfere with reading books or playing games.
As mentioned, it also affects eye fatigue, so there are many situations where one appreciates having a house with poor sunlight.
For people who handle musical instruments or art supplies, poor sunlight can also be an advantage.
This is because instruments and art supplies are best stored away from direct sunlight.
Managing them also requires more effort, so some people intentionally choose houses with poor sunlight.
While humidity control is still necessary, avoiding direct sunlight is a significant benefit.
Tips for Living Brightly and Comfortably Even With Poor Sunlight
Properties with poor sunlight come with various disadvantages such as reduced comfort and slow-drying laundry.
However, with the right approach, it's possible to live brightly and comfortably.
Here are some tips for comfortable living even in properties with poor sunlight.
Find what works for you and give it a try.
Switch to Brighter Lighting
If sunlight doesn't reach the interior easily, consider changing your lighting.
LED lighting, in particular, provides strong light output and can brighten rooms effectively.
Since bulbs vary in color tone and brightness, choose based on room shape and lighting height.
Also, LED lighting has the added benefit of reducing electricity costs.
While some may worry about electricity costs from keeping lights on, LEDs use only about 1/10 the electricity of traditional incandescent bulbs.
They brighten rooms while keeping electricity costs down, so consider installing them.
If brightness is still insufficient, adding additional lighting is also recommended.
Simply placing floor lamps at room corners, staircases, and hallways can brighten the entire home.
Many designs are stylish, so they can also serve as interior decor.
Choose Bright-Colored Interior
Simply adjusting your interior can also brighten a room.
Placing many dark-colored items in black, brown, or navy makes the entire room appear darker.
If you want a brighter home, coordinating with light colors like white, beige, pink, or yellow creates an overall bright impression.
Light also reflects off these colors, so pay attention to interior color choices when aiming for a bright space.
Optimize Your Balcony
In the era before electricity and lighting, people would spread white sand in gardens to reflect moonlight and bring light indoors.
Similarly, if you have a veranda or balcony, spreading white sand or gravel can brighten your room.
White sand and gravel reflect sunlight and moonlight, bringing brightness indoors.
However, some properties may not allow this due to evacuation concerns during disasters or falling hazards.
Check in advance before installation.
Use Screens and Shades
Using screens and shades that naturally let in sunlight is also recommended.
Installing curtains tends to block sunlight from entering indoors.
However, using translucent shades or shoji-style screens provides privacy while maintaining light.
They also look great, making them ideal for those wanting a stylish interior.
Change Your Curtains
If sunlight is poor, consider installing curtains that let light through rather than blackout curtains.
Lace curtains allow outdoor brightness to reach indoors even with poor sunlight.
However, interiors may be visible from outside since they are see-through.
Choosing privacy curtains with view-blocking properties allows you to brighten the interior while blocking outside views.
Place Mirrors in Rooms
Placing mirrors in rooms to reflect sunlight and brighten the interior is also recommended.
When placed near windows, you can adjust the degree of reflection by changing the mirror's angle and position, brightening the room.
Mirrors come in various types, including standing mirrors and wall-mounted types.
Choose the type of mirror that suits the room or space you want to brighten.
Display Houseplants
Once you've brightened your room through interior and curtain adjustments, add houseplants to create an even brighter atmosphere.
They add a refreshing feel and make the space visually brighter.
However, you need to choose shade-tolerant houseplants that can grow without direct sunlight.
- Spider Plant
- Parlor Palm
- Pothos (Lime variety)
- Ficus microcarpa (Gajumaru)
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
- Monstera, etc.
Find your favorite houseplants and display them.
Ventilate Regularly
Houses with poor sunlight tend to accumulate humidity.
Since it causes mold and can damage the house, thorough humidity control is essential.
When spending time at home, ventilate regularly to prevent humidity from building up.
Install a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is also recommended for humidity control.
Simply choosing and installing a dehumidifier appropriate for your room size will remove excess moisture.
When drying laundry indoors, using a dehumidifier along with a circulator prevents humidity buildup and helps laundry dry faster.
Use Moisture Absorbers
If you want to control humidity while keeping electricity costs down, try using moisture absorbers.
Various types are available, so choose based on your intended use and placement location.
- Container-Type Moisture Absorbers
Freestanding container-type absorbers can be placed in closets, wardrobes, and shoe cabinets.
Water collects in the tank, allowing you to see how much moisture has been absorbed, making it easy to know when to replace them.
Be careful not to place them in high or unstable locations, as the container could tip and spill.
- Sheet-Type Moisture Absorbers
Sheet-type absorbers can be used in areas where humidity tends to accumulate, such as under futons, on beds, and in storage cases.
Some types change color when saturated, making it easy to know when to replace them.
Using absorbers with deodorizing properties helps prevent unpleasant odors from stored clothing and bedding.
- Hanger-Type Moisture Absorbers
These closet-friendly absorbers simply hang from the clothes rail for effective dehumidification.
If clothing absorbs too much moisture, mold can develop.
Since odors are also a concern, consider using these to protect important garments.
Properties With Good Sunlight Regardless of Orientation
If you're looking for a home with good sunlight, what should you focus on during your property search?
Here, we'll introduce properties that offer good sunlight and comfortable living.
Use these as reference to find a bright living space.
Maisonette Properties With Living Room on the Second Floor
Even south-facing properties facing a road can make it difficult to open curtains or windows due to privacy concerns.
If you can't enjoy the benefits of good sunlight, it defeats the purpose.
However, in maisonette-type properties with a second-floor living room, you can open curtains and windows without worrying about passersby.
Being higher up means more sunlight enters, allowing you to enjoy a bright living room.
High-Rise Apartments
South-facing properties offer good sunlight and comfortable, bright living.
However, if tall buildings surround the property, they block sunlight and make rooms darker.
Therefore, high-rise apartments, which are less affected by surrounding buildings, can make rooms brighter since nothing blocks the sunlight.
Apartments above the 10th floor tend to receive sunlight even from directions other than south, enabling bright living.
Conversely, some properties may receive too much sunlight and become excessively hot, so check carefully during viewings.
Corner Units With Windows on Two Sides
Even non-south-facing properties can be bright if they are corner units with windows on two sides.
Even without direct sunlight, light entering through windows provides sufficient illumination.
Good ventilation also means opening windows alone can help control humidity.
If you're having trouble finding a south-facing property with good sunlight, look for corner units with windows on two sides.
Doors Made of Glass
The type of interior doors also affects room brightness.
Doors with glass allow sunlight to pass through to other rooms and hallways, brightening the entire home.
In addition to layout and orientation, pay attention to the materials used when searching for properties.
Properties With Good Ventilation Are Also Recommended!
Wind direction varies by season.
Spring, summer, and autumn generally bring southern winds, while winter brings northern winds.
Therefore, if windows are installed on both the south and north sides, the room will have good ventilation year-round.
Natural air circulation ensures comfortable living conditions.
Corner units in particular tend to have more windows, so many offer good ventilation.
Methods to Reduce Excessive Sunlight
While houses with good sunlight are bright and comfortable, excessive sunlight can cause sun damage to interiors and furniture, as well as making rooms too hot.
Intense sunlight raises indoor temperatures, leading to higher electricity costs from running air conditioning.
Here, we'll explain methods to reduce excessive sunlight.
Use these tips to create a comfortable living space.
Install Heat-Blocking Curtains
Consider using heat-blocking curtains to prevent rooms from becoming too hot due to strong sunlight.
They work by reflecting radiant heat from the sun outward, preventing indoor temperatures from rising.
Excessive heat compromises comfort.
Consider using them to reduce costs as well.
Use Bamboo Blinds (Sudare)
Bamboo blinds (sudare), woven from bamboo or straw, have been used in Japan since ancient times.
While they block sunlight, they allow wind to pass through gaps, enabling ventilation while controlling the amount of sunlight entering the room.
The nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Japanese summers is another benefit.
Apply Heat-Blocking Film
Applying heat-blocking film to window glass helps block heat from sunlight.
Plain films are available, as well as ones with decorative designs, allowing you to create a stylish atmosphere.
However, special glass or wired glass may experience thermal cracking, which can break the glass.
Use heat-blocking films compatible with special glass to cut sunlight.
Set Up a Green Curtain
Growing climbing plants such as morning glories, bitter melon (goya), or loofah in place of curtains is also effective for blocking sunlight.
They provide a calming plant effect and a refreshing feel.
Bitter melon can also be harvested and eaten.
While growing them requires effort and time, the joy of watching them grow makes it a great activity to do with children.
Use Sun Shades
To block sunlight from the balcony or veranda, sun shades are also recommended.
They are installed outside windows to provide shade protection.
Using heat-blocking sun shades is also effective against heat.
They maintain ventilation while blocking summer sunlight, creating a comfortable space.
Use Honeycomb Screens
Honeycomb screens are items with a cross-section shaped like a honeycomb structure.
They block outside air from entering and indoor air from escaping, providing excellent heat-blocking and insulation properties.
During hot seasons, air conditioning keeps rooms cool, but if outside air enters or indoor air escapes, the air conditioning may not work effectively.
However, using honeycomb screens improves air conditioning efficiency, making it easier to feel cool.
They are also effective as an energy-saving measure.
In this article, we've explained the characteristics of houses by orientation, factors that affect sunlight, and the effects of living in a house with poor sunlight.
Poor sunlight can lead to humidity buildup and pose health risks.
Laundry becomes harder to dry, affecting daily life.
However, houses with poor sunlight also offer various benefits, such as lower rent and staying cool in summer.
Understanding the effects and benefits of poor sunlight can help in your property search.
If you live in a house with poor sunlight, try the lighting and interior tips we've introduced to create a brighter space.
Combined with humidity control measures, you can transform your home into a comfortable living space.
Use these tips to create an enjoyable living environment.
