Some people have ‘floor-to-ceiling’ windows on their apartment hunting checklist, but few consider large windows in general and natural sunlight as an important factor in the apartment search. We have heard lots of stories of people move out of other buildings because the current apartment is ‘too dark’ and has ‘tiny’ windows’, yet few people consider this as part of their initial apartment search.
Sunlight is incredibly important – physically and mentally. It helps keep your mood upbeat and optimistic. Especially, in today’s increasingly ‘work from home’ environment, having big windows and sunlight is very important.
Here are some things to consider about the importance of sunlight during your apartment hunt –
What types of apartments have large windows?
Older apartment buildings (generally pre-1975) tend to have smaller windows. This can make the space feel dark and uninviting. The same is true for even new apartment buildings that were built on a budget or poorly built.
On the other hand, an apartment with large, floor-to-ceiling windows or large floor-to-ceiling balcony sliding doors lets in a tremendous amount of sunlight and makes a huge difference to your overall living experience. Of course depending on the direction your apartment faces, as well as exterior factors (such as other buildings blocking), you may get more or less sunlight in your apartment.
What are the benefits of large windows in an apartment?
You cannot overlook the importance of natural sunlight in an apartment – providing you with a better quality of life and enhanced interiors, including:
- Instantly transforms the aesthetics of a room by bringing out design features and textures that are otherwise overlooked.
- Sunlight can have a positive impact on mental and physical health, making you feel relaxed, happy, and productive.
- Big windows help with the design elements of the apartment, making it feel larger and airier.
How to find apartments with large windows?
Now that you understand the benefits of large windows in an apartment, it’s time to start looking for apartments. If an apartment has generous floor-to-ceiling windows or sliding doors, the listing description will almost always cover this fact. Here are some ways to find out whether an apartment has large or small windows before you inspect it in person –
- Read the description carefully to check for any details about windows, sliding doors, or natural light mentioned.
- Inspect the pictures of the apartment and focus on the lighting, windows, and doors. Do they look big enough?
- Call up the landlord or listing agent and get some information on the windows and doors in the apartment so you can decide whether the apartment is worth checking or not yourself.
Pro Tip 1: Look at Google Street View to check the exterior of the building to get an idea of what the windows look like from the outside. This also gives you a realistic view of the building.
Pro Tip 2: Ask the landlord or listing agent which direction the apartment faces (as the direction of the apartment will affect the time of day sunlight is received). Also, ask to make sure the windows aren’t blocked by other buildings if you can avoid it.
When looking for apartments, you’ll ideally want something with large windows or sliding glass doors (with unblocked views) to bring in natural sunlight. If possible, stay away from tiny box windows because they can affect your mood and quality of life.
Just like other highly sought after in-unit apartment features, including, balconies, walk-in closets, central air, washer/dryer, large windows with natural light should be considered as part of a renters’ wish list.
