Brightening Every Corner: Where to Install Sun Tubes in Your Kiwi Home
Kia ora, sunshine seekers! So, you’ve decided to bring a bit of that beautiful New Zealand sky into your home with sun tubes. But where exactly should you put these miniature marvels? Let’s take a room-by-room tour of your typical Kiwi home and find the perfect spots to let the light shine in.
1. The Heart of the Home: Kitchen
Your kitchen is where the magic happens, and good lighting is crucial. Consider installing sun tubes:
- Above the kitchen island for task lighting
- Over the sink to brighten up dishwashing duty
- In a pantry to help you easily spot that elusive jar of Marmite
Pro tip: In larger kitchens, multiple sun tubes can create an even wash of natural light, perfect for those early morning flat white preparations.
2. The Clean and Bright: Bathroom
Bathrooms often lack windows for privacy reasons, making them ideal candidates for sun tubes. Install them:
- Above the vanity for perfect makeup application lighting
- Over the shower for a refreshing, naturally lit bathing experience
- In smaller powder rooms to make the space feel larger and more inviting
Kiwi hack: Use sun tubes with dimmers in the bathroom for those middle-of-the-night trips when you don’t want to be fully woken up.
3. The Cozy Nook: Home Office
With more Kiwis working from home, a well-lit office space is essential. Consider sun tubes:
- Above your desk for glare-free natural light
- In a corner reading area for the perfect book nook
- Near your craft or hobby area for detailed work
Remember: Proper lighting can boost productivity and reduce eye strain during those long video calls with your colleagues across the Tasman.
4. The Grand Entrance: Hallway
Many Kiwi homes, especially older villas, have long, dark hallways. Brighten them up with:
- Evenly spaced sun tubes along the length of the hallway
- A larger sun tube or cluster at the end of the hallway to draw the eye
- Sun tubes near entranceways to create a welcoming first impression
Bonus: Well-lit hallways can showcase your kids’ artwork or that prized rugby memorabilia.
5. The Laundry Lifesaver
Let’s face it, laundry is more bearable in a bright, cheerful space. Install sun tubes:
- Above the washing machine and dryer for better visibility
- Over a folding area to help you match those tricky sock pairs
- In a drying room to aid in natural, energy-efficient clothes drying
Eco-tip: Natural light in the laundry can help you spot stains more easily, potentially saving water and energy on rewashes.
6. The Restful Retreat: Bedroom
While you might not want your bedroom flooded with light, strategic sun tube placement can be wonderful:
- In walk-in closets for better outfit selection
- Near dressing areas for optimal natural light
- In ensuite bathrooms for a spa-like feel
Kiwi consideration: If you’re in Invercargill or other southern areas with long summer days, consider sun tubes with dimmers or covers for those nights when the sun just won’t quit.
7. The Family Hub: Living Room
Living rooms often have windows, but sun tubes can supplement natural light in:
- Dark corners to eliminate shadows
- Over reading nooks or piano areas
- In media rooms where controlled natural light is desired
Summer tip: In places like Nelson or Gisborne with high sunshine hours, strategically placed sun tubes can reduce the need for artificial lighting almost year-round.
8. The Bonus Spaces
Don’t forget about those unique Kiwi home features:
- Brighten up the rumpus room for year-round play
- Install in the garage for better visibility during DIY projects
- Consider for covered decks or sunrooms to enhance indoor-outdoor flow
Installation Tips for Kiwi Homes
- Consider roof pitch and orientation – north-facing installations generally work best in NZ.
- Be mindful of potential heat gain in summer, especially in warmer regions like Northland.
- Check local council regulations, especially if you’re in a historic area like Napier’s Art Deco district.
Remember, every home is unique, and what works for a compact Wellington apartment might differ from a sprawling Christchurch family home. The key is to identify the darkest areas of your home and imagine where a little slice of New Zealand sky would make the biggest impact.
So, grab a cuppa, take a walk through your home, and start imagining a brighter, more naturally lit living space. With sun tubes, you’re not just installing a light fixture; you’re bringing the beauty of Aotearoa indoors. Happy brightening!