North Facing Window (medium to low, indirect light) - North facing windows receive the least amount of light. These windows don't receive any direct sunlight and work well for plants with low light requirements like ferns.
North Facing Window - Medium to bright indirect light. I keep a lot of my "low light" plants near this window in my home (I also have a building that blocks this light). Northeast Facing Window - Medium to bright indirect light.
A north-facing window receives the least amount of sunlight. The light that comes from these windows can be bright; however, never direct. That's why a north-facing window is only a good option if you have a low-light plant. Plants have evolved to do well in various environments.
To provide your plant with indirect sunlight, consider the following tips: Location: Place your plant near a window that receives bright, filtered light. East-facing windows are great for morning sun, while north-facing windows typically provide indirect light throughout the day.
Lighting and Temperature Considerations
North-facing windows receive indirect light, which makes them ideal for spaces where you want even illumination without the intense heat or glare from direct sun exposure.
North-facing gardens get the least amount of sun exposure. If they're close to your home, they might be entirely shaded all day. Many shade-tolerant plants can easily thrive in a north-facing garden, like hibiscus and plumbago, or salad greens like spinach, arugula, and lettuce.
Windows that face north receive natural light all day but don't receive direct sunlight. Light-colored decor and window treatments in rooms with north-facing windows can help take advantage of this gentle light. Interior shutters are a great way to take advantage of the indirect sunlight from north-facing windows.
Plants that need bright, indirect light do well in east-facing windows. West Facing Window (afternoon sun, hot and bright) - Western windows will receive more indirect light in the early morning and early afternoon.
Indirect lighting is unsuitable for activities that require concentration and high vision. Due to the soft effect of indirect light, it can cause eye fatigue. Therefore, we do not recommend indirect lighting in offices unless there is another bright light source, such as a UGR <19 luminaire.
Indirect light is light that is filtered by a shade, sheer curtains, or the leaves on a tree outside the window. It can also refer to light that is reflected off a nearby surface (a light colored wall, for example).
Light. Household light varies in intensity, depending on the season and the exposure. South-facing windows provide the most light: direct sunlight within 2 to 3 feet of the window; bright, indirect sunlight up to 5 feet from the window; and semi-shade up to 8 feet away from the window.
Plants enhance air quality and ambiance, but their placement affects energy flow according to practices like Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui. Avoid placing plants in the southwest and northeast directions, as those areas harbor different energy dynamics crucial for harmony and growth.
If you need to know how to tell if a room is north, east, south or west-facing then you're going to need a compass (hang on, Columbus, your phone has one). Aim at the largest windows in the room and whichever way the dial points: that is the orientation of your room.
North-facing windows are the best-facing windows for plants like the Monstera, which can tolerate a low light condition.
Direct sunlight can scorch the plant's delicate leaves. The Golden Pothos leaves develop unsightly brown patches with regular exposure to direct sunlight. So, it matters to place this plant near a north or east-facing window where it can bask in gentle, filtered sunlight. If your home is dimly lit, don't worry.
Morning sun is tends to be superior to afternoon sun because it will dry dew from leaves of the plant, which reduces disease, and it is cooler. Most plants, even those that tolerate full sun, will appreciate even momentary respite from the afternoon sun.
To achieve bright indirect light, it's best to move the plant about 1 to 2 feet away from the window. An east-facing window is ideal for plants that need bright indirect light, as is a west-facing window (so long as the plant is not in the immediate path of the sun's hot afternoon rays).
The golden rule here is that you want to focus the light where it matters. In your living room, for example, you may want smaller lights to illuminate artwork and bookshelves, a bright reading light for when you curl up with a good book, and pools of soft ambient light to set the mood for watching movies.
The sun shines onto the lake and the trees, making the water look like it's shimmering and the leaves appear bright green. That's direct lighting. And though the trees cast shadows, sunlight still bounces off the ground and other trees, casting light on the shady area around you. That's indirect lighting.
North-facing windows receive the least light and are the weakest and coolest. East-facing windows receive light in the morning and are weak and cool. West-facing windows receive light in the afternoon and are strong and hot. Now, what does that all mean?
South-facing rooms are the brightest in the house and offer consistent natural light all day. South-facing rooms boost your Light Index during the winter when there is less sunlight and gives you even more access to sunlight during the summer months.
The simple answer is yes, you can both tan and burn through windows. A window does filter out some UV rays but not all of them, leading to the misconception that they offer complete protection. Windows only provide partial shielding, leaving individuals vulnerable to sun damage through glass.
North-facing windows are the ideal orientation for larger, regularly-used rooms, such as lounge rooms, living and dining areas, and the kitchen. Positioning your windows to the north allows you to receive sun and warmth from sunrise to sunset. It's ideal for receiving more winter sun to keep your home warmer in winter.
Some artificial light feels cold and stark in north facing light, but likewise choosing a bulb that is too yellow can make a room feel heavy. A soft natural light, and in particular daylight bulbs, will help maximise light in your north facing room. A variety of lamps will also help to create pools of ambient lighting.
While your north-facing windows offer the lowest, most diffuse light. And continuing around, the east gives you the morning sun, which is a bit less intense than the hot afternoon sun of the west. Keep in mind, these guidelines assume your windows directly face each cardinal direction.