Architecture: Why Choose Skylights?
Drench your home in natural light and weave in some roof-side creativity, too, with a stylish and super-useful skylight
Jennifer Louise Ebert
24 July 2014
Houzz contributor and UK-based freelance journalist with more than 5 years experience of writing for interiors and lifestyle publications.
Houzz contributor and UK-based freelance journalist with more than 5 years experience... More
Windows do not only belong in walls. Sloping roofs and simple ceilings can also be home to them, with skylights giving a view over the sky and trees outside. Once, standard outward opening windows used in simple loft spaces were the typical skylight design, but today, we are glazing our fifth wall with real flair, installing raised windows, panels and whole roof sections in glass, for homes bathed in light and boasting the wow factor. So send your eyes to the skies and be inspired by this gorgeous collection.
Frame with wood
A trio of slanting skylights give views over the tall trees that grow outside this house. By keeping the walls neutral but panelling the ceiling with thin strips of timber that beautifully encase these simple skylights, the area from eye level upwards becomes a real design statement.
A trio of slanting skylights give views over the tall trees that grow outside this house. By keeping the walls neutral but panelling the ceiling with thin strips of timber that beautifully encase these simple skylights, the area from eye level upwards becomes a real design statement.
Run along the roof
Skylights running right along the highest point of this roof flood this open-plan kitchen and dining space with light and leave the walls free for cabinets and shelving.
Browse a selection of skylights
Skylights running right along the highest point of this roof flood this open-plan kitchen and dining space with light and leave the walls free for cabinets and shelving.
Browse a selection of skylights
Bathe in starlight
A skylight draws extra light into a bathroom without compromising privacy. Here, a window in the wall is complemented by a large skylight fitted into the deep roof. At night, you can stare at the stars while soaking.
A skylight draws extra light into a bathroom without compromising privacy. Here, a window in the wall is complemented by a large skylight fitted into the deep roof. At night, you can stare at the stars while soaking.
Follow the line
A strip of skylights forming a narrow glass roof follows the long line of this hallway. It looks wonderful, and helps illuminate this enclosed space with natural light.
A strip of skylights forming a narrow glass roof follows the long line of this hallway. It looks wonderful, and helps illuminate this enclosed space with natural light.
Fit them outdoors
Skylights don’t just benefit the inside of your home. If you are lucky enough to have a deep patio or terrace that is overhung by a roof, think about building skylights into the design. These will create snapshots of the sky above and maximise the sense of being outdoors, while still sitting under the protection of a porch.
Skylights don’t just benefit the inside of your home. If you are lucky enough to have a deep patio or terrace that is overhung by a roof, think about building skylights into the design. These will create snapshots of the sky above and maximise the sense of being outdoors, while still sitting under the protection of a porch.
Add for light and height
In addition to pulling masses of natural light into this family room, the raised skylight also adds height to the space. It makes the room seem bigger and, despite having only one other window, prevents it feeling claustrophobic or dark.
In addition to pulling masses of natural light into this family room, the raised skylight also adds height to the space. It makes the room seem bigger and, despite having only one other window, prevents it feeling claustrophobic or dark.
Team square with skinny
Skylights obviously perform a functional role, by letting light into a room, but they can also be installed for mainly aesthetic reasons. This narrow skylight does little to boost light levels, which are already well taken care of by the window and larger skylight, but it adds a nice design detail to the ceiling and softly illuminates the shelving below.
Skylights obviously perform a functional role, by letting light into a room, but they can also be installed for mainly aesthetic reasons. This narrow skylight does little to boost light levels, which are already well taken care of by the window and larger skylight, but it adds a nice design detail to the ceiling and softly illuminates the shelving below.
Think practically
Although skylights typically serve to simply boost overall light levels, when positioned above a work surface, they have a more specific, practical role. This lofty design sends natural light down onto the kitchen island below, helping to illuminate kitchen tasks.
Although skylights typically serve to simply boost overall light levels, when positioned above a work surface, they have a more specific, practical role. This lofty design sends natural light down onto the kitchen island below, helping to illuminate kitchen tasks.
Go for giant glazing
A single storey extension lends itself to generous glazing, both in the rear wall and the roof. This dramatic living space is encased in glass at the back and overhead, creating a huge sense of space – the garden and sky feel like part of the room – and making the black walls look positively bright!
Learn what you need to consider when planning a rear extension
A single storey extension lends itself to generous glazing, both in the rear wall and the roof. This dramatic living space is encased in glass at the back and overhead, creating a huge sense of space – the garden and sky feel like part of the room – and making the black walls look positively bright!
Learn what you need to consider when planning a rear extension
Select a shape
Skylights don’t have to be rectangular. This hexagonal design looks far more dynamic than a simple glass panel and captures sunlight at any hour of the day, thanks to its fully protruding position.
TELL US…
Do you have a skylight at home? What do you like about it? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Skylights don’t have to be rectangular. This hexagonal design looks far more dynamic than a simple glass panel and captures sunlight at any hour of the day, thanks to its fully protruding position.
TELL US…
Do you have a skylight at home? What do you like about it? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Related Stories
Decorating
Where Do I Start When Renovating or Redecorating My Home?
By Eva Byrne
Keen to get going on a project but not sure where to begin? Read this practical guide to getting started
Full Story
Gardens
How Do I Create a Drought-tolerant Garden?
By Kate Burt
As summers heat up, plants that need less water are increasingly desirable. Luckily, there are lots of beautiful options
Full Story
Architecture
21 Ways Designers Are Incorporating Arches Into Homes
By Kate Burt
Everywhere we look on Houzz right now, a cheeky arch pops up. How would you add this timeless architectural feature?
Full Story
Lifestyle
How to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
Want to ensure your home environment is clean and healthy? Start by assessing the quality of your air
Full Story
Gardens
Can I Have a Lawn-free Garden That’s Kind to the Environment?
Try these tips to help you plan a garden without grass that’s still leafy and eco-friendly
Full Story
Sustainability
How Can I Incorporate Biodiversity Into My Building Project?
By Kate Burt
If you’re renovating, you have a brilliant opportunity to plan in nature-friendly touches at the outset
Full Story
Lofts
How Do I Begin a Loft Conversion?
Wondering where to start when converting your loft? Ask yourself these questions to ensure you plan well
Full Story
Living Rooms
Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Living Room
By Cheryl F
It’s your main relaxation space, so what should you splurge or scrimp on in the living room?
Full Story
Architecture
Japan’s Riken Yamamoto Wins the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize
The architect is known for creating indoor-outdoor homes and buildings that foster a strong sense of community
Full Story
Working with Pros
How to Choose an Electrician
By Cheryl F
From what to ask to getting the best result possible, here’s what to know when you’re hiring an electrician
Full Story
Hi iMarc-Pro Architects! Glazing Vision's rooflights come with a full warranty, but you can also purchase a
product service agreement for long-term peace of mind and cost-effective,
ongoing care of your rooflight. Our typical product service agreement covers items such as
checking for water ingress, inspecting the glazing and silicone seals, checking
the mechanical operation of the unit and inspecting any wear to the components.
If you are wondering how to keep glass rooflights clean, then there's a good
post to read from our online shop blog: http://www.rooflights.com/blog/keeping-glass-rooflights-clean/. Let us know if you have any questions.
Vera Costa