Learn the best palace to position your skylight to maximise natural light and performance in our helpful blog.
Understanding skylight types
A skylight is an architectural feature that brings natural light into a building through the roof, creating a brighter, more inviting space below.
Unlike pitched roof windows, which typically open outward and are installed on sloped roofs, skylights are usually positioned higher and designed primarily to increase natural light.
There are several types of skylights, each offering advantages depending on the room and purpose.
Fixed skylights are non-vented and perfect for spaces like hallways, living rooms, or any area that needs constant natural light without ventilation.
Opening skylights, on the other hand, can open and close, allowing airflow in addition to light, making them ideal for moisture-prone rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.
Bathroom skylights are compact and suited for spaces like small and large bathrooms, where they channel light effectively without taking up much ceiling space.
Considerations for skylight positioning
Positioning skylights thoughtfully is crucial for optimising natural light and comfort within a space.
Sunlight orientation is a key factor, as skylights facing different directions offer unique lighting and heating effects:
- North-facing skylights provide consistent, soft light with minimal heat, making them ideal for spaces requiring balanced daylight.
- South-facing skylights capture maximum light and warmth, perfect for colder rooms, though additional glazing may be needed to reduce overheating in summer.
- East-facing skylights: These capture the morning sun, making them ideal for spaces like kitchens where early light can enhance productivity.
- West-facing skylights: These provide afternoon and evening light, which works well for living rooms or extensions where evening relaxation or socializing takes place.
Room function and layout also influence skylight placement. In living rooms, skylights positioned to maximise ambient light can create a welcoming atmosphere.
In kitchens, positioning skylights over work areas can improve task lighting.
Meanwhile, ceiling height and roof pitch add structural considerations, as steeper roof pitches or vaulted ceilings can open up more positioning options, while flatter roofs may limit placement angles.
Popular locations for skylights
Living rooms
Living rooms are often the heart of the home, where families gather and spend quality time.
Installing skylights in these areas can significantly enhance natural light, making the space feel larger, more open, and inviting.
By adding skylights in your living room, you’ll create a welcoming environment where you can truly relax.
Kitchens
Kitchens benefit greatly from additional lighting, as they are spaces where functionality and visibility are essential.
Skylights in the kitchen provide natural light that enhances visibility while cooking, dining, or entertaining.
They also add an aesthetic dimension, giving the kitchen an airy and stylish feel.
When strategically positioned, kitchen skylights can help reduce dependency on artificial lights during the day, promoting energy efficiency.
Bathrooms
Skylights are an ideal choice for bathrooms, where privacy and natural lighting are equally important. Placing a skylight in the bathroom allows natural light to fill the space without compromising privacy, as it eliminates the need for large, open windows that could overlook neighbouring properties.
Skylights in bathrooms also offer a way to ventilate excess moisture, reducing the risk of mould growth and keeping the room fresh.
Learn 12 ways to improve ventilation in a room.
Extensions
Home extensions, whether they serve as additional living spaces, offices, or sunrooms, are perfect candidates for skylights.
Extensions often benefit from natural light to create a bright atmosphere, making the new space feel integrated with the rest of the home.
Skylights in these areas allow for maximum daylight exposure, giving the extension a light and airy feel that enhances its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
These can include conservatory skylights and orangery roof lanterns, as well as flat rooflights for more traditional extensions.
Making skylights energy efficient
Using natural daylight
Strategic skylight placement allows you to maximise natural daylight, lessening the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Rooms like kitchens, living rooms, and extensions are often the most beneficial areas for daylight-focused skylights.
Balancing heat gain & loss
To make the most of the skylights for passive heating in the colder months and cooling in warmer seasons, consider the direction and features of your skylights.
For example:
- Winter Benefits: Skylights positioned to receive more sunlight during winter can help warm a room naturally, reducing the need for heating.
- Summer Considerations: Skylights with special features like Low-E glass can help decrease excess heat gain, preventing rooms from overheating in summer.
Low-E glass is designed to reflect heat while still allowing light to pass through, making it an ideal choice for energy-conscious homes.
Avoiding common skylight placement mistakes
Excessive glare
Poor skylight placement can lead to excessive glare, causing uncomfortable brightness and potential hotspots in your living space.
This is common when skylights are positioned in direct line with strong sunlight during peak hours, such as west-facing skylights that catch the intense afternoon sun.
To avoid this, consider the sun’s path throughout the day and position skylights in a way that provides a balanced light.
Overheating
If positioned without consideration for heat and UV exposure, skylights can contribute to overheating and potentially damage furniture and flooring over time.
South-facing skylights, for example, receive more direct sunlight, which can cause heat build-up, especially during summer months.
To mitigate this, choose Low-E or UV-blocking glazing, which helps reduce heat transfer and protects interiors from UV rays.
Contact Toughened Glass Systems
Considering skylights for your home or extension?
Our experts at Toughened Glass Systems are here to help. Our team understands the importance of placing skylights strategically to increase natural light.
Whether you’re adding skylights to a new extension, upgrading existing rooms, or seeking advice on the best skylight types and positioning, we offer tailored solutions to suit your needs.
Contact us today to explore our range of skylight options, or explore our collection below: