Sensational Skylights: Light Up Your Home Life
One of these amazing skylight ideas could be just what you need to turn your house into a light-filled oasis
Joanna Tovia
18 July 2014
Houzz editorial team. Photojournalist specialising in design, travel and living well. Follow her photodocumentary about pets and the people who love them on Instagram @unfoldingtails
Houzz editorial team. Photojournalist specialising in design, travel and living well.... More
Skylights have come a long way from the days of a simple square window installed into the ceiling. They are now standout architectural features that can flood any room of the house with sun and natural light, and that can be nothing short of life-changing. These ideas are sure to have you thinking about options for your house.
Circle of light. The great thing about skylights is that they let in a lot of light without compromising on privacy. This round marvel dominates the room in the best possible way, and the rounded edges serve to soften the whole room.
Sky wash. Powder rooms are often tiny and dark, but this one is positively uplifting thanks to that generous skylight. In case you were wondering, the glass ceiling is limited to the vanity area – the toilet offers the privacy you’d hope for.
Sunshower. If it isn’t possible to have a bathroom wall of windows to let in the light, a skylight could be the solution you need. Showering in this bathroom would be quite the experience.
Showering in this bathroom would also be just as fabulous – in the morning or under the starry night sky.
Living well. Do you gravitate to the most light-filled areas of your home? Skylights tend to act like magnets and vastly increase the living space people actually use.
Triple treat. Why stop at one skylight when multiple installations could make your living room even lovelier? The timber work on this ceiling turns these skylights into highlights.
On purpose. Echoing the shape of a knockout skylight makes it feel less of a functional addition and more of a feature worth celebrating. The round light fitting over the dining table fulfils this mission beautifully.
Hall halo. Skylights installed over a stairwell brighten both upstairs and downstairs areas and add architectural interest to boot.
Undercover. The outdoors may not be an obvious installation location for skylights, but this house shows just how well it can work.
Natural phenomenon. Ever tried cooking in a dimly lit kitchen? Very frustrating. Skylights are the answer, of course. Chopping and stirring beneath natural light is far more pleasant than in kitchens awash in artificial light – save that for night-time and install dimmer switches to set the mood.
Related Stories
Decorating
10 Reasons Lighting Design is More Important Than You Think
By Omar Shahab
It's often an afterthought, but lighting can make your project sing – and designers often pay for themselves with smart design solutions
Full Story
Decorating
15 Must-Know Contemporary Lights and Their Illuminating Designs
These contemporary pendants and lamps are fast becoming design classics
Full Story
Decorating
Shining the Light on Good Lighting Design
By Melanie Shaw
Whether you're hiring a professional lighting designer or tackling the job yourself, here are 10 of the most important things to consider
Full Story
Lighting
50 Clever and Cosy Lighting Set-Ups Around the World
These lighting schemes leverage layering and gorgeous design to create a cosy ambiance for every room and mood
Full Story
Most Popular
From Planning to Pendants: Kitchen Lighting Essentials
By Joanna Tovia
This valuable guide will give you all you need to know about choosing kitchen lighting for fabulous form and function
Full Story
Most Popular
Uh-Oh, You Bought a Cave: 7 Ways to Lighten Up a Dark Home
How one homeowner used windows, doors, mirrors and skylights to bring light into her dark, dark home
Full Story
Kitchens
9 Ways to Illuminate Your Kitchen Without Relying on Downlights
By Kate Burt
From industrial wall sconces and giant pendants to tiny globes, see how UK Houzz designers are lighting kitchens
Full Story
For Pros
10 Contemporary Lighting Trends for 2022 From New York
Linear, colourful and flexible lighting illuminated the recent ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan trade events
Full Story
Building Components
3 Reasons to Love Recessed Downlights... and Mistakes to Avoid
By David Warfel
Consider these pros and cons before including recessed lighting in your interior design
Full Story
Home Offices
4 Ways to Ensure Your Home Office Has Best-Practice Lighting
By David Warfel
Get the right mix of natural, task and accent lighting to increase your productivity and relaxation
Full Story
I've just come back to revisit this page to get more ideas for a skylight we desperately need in our hallway. However I am always concerned with the heat coming in during summer, none of these photos show any form of protection from that.
Solar tubes are very inexpensive and make a huge change in the amount of light. They don’t let in heat. We have two in Melbourne where we have some 40 plus degree days ( Celsius) and they don’t let in any extra heat. We love them.