Skylights are an effective way to bring natural light into a space in a interesting way. As well, they can make a big difference in making the space feel more open. The sky is endless, and including skylights makes your ceiling endless too.
Skylights got a bad reputation in the 70s & 80s because of all the potential problems they had: leaking, sweating, rotting, cracking (just to name a few). But from the ashes we rise... a lot has been learned and skylights today are made better than ever. Many companies today are selling reputable and quality skylights. These skylights also come with a lot of technology we didn't see in the 70s and 80s, like shading systems, rain censors, and venting units.
Visually, you will find they are becoming very clean-lined and seamless. In general, there has been a movement (away from the 70s & 80s) to obscure the (literal) wall between the interior and exterior. More and more, we are bringing nature into the home, with plants, windows, and SKYLIGHTS. The more seam-less the skylight, the more obscure the exterior is from the interior!
Good places to incorporate skylights:
- interior rooms - rooms that do not have access to exterior walls for windows, like foyers, stairwells and hallways
- additions - often times, with an addition you will be extending that roof line out (and down) which can diminish the amount of light available to the space, a skylight can really keep that space open
- kitchens - this can really open up your kitchen to nature, as well has create good focal areas for parts of the room (over the island/dining area)
- bathrooms - bathrooms are often smaller rooms in the house, incorporating skylights can really open these small spaces up - a great place to incorporate them is over an otherwise dark shower
- upstairs bedrooms - some times these rooms have strong pitched ceilings - once again, this is a great way to open up a small or cramped space
Some things to consider when choosing/installing your skylight:
- get it from a good source
- consider how you plan to clean it as well as shade it
- consider your coordinates and the direction the sun will shine throughout the day
- have an experienced professional install it
- most skylights are meant to be installed on sloped roofs of at least 15 degrees
- incorporate the proper flashing neccessary
With all that in mind, here are a few skylights you won't be able to live without. And then He said let there be SKY-light!
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