London’s housing stock is some of the most beautiful in the world, with Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian houses sitting nestled between striking modern designs. Despite the natural beauty of these homes, there are always ways to improve their aesthetic appeal. One such way is by installing skylights for your home in London.

Skylight windows bring in more natural light, but they can also add a design flair to a room. Choosing the right skylights for your home in London requires careful consideration. In this guide, we'll explore some of the factors you should keep in mind to make sure you choose the right skylights for your home in London.

When choosing skylights for your home in London, it's essential to think about the architectural style of your home. Traditional homes may benefit from more ornate or traditional skylight roof window designs, while modern homes may favour clean lines and minimalist aesthetics. Alternatively, you can add a modern roof skylight to a period home to blend the old with the new, creating a unique and harmonious look.

Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian Homes

For homes with Georgian, Edwardian, or Victorian architecture, consider skylights with classic designs. These might include details such as intricate frames or traditional shapes that complement the historical character of the home. Think about the materials and finishes that will blend seamlessly with existing features like mouldings, cornices, and other architectural elements.

Modern Homes

Modern homes often benefit from sleek, minimalist skylights. These skylights can have clean lines, frameless designs, and contemporary materials like aluminium or glass. The goal is to enhance the open, airy feel of modern interiors while providing ample natural light. Consider skylights with advanced glazing options that offer thermal efficiency and solar control, essential for modern energy-efficient homes.

About Size

The size of your skylight windows is crucial in determining the amount of light it lets in and its overall impact on your space.

Large Roof Skylights

Naturally, the bigger the skylight, the more light it lets in. If you have a large room or one that gets minimal light, a big skylight could work well. Large skylights can transform spaces like living rooms, kitchens, and open-plan areas by flooding them with natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

Small Roof Skylights

On the other hand, smaller skylights can be perfect for areas like hallways, bathrooms, or attics. They provide the necessary light without overwhelming the space. Additionally, smaller skylights can be strategically placed to highlight specific areas or architectural features within a room.

Proportionality

However, if you install a skylight that is too big for the space, you might bring too much light into the room, which could make it feel cold or overly bright. It's important to find the right balance. Consider the size of the room and the amount of natural light it already receives. A skylight should enhance the space, not dominate it.

If you have any doubts, speak to a professional skylight company to see what skylight they recommend for your home in London. They can provide expert advice on the appropriate size and placement to achieve the best results.

Position and Placement

London’s weather can be unpredictable, but on the days that we do get sun, you want to make the most of it.

South-Facing Skylights

A south-facing rooflights can capture more direct sunlight, making it ideal for spaces where you want to harness the bright daytime sun. This position can bring warmth and light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. However, it’s essential to consider options like solar control glazing or shades to manage heat gain during the summer months.

North-Facing Skylights

In contrast, a north-facing skylight will provide consistent light all day round, though it won’t necessarily be direct sunlight. This can create a softer, more diffused light ideal for spaces where you spend time throughout the day, such as home offices or studios. North-facing skylights can help maintain a comfortable temperature and avoid the glare of direct sunlight.

East and West-Facing Skylights

East-facing skylights capture the morning sun, filling your home with light at the start of the day. These are perfect for spaces like kitchens or breakfast nooks where you spend time in the early hours. West-facing skylights, on the other hand, will catch the afternoon and evening sun, making them great for living rooms or dining areas where you relax and entertain in the evening.

Room Function and Light Effect

Consider the function of the room, the time of day you spend most time in there, and the effect you are looking to create. For example, a bedroom might benefit from a skylight that offers a view of the stars at night, while a bathroom might need privacy features such as frosted or tinted glass.

Glazing Options

The type of glazing you choose for your skylight can significantly impact its performance and your comfort. HiSky Limited offers high-quality triple-glazed skylights, which provide excellent thermal insulation, reducing heat loss in the winter and minimising heat gain in the summer. Triple glazing also helps in reducing noise from outside, creating a quieter, more peaceful indoor environment.

Solar Control Glazing

Solar control glazing is designed to reduce the amount of solar heat entering your home. This can be particularly beneficial for south and west-facing skylights, where direct sunlight can cause overheating. By selecting skylights with solar control glazing, you can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while enjoying the benefits of natural light.

Low-E Coatings

Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are another option to consider. These coatings reflect heat back into your home during the winter, helping to keep it warm, and reflect heat out during the summer, keeping it cool. Low-E coatings can enhance the energy efficiency of your skylights, contributing to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

Flat Roof Skylights

Flat roof skylights are an excellent choice for modern homes with flat or low-pitched roofs. These skylights can transform a flat roof into a source of abundant natural light, providing a unique architectural element. They are particularly effective in spaces like kitchens, living rooms, and extensions, where you want to create a bright, open atmosphere. Flat roof skylights often come with advanced glazing and insulation options, ensuring they are energy-efficient and suitable for all weather conditions. Additionally, many flat roof skylights can be opened for ventilation, helping to regulate indoor air quality and temperature.

Pitched Roof Skylights

Pitched roof skylights are ideal for homes with sloped roofs, commonly found in traditional and modern properties alike. These skylights can be installed at various angles to capture the optimal amount of light throughout the day. Pitched roof skylights are particularly effective in loft conversions, attic spaces, and rooms with vaulted ceilings, where they can dramatically increase the sense of space and light. They are also available with a range of glazing options, including solar control and Low-E coatings, to enhance energy efficiency. 

Professional Installation

Installing a skylight involves more than just cutting a hole in your roof. Proper installation is crucial to ensure the skylight is weather-tight, energy-efficient, and safe. Working with experienced professionals like HiSky Ltd. ensures that your skylight is installed correctly and to the highest standards. Professional installation also guarantees that the skylight is properly sealed, preventing leaks and other potential issues.