So, you’ve decided you want to brighten up your home with some skylights – great choice! Skylights can make a great addition to any home as they can be both functional and visually appealing.
There are a number of benefits to having skylights when they are installed well and work effectively within their environment. Below we’ll discuss four considerations you should make when choosing the skylight that’s right for you.
Purpose
When choosing a skylight for your home you need to consider what purpose it will serve within your space.
Maybe you have a room in your house which has a lack of windows or lighting. A skylight would work well in this instance, as it would provide a natural source of light (just as a window would) directly into the room and improve visibility. A skylight can also be used in a bathroom or ensuite renovation where a conventional window is typically used, allowing much better use of the wall space for cabinets or mirrors.
You may want to add skylights to your home for health reasons. Studies have shown that natural light boosts vitamin D, improves mood, productivity and sleep, and also reduces the risks of eye strain and migraines which are caused by fluorescent lighting.
In addition to better lighting and health benefits, the choice to install skylights might be influenced by your hip pocket nerve. Utilising natural daylight in your home can reduce your electricity bill, giving you an extra couple of dollars to spend at the end of the day.
Placement
Once you’ve decided which room you want skylights in, the next thing to consider is the placement. Your skylight placement will be influenced by a few things:
- What size skylight you are able to install
- How many skylights you will need
- The positioning within the room.
Skylights are typically positioned in the centre of the room as this will illuminate as much of the room as possible. Due to the building structure, not all rooms can have a skylight installed in a central position. Tubular skylights can be installed in an “off centre” position and reduce the visual impact of this.
The position you choose should allow the correct amount of light to enter the space at different times of the day, giving you the most efficient skylight possible. A Belle Skylights representative will also consider your roof structure and any electrical wiring or plumbing that may be in the roof space which could be in the way of the skylight.
Size & Shape
Like placement, the size of the room will influence the size and shape of the skylight you choose. The general rule is the larger the better, but we offer a number of skylight options that suit different styles, for both large and small spaces.
Square or rectangular shapes, like Velux skylights Melbourne, can add modernity and complexity to the look of a room. If you have a curved stairwell, this can be highlighted by a circular feature skylight.
At Belle Skylights, we know the shape of your skylight can greatly influence the theme of your home. We encourage you to pick a shape and size that adds a unique aesthetic quality to your home!
Accessories & Options
Skylights traditionally include a reflective light shaft running from the skylight to the ceiling, which is closed off at the ceiling with a skylight diffuser, but it doesn’t end there. There are a number of useful accessories that can enhance the comfort and convenience of your skylight. For example, blinds and horizontal shades which can reduce the amount of light being let in and also shield your skylight from damaging rain or hail, if need be.
If you would like more information about daylighting options or to book a consultation with our expert representatives give the professionals at Belle Skylights Melbourne a call on 1300 168 374.