A home extension can provide your living space with more room, better air circulation and improved traffic flow between rooms. Rather than opting for ordinary windows, why not consider installing windows that can provide three times more natural light, along with all the benefits that come with it?
A skylight is a wonderful addition to any extension. It can be your secret weapon to brighten up your spaces and improve ventilation throughout your home. Here are some ways in which a new skylight can help you maximize light and make your extension look fantastic:
1) Clever ways to help light enter your rooms
No matter the size of your new space, there is a skylight that will fit it. One of the best things about skylights is that they allow three times more light into your home than standard windows. This means that even on overcast days, you can maximize the amount of natural light entering your new extension.
If you have a long and narrow space, consider a flat skylight that will create dramatic “strips” of light over specific areas of the room. If your new extension is boxy, a pyramid skylight can create a glass roof that floods the room with natural light.
Reinforced skylights cover a significant portion of your roof. When skylights are this size, it’s essential to consider their impact during the summer months when UV rays are at their most damaging.
2) Work with the location of your extension
It’s important to note that skylights allow light to enter your room throughout the day. However, the amount and direction of light that you get varies depending on the orientation of your house and room.
If you have a north-facing room or studio, you will experience a cooler and more neutral light all day long, without direct sunlight. Artists often prefer to work in north-facing studios as the light provides a more accurate representation of the colors they use. Skylights are especially useful in north-facing spaces to maximize the amount of light you can get all day.
For east-facing rooms and homes, the light is brightest in the morning, with long shadows and minimal sunlight later in the day. You may want to consider installing light blinds to your skylight to filter out the harsh morning light.
South-facing spaces have warm light throughout the day, but the midday sun in summer can be very bright. If your extension is south-facing, you can make the most of natural light with a large skylight that floods your space. Installing solar control glass as standard to minimize UV rays can be helpful.
Finally, for west-facing rooms and homes, you should expect long shadows and warm light in the late afternoon. You can make the most of this warm light by installing skylights in your west-facing space, which will ensure that you can enjoy natural light as you move throughout the evening. It is perfect for hosting guests and entertaining.
3) Using the right type of glass
If you are planning to add a skylight to your extension, it is important to consider what kind of glass you would like to use.
During the summer, extensions can become hot and stuffy. To solve this problem without having to close the blinds, install solar control glass in your new skylight. This type of glass reflects the sun’s rays, which reduces the amount of heat that enters the room. This keeps the room cooler while still allowing natural light to shine in, protecting your furnishings and wall colors from the damaging effects of UV rays.
Some companies offer two color options: blue and clear (with a slight grey tint). This option applies a chemical formula to the outer layer of the glass, which makes it viscous when it rains. This allows dirt to be carried away by the rainwater, keeping your skylight clean and sparkling.
4) Getting creative with natural light
Imagine a skylight designed like a porthole for a nautical theme or an octagonal shape that creates beautiful patterns of light on your tiled floor. Even if your extension is a basement room, you don’t have to sacrifice natural light. Some skylights are reinforced, so you can walk on them, allowing you to let light filter down from the floors above.
5) Decorating to maximize brightness
If you’re looking to bring more natural light into your extension, skylights can be a great option. However, to make your space feel brighter and warmer, you should also consider enhancing your color scheme. Instead of choosing bold and bright colors, try using pale shades like primrose, honey gold, or apricot. These shades can help spread the light around the space and create a more subtle warmth.
If your extension is tiled, you can use cool and crisp hues like mint or rich teal to make the space feel lighter and airier. Don’t forget about accessories like cushions or throws. Adding a pop of color in shades like vibrant purple, rich reds, or electric blues can instantly brighten up your space.