Spaces That Can Benefit From the Addition of a Skylight

At its most basic, a skylight is a window in your roof. Just like any window, skylights provide natural sunlight. They can also be fixed, meaning they don't open. However, you can also install vented skylights, which open up to provide ventilation. Tubular skylights are a reflective tube with a domed top.

While you must account for architectural considerations when installing a skylight into your roof, for the most part any space directly under the roof can benefit from the addition of this window. Below are some spaces that can especially benefit from the addition of light and, in some cases, ventilation.

Kitchen

Prospective homebuyers often prize kitchens full of natural sunlight. Even if you don't plan to sell your home anytime soon, natural light can still help your home's value. Natural light can help banish shadows in a high-function room like the kitchen, which helps you in kitchen tasks and makes the utilitarian space feel homier.

With a kitchen, consider a vented skylight. Steam, smoke, and odors can accumulate in the kitchen. If you have a skylight that opens, you have a handy method for ventilating those. Look for an area that's near steam- or smoke-makers, such as the stovetop or sink. Also, keep in mind where you'd like that natural light.

Shower Stall

The shower is another area where steam accumulates. Shower stalls sometimes get mold and mildew because they're so hard to dry out. Therefore, a vented skylight is ideal for this space to let the steam out and promote drying.

The bathroom is another space where homeowners prize natural light, but the privacy factor comes into play. However, since skylights are located in the roof, you don't have to worry about passersby while you bath.

Laundry Room

Privacy isn't a main concern in the laundry room, and even natural sunlight might not be a big consideration in this space. However, extra light is always a boon. Being able to utilize sunlight over electrical light can help lessen your utility bills. To that end, many home designers recommend tubular skylights, which can even work around obstructions in the roof to deliver light.

On the flip side, ventilation can be important in the laundry room. While you often don't have steam or unpleasant odors, increased ventilation in the laundry room can help heat from the dryer dissipate. So, if you have the space, consider a vented skylight.

Master Closet

Privacy and steam concerns don't really affect the master closet. What's more, most closets don't feature any kind of windows. That fact is a disappointment because natural light is very helpful when you pick out clothes or even just get dressed.

Closets, even master closets, are much smaller spaces than kitchens and bathrooms. Therefore, you probably don't need the full skylight. Master closets are an ideal area for tubular skylights, which diffuse the light and help block UV rays. As noted above, you can route a tubular skylight to provide light right to this space.

Enclosed Porch or Sunroom

Homeowners often enclose a porch to protect them from the elements while enjoying the outdoors. However, because of the roof, covered porches can feel a little dim. Here is an ideal space for a skylight. Since you probably have open sides with screens, ventilation isn't important. Therefore, consider a fixed skylight in a spot where you want that natural light to banish shadows.

Where do you want maximum sunlight? A sunroom is a perfect example. Sunrooms can include different kinds of windows. Some may include ceiling windows to let sunlight in, while others will only have large windows set into the walls. For the second type of sunroom, a fixed skylight is an ideal way to open up the space.