Skylight Window Dressing: From Blinds to Tinting

As a homeowner, the benefits of having a skylight are numerous—natural light can brighten your space and even help in reducing energy costs. However, there may come a time when you want to temper the light, increase privacy, or improve energy efficiency. If you’re pondering how to cover your skylight from the inside, or considering options like skylight window tinting, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s dive into the various methods and tips to help you manage the light that streams in from above.

Understanding the Why Before the How

Before we explore the “how,” it’s crucial to understand why you might want to cover your skylight.

A skylight window is one of the most popular options for getting light into any size room. Having one can even increase your home’s value! But you don’t want to have so much light that it becomes a problem.

Perhaps the intense sunlight is fading your furniture, the heat gain is too much during summer, or you’re craving for a darker room during daylight hours for better sleep. Whatever your reason, you have several options at your disposal.

Skylight Shades and Blinds

One of the most straightforward solutions is installing skylight shades or blinds. These can be custom-made to fit the exact dimensions of your skylight and come in various styles, including roller, pleated, and cellular designs.

They are excellent for insulation and can be opened or closed as needed, usually with the help of a remote control.

Many modern skylights come with built-in blinds, but for those that don’t, retrofitting is usually possible.

How to Install:

• Measure your skylight accurately.
• Choose the type of blind or shade that suits your needs.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation—this typically involves mounting the blinds on the interior frame of the skylight.

Skylight Covers

Another option is to use skylight covers, which are often made from fabric or other light-filtering materials. These can be external or internal.

While external covers are great for reducing heat, internal covers give you the flexibility to remove or adjust them as you see fit.

How to Create a DIY Cover:

• Measure your skylight.
• Cut a piece of light-filtering fabric to size, allowing extra material for the hem.
• Use adhesive Velcro strips around the edges to attach it to the inside frame of the skylight.

Skylight Window Tinting

For a more permanent solution, skylight tinting can be an ideal option. Tinting involves applying a special film to the glass of the skylight, which can reduce glare, block harmful UV rays, and lower heat transfer. This is a delicate process, as the film must be applied smoothly to avoid bubbles or creases.

How to Apply Tinting Film:

• Clean the skylight glass thoroughly.
• Cut the film to the size of the skylight pane, leaving a little extra on each side.
• Apply the film carefully, using a squeegee to smooth out any bubbles.
• Trim the excess film from the edges.

Paint or Whitewash Your Skylight

A less common, but still viable, option is to paint or whitewash the skylight. This method allows light to diffuse softly into the room while reducing brightness and heat. This is typically done with a translucent white paint or whitewash formula designed for glass.

How to Apply Paint or Whitewash from the Inside:

• Ensure the skylight glass is clean and dry.
• Apply the paint or whitewash with a brush or roller designed for smooth surfaces.
• Allow it to dry completely before applying a second coat if necessary.

Safety and Professional Help

While many of these methods can be tackled as DIY projects, it’s important to consider your safety, especially when working with high ceilings or on a ladder. If you’re not comfortable undertaking the task yourself, or if you’re considering a more complex option like tinting, hiring a professional is recommended.

In addition to safety, a professional can provide advice on the best materials and methods for your specific situation, ensuring that your skylight covering not only serves its purpose but also contributes to the overall ambiance and efficiency of your home.

Embracing Versatility

Your skylight is more than just a window — it’s a feature that offers versatility. Whether through shades, tinting, or a removable cover, you now have the knowledge to control the light and ambiance of your space with style and functionality.

Remember, how to cover your skylight from the inside is a matter of personal preference and practicality, so choose the method that best aligns with your home’s needs. And when it comes to skylight tinting, a touch of professionalism can go a long way in ensuring a flawless finish that lasts for years.

By exploring these options, you empower yourself to tweak the atmosphere within your home to perfection. So go ahead—customize that celestial window and enjoy the light, your way.