Types of Skylights: Functionality, Shapes, and More

As a homeowner, the thought of bathing your home in natural light can be quite alluring. Skylights have the power to transform dark and gloomy spaces into vibrant areas filled with life. But with various types of skylights available, choosing the right one can be as crucial as deciding where to place them. This post will illuminate the different types of skylights, focusing on functionality (do you need skylights that open?) and shape.

Functionality: Fixed Skylights vs Skylights That Open

Fixed skylights are cheaper and better insulated, but operable skylights can give you needed ventilation. How do you choose? Let’s look at both options.

Fixed Skylights: The Classic Choice

Let’s start with the most common of the types of skylights homeowners have— fixed skylights.

These are sealed, which means they don’t open for ventilation. They are perfect for rooms where ample light is the sole requirement, like attics or stairwells. Fixed skylights are the go-to choice for their simplicity, durability, and ease of installation. They provide a clear view of the sky and become your personal observatory for those starry nights.

Operable Skylights: The Breath of Fresh Air

Operable skylights, as the name suggests, are skylights that open. They offer not only sunlight but also ventilation, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or any room that could benefit from both light and a breeze. These come in various styles, including manual or motorized versions, which can be a boon for hard-to-reach rooftop windows. Some even come with rain sensors to automatically close when the first drops hit.

Skylight Shape Options

Your skylight window doesn’t have to be a rectangle, though those are the most common. There are many different shapes you can explore. Your choice will ultimately come down to budget and manufacturer availability.

The Classic Rectangle

The rectangular skylight is perhaps the most common shape found in homes and for a good reason. It offers a timeless look and fits well between standard rafters and trusses, making installation straightforward. It provides a generous amount of light and can be customized in size to suit the specific lighting needs of your room.

Square Skylights: Symmetry and Style

Square skylights are another popular choice that caters to a more symmetrical aesthetic. They offer balanced light distribution and can be a focal point in the design of any room. These are particularly suitable for smaller rooms where a single, central light source can illuminate the entire space evenly.

Tubular Skylights: A Beacon of Light

Tubular skylights, sometimes referred to as “sun tunnels,” are perfect for channeling light into smaller, more confined spaces where traditional skylights are not feasible. These cylindrical shapes are highly reflective, funneling daylight from the roof and spreading it into the room below. They’re excellent for illuminating hallways, closets, and other nooks within the home.

Pyramid and Dome Skylights: Adding Dimension

Pyramid and dome skylights protrude above the roofline, adding a three-dimensional aspect to both the exterior and interior of your home. These shapes allow light to enter from various angles, which can provide better illumination than flat skylights during different times of the day. Domes, in particular, are also self-cleaning due to their shape and are excellent for areas with heavy rainfall. These skylights are often used on homes with flat roofs.

Barrel Vault Skylights: Architectural Drama

For an even more dramatic effect, barrel vault skylights extend over a section of the roof in an arched shape. This design is ideal for long hallways or larger open areas in commercial spaces but can also be used in residential settings for a stunning impact.

The Final Word on Types of Skylights

A fixed square or rectangular skylight is going to be both cheapest to install as well as easiest to find. The more custom you get with operability, size, and shape, the more you should plan to spend. If you go with something that’s fairly unusual, you’ll want to take extra time to research window brands and manufacturers who specialize in exactly what you want.

Still not sure what’s the right choice for you? You can check out our skylight window guide to learn everything from cost to which room you should install one in. You can also explore our contractor directory to find window professionals near you and get an expert opinion and a quote.