FT NEWS

They come in all shapes and sizes. Along with the potential to make a bold statement, skylights can naturally light up an otherwise dark room, frame views of the sky, as well as highlight particular areas of a home, while still being energy efficient. From the days as an open oculus in the Pantheon of ancient Rome to its present-day glazed version, the skylight has been a dramatic design feature of our architectural vocabulary. So come, get inspired by the skylights featured below, and see how to bring this versatile element into just any part of your home.

Light up a dark bathroom
If your bathroom is a gloomy space, devoid of any windows that can bring in natural light, and if you think that artificial lights are your only option, then think again. Brighten up your bathroom with a skylight instead! Look at how this one above the tub gives the whole room an ethereal glow.

Having a skylight above your shower can heighten the whole experience. Not to mention the fact that a bathroom well-lit by natural light can help avoid those nasty falls.

A play of light on the bedroom walls
A skylight’s location in a room can influence how you experience the space. It can shape the way you experience the light that connects the interiors to the outdoors, the house to the sky. While a skylight at the centre of a room creates a focus, one alongside a wall can be equally dramatic. 

Bring focus to the kitchen island
They are a great way to lend drama, accentuate the material of a wall or even highlight objects placed under them. Here, the kitchen island gets the full focus of this rectangular skylight, while the pairing of wooden slats and black lamp shades further complements the warm ambience of the kitchen.

Celebrate with light in the dining room
Here is a unique idea – integrate a light fixture into a skylight like it’s been done in this space. You don’t just get a spotlight on the table, instead the textured spherical light fixture casts a kaleidoscope of intricate patterns, framing the entire dining. Plus, it becomes the highlight of the room.

Bring clarity to transitional spaces
Usually transitional areas like passages, foyers, landings and hallways tend to be darker spots. Having a few small skylights or one big one can add light and volume to these areas. Incorporating a skylight here is not only a good way of being energy efficient, but also subtly emphasises the importance of these transitional areas.