All skylights have their uses; some are good for commercial projects, some are perfect for homes, some are self cleaning, some are great for certain locations, like orangeries or conservatories. Selecting the right skylight is a matter of personal taste, as well as weighing up the best option for any individual situation. Weighing up the practicalities alongside the different aesthetic options will be key to picking the best skylight for any eventuality.

Skylights for homes come in various shapes, sizes and designs. Glass skylights are some of the most popular for residential settings – made from glass, they have a premium look and will allow in the maximum amount of daylight. They can look ideal in extensions, as well as conservatories and orangeries. They might also be used for loft conversions, or in other parts of the home. If they are used in kitchens or bathrooms in particular, or in places that can become warm like lofts or glass rooms, then ventilation can easily be added. Many skylight designs will open either electrically or manually, allowing for simple ventilation.

Skylights can also be great for commercial projects, often polycarbonate ones. These tend to be cheaper so if there is a tighter budget or costs need to be kept on top of for a commercial or public project, then this will go a long way to helping. Polycarbonate skylights can still look stunning, and they can let in a great deal of daylight very easily. Skylights can allow in significantly more daylight than a vertical window, so even a small one can make a really big difference to the inside of a property. Polycarbonate skylights can also be good for a domestic project due to the amount of light they will let in, dramatically changing the aesthetic of any property where they are installed.

Choosing the ideal skylights is not always easy for customers who are not used to these kinds of projects, who may be building an extension or conservatory for the same time, or going through some other kind of home improvement project. Often building plans will have skylights factored in, as there will be a perfect type for the particular project. The architect who draws up the plans will often be able to recommend the best kinds of skylight for the project, however the brand that is used and the specific skylight itself will come down to the choice of the people doing work to the property. Look at different brands and their features to assess whether they will meet the criteria of your project, and rely on the advice and knowledge of the builders who are carrying out the project. If it is up to you to source skylights and this is not your area of expertise, many skylight suppliers will be happy to help. Architectural plans will have much of the information that you need already, and from this, the suppliers will be able to assist you in specifying your ideal skylights in terms of design, aesthetics and practicalities.