How to Darken a Skylight? Was Your Skylight Too Bright?

Skylights are a wonderful way to bring natural light into your home, but sometimes, you may need to darken a skylight for various reasons. Whether it’s to reduce heat, maintain privacy, or create a darker room for better sleep, there are several practical methods to manage the light entering through your skylight. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to darken a skylight and make your home more comfortable when you need it.

Why You Might Want to Darken a Skylight

Skylights are great for brightening up a room, but there are times when they can let in too much light, making your living space uncomfortable. Here are some common reasons why you might want to darken your skylight:

• Glare: Direct sunlight streaming through your skylight can cause glare, making it difficult to watch TV, work on your computer, or simply relax in a bright room.
• Temperature Control: Skylights can cause excessive heat in the summer, making the room feel uncomfortably warm.
• Sleep Needs: Bedrooms with skylights can often become too bright at night or early morning, disrupting your sleep.
• Privacy: If your skylight overlooks a busy area, darkening it can help maintain privacy without sacrificing natural light.
• Mood and Ambience: For creating a more relaxed or romantic atmosphere, dimming the skylight can help set the right mood in the room.

How to Darken a Skylight

There are several ways to darken your skylight depending on your needs, from installing dimmers to adding physical coverings. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective solutions:

1. Skylight Dimmers

One of the most effective and easiest ways to control the light coming through your skylight is by using a skylight dimmer. Solatube’s dimmers give you the ability to adjust the brightness of your tubular skylight with the touch of a button, allowing you to regulate how much sunlight enters your space.

How It Works: Solatube dimmers use butterfly baffles inside the skylight tube, which can open and close remotely. These baffles work much like a lens, blocking or letting in the light as needed. The dimmers are controlled by a simple wall switch and require minimal electricity to operate.
Why It’s a Great Option: The dimming system is perfect for moments when you need to adjust light levels. Whether you’re looking for soft lighting for relaxation, want to block out the light for a nap, or need total darkness to sleep during the day, Solatube’s dimmers can help. The dimmers are available for both 160DS and 290DS models, as well as commercial skylights.

 

2. Skylight Blinds or Shades

If you’re looking for a more direct way to block out the light, installing skylight blinds or shades is a popular option. These come in a variety of materials, from pleated shades to blackout blinds, and are designed to fit the unique shape of your skylight. Skylight blinds or shades are a great way to control the light without making any permanent changes to the structure.

Options: You can opt for manual shades, motorised versions, or even solar-powered skylight shades. These shades can easily block out sunlight when necessary, allowing you to darken the room as much as you need.
Benefits: Besides darkening the skylight, these coverings also help with insulation, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

3. Skylight Covers

If you’re looking for a temporary solution, skylight covers are an easy and effective way to block out the light. These covers can be installed and removed as needed, making them perfect for occasional use.

Types of Covers: Magnetic skylight covers are a convenient option, as they can be easily attached to the skylight and removed when not in use. Velcro covers are another option that can be applied quickly and removed just as easily.
Effectiveness: These covers are a great way to instantly block out all light from your skylight, providing complete darkness when needed.

4. Tinted Skylight Films

For a more permanent solution, you can apply tinted skylight films or window tints to your skylight. These films help filter light, reducing glare and heat while still allowing some natural light to enter the room. They are an excellent choice if you want to darken your skylight without fully blocking out light.

Benefits: Tinted films also help with UV protection, reducing the sun’s harmful effects on furniture and flooring. Plus, they help maintain a cooler room temperature during hot months.
Application: Tinted films can be applied directly to the skylight glass and are available in various levels of opacity, so you can choose the right amount of light filtration.

Considerations for Darkening Your Skylight

While darkening your skylight can improve comfort and light control, there are a few factors to consider:

• Room Usage: If your skylight is in a room that benefits from natural light, such as a living room or kitchen, you may only want to dim or control the light during certain times of the day rather than completely block it.
• Ventilation: Ensure that any skylight covering or dimming system you choose doesn’t interfere with your skylight’s ventilation function. Many skylights also serve as a means of ventilation, especially in bathrooms or kitchens, so maintaining airflow is important.
• Aesthetics: Some dimming or shading solutions, such as motorised shades, can add a sleek, modern touch to your space. Be sure to choose a solution that complements your home’s decor.

Darkening a skylight doesn’t have to be difficult or permanent. With the right solutions, like skylight dimmers, skylight blinds, covers, or tinted films, you can enjoy all the benefits of natural light when you need it while controlling the brightness in your home. Whether you’re looking to block out sunlight for better sleep, reduce glare, or simply create a more comfortable space, these solutions provide effective and flexible options for managing light from your skylight. Call us on 131619 to get advice and discuss on the perfect natural lighting solution for your house.