In London, space is precious; in fashionable areas like Soho Square, the average price per square foot is an eye-watering £1,923. Many apartments are on the smaller side as a result. This makes it essential to help the rooms feel brighter and bigger. As a result, skylights are fast becoming an essential feature for homeowners, designers, and architects across the city.
Why Skylights Are Popping Up Everywhere
Much of Soho’s charm is found in its historic buildings. However, by nature, their structures are narrow so they can feel dark inside. Natural light makes a world of difference. It can improve your mood instantly, and even more so when you find out it bumps up your property’s asking price. Letting the sunlight in can also help to reduce your heating bills in the winter. A skylight is the ultimate solution when floor space is limited, and building out isn’t possible, as it often isn’t in central London.
How to Add a Skylight in a City Flat
You can’t necessarily just add a skylight wherever you like. Some buildings or rooms aren’t suitable for skylights, as they may sit in listed or conservation areas. That doesn’t make it impossible, but you need the right planning and advice. Factors to consider include roof structure, insulation, waterproofing, planning permission, permits, and local regulations. Costs vary depending on the kind of skylight you want, so it’s worth getting a free skylight quote to help you determine what’s realistic for your budget.
Design Ideas
Depending on the design, a skylight can completely change how you use a room. Here are some popular ideas seen in homes and offices around Soho:
- Add a flat skylight above your kitchen island to brighten up your cooking space
- Save wall space in your bedroom by replacing standard windows with an overhead skylight
- Install a strategically placed skylight in a stairwell to turn a forgotten or awkward corner into a statement feature
- Opt for a walk-on skylight, perfect for flat roof terraces or even internal floors
- Get an automated skylight that opens and closes at the touch of a button, and can even sense when it starts to rain so you never need to worry
Skylights are incredibly versatile. You could create a dramatic multi-pane system to flood the whole room with light, or just go simple with a single statement skylight to open up the space. The best bit about them is there are hundreds of designs, shapes, and sizes.
You can tailor the light to the quirks of your property. You can even add privacy glazing or solar control coatings to help manage heat and glare, and add extra functionality. Skylights can be fixed, but many function as windows, doors for entering and exiting a space, and even walkable floors.
Endnote
When you live in Soho, you’ll understand that both space and sunlight are in high demand yet extremely limited. A skylight is a practical upgrade that lets in natural light, transforming how you live and feel in your home. Whether you’ve got a penthouse flat, converted loft, or studio, the key to creating a spacious modern property lies directly above your head.
