Sun Tunnel or Skylight: Which Is Right for Your Home?

We know the California sun is a blessing, but it can also bring some severe heat. Plenty of natural light is excellent, but you do not want your rooms to feel like a greenhouse. Bringing more natural light into your home can transform its look and feel, but it is just as important to choose a solution that balances brightness with comfort.

Skylight: When You Want a Sense of Space and Air

A skylight is not just a window in the roof—it is an architectural feature. It works beautifully in interiors where you want to create an airy, open feeling, especially if the ceilings are high and the space is generous. In coastal homes, like those in Laguna Beach or Newport Beach, a skylight often becomes part of that “open sky” experience, right overhead. In living rooms, kitchens, or studios, a skylight can make the ceiling feel higher during daylight hours.

Installing a skylight demands strategic planning: consider your roof’s pitch and whether you want to incorporate ventilation. A model that opens will improve airflow. High-performance glazing and sun protection options help control heat gain, supporting energy efficiency and potentially enhancing resale value through their versatility. Keep in mind that selecting residential skylights for natural lighting is more than a design choice. It shapes how your home feels, and with energy-efficient glass and other sun protection options from Velux, it can boost its market value.

Sun Tunnel: When It Is the Practical Choice

Sometimes, there are spaces in a home where natural light is limited, but installing a skylight is not an option. In these cases, a sun tunnel serves as an excellent alternative. It performs well in spaces where windows are not practical, such as bathrooms, walk-in closets, and long hallways.

The advantages of a sun tunnel include easy installation, particularly in one-story houses. It has minimal impact on indoor temperatures, which is a benefit during the summer. Of course, a sun tunnel does not provide a wide view of the sky or as much daylight as a skylight, but in smaller spaces, this is often a reasonable compromise.

Velux, for example, offers not only skylight options but also sleek and stylish sun tunnels that blend seamlessly into the interior. They offer a simple and elegant solution to brighten a space without major remodeling.

How to Make the Right Choice

To get started, ask yourself a few simple questions:
• Do you need ventilation in the space?
• Does your space have direct access to the roof?
• Are you looking for light only, or something more, like a sense of openness and that wow factor?

In many cases, a combination works best. For example, a skylight in the living room can bring that airy, open feeling, while a sun tunnel in a bathroom or closet adds natural light without excess heat. This way, you balance brightness and comfort throughout your home.

Velux offers a variety of residential skylight options, making it easy to find the right mix for your needs.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people want as much natural light as possible, while others value ease and practicality. Think about how you live and what makes you happiest in your home, and let that guide your choice. After all, the best option is the one that feels just right for you.