5 Window Shades that are Perfect for Skylights

Skylights bring in a ton of natural light into your home, but they aren’t always energy efficient and it can be difficult to darken a room when needed. If you have landed here, you are probably looking for the best window coverings for skylights. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to choose the right shades for your skylights. 

Considerations when Choosing Skylight Window Coverings

There are a few things you should think about when deciding on the right skylight window treatment for your home and needs. 

• What is the room used for? Will you need to darken it during the day, such as in a media room or nursery?
• Is the window hard to reach or do you have mobility issues that make it more difficult to operate a rod crank?
• Do you need additional insulation and energy saving properties? 
• Do you want more privacy, such as in a bathroom with angled ceilings that are slightly more visible to neighbors?
• Does your window get intense sunlight during the day?

How to Choose the Right Skylight Shades

After you’ve thought about what you need from your window treatments for your skylights, it’s time to consider options that help meet those needs. 

• 
  If you have a media room, bedroom, or nursery, opt for room darkening skylight shades.
• If your window is hard to reach or you have mobility issues, motorized skylight window treatments make it easy to open and close your shades.
• If you want to lower your energy bills, opt for cellular skylight shades.
• If you want privacy, be sure to choose a fabric that gives you that privacy. We do not recommend solar shades if you want privacy, as you can see into your home at night with the lights on.
• If you have a south facing skylight with intense sunlight, solar shades or fabric shades with a solar lining are best as well as programmable motorized shades that can close based on the time of day or intensity of the sunlight. 

Types of Window Coverings for Skylights

Believe it or not, there are many options out there for skylight window coverings that fit a variety of home decor styles. No matter which one you choose, we recommend opting for custom window treatments as they will fit your skylight better and the materials are higher quality, helping them last longer. 

1 | Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are a popular option for skylights because of their energy saving design. They are perfect for south facing windows, especially if you opt for a room darkening, solar, or blackout lining. Today’s cellular shades are modern with a sleek design and come in a variety of fabrics and colors.

2 | Roller and Solar Shades

These sleek and minimalist window coverings can provide UV protection for skylights that experience intense sunlight. Light filtering depends on what weave openness you select and they also come in a variety of colors.

3 | Blinds and Shutters

These more traditional window treatments add a timeless touch to your home. You get full light filtering control with the louvered design with a big dose of aesthetic appeal. You can choose slat width, color, and material (wood and faux wood). 

4 | Pleated Shades

This classic and versatile window covering fits in with both modern and traditional home decor styles. You can add blackout or room darkening material to the back of the opaque slats for more light filtering control. 

Manual vs. Motorized Skylight Shades

Manual controls for skylight window treatments use hand cranks or handles on extension poles. This option is practical for skylights that are within easy reach and are the more budget-friendly, low maintenance option. 

While extension poles can help you reach higher skylights, it can be tricky to use on high vaulted ceilings or tight spaces. The rods also require storage. If you have multiple skylights, it can also be harder to adjust all of them often. For these windows, we recommend opting for motorized skylight shades. Motorized shades are also easy to use for those with physical limitations. 

Elevate Your Skylights Today!

Ready to select a window covering for your skylight or need help sorting through all the options? Elevated Views is a locally owned custom window covering business that has been helping homeowners and businesses in the Front Range area find the perfect window coverings since 2014. Our expert team helps you from selecting the right options, to measuring your skylights, to installation. Make your window treatment experience smooth and enjoyable by connecting with us today–schedule an in-home consultation and quote and we’ll bring the showroom to you!