This post is sponsored by VELUX
When we first moved into our Modern Colonial house, the living room really posed a conundrum. At one point, we considered removing the fireplace to create one large window to bring in more light, as the space felt dark.
After studying it for a while, we realized that significant light needed to come directly from above. Looking up, the sun is right there! Since the treeline and guest house blocks a lot of light in the backyard, sourcing light directly from above was the only and best way to brighten this room.
And that could only mean skylights! Chris and I made the decision last year that we would go for it. This would be the first house we’ve ever had with them, which meant we had to find the perfect ones.
We opted for VELUX Skylights. In our research, they were dependable and well-constructed. They offered the motorized shades which, with our ceilings so high, we knew we’d want so that we could cut down on the direct sunlight and heat that came through them.
What to Consider When Ordering Skylights
We’ve always believed that natural light has the power to completely transform a space, and adding VELUX Skylight Systems to our home has truly brought that to life. These fixed skylights added a whole new dimension of light—soft, ambient, and dynamic throughout the day.
We opted for the fixed version with remote-controlled, solar-powered room-darkening shades (ours are light filtering shades in a warm Sand tone to complement our living room), but venting skylights are also available—and those even come with a rain sensor that automatically closes them at the first sign of moisture. The best part? The shade is powered by ambient light, so it’s energy-efficient and sustainable.
We love that the VELUX Skylight System integrates seamlessly with smart home systems, giving us the flexibility to adjust the light levels with a tap. Backed by VELUX’s 10-year installation warranty and exceptional support, this is one upgrade we feel confident recommending. And if you’re wondering what skylights would look like in your space, VELUX has a handy visualizer app and even a free design advisor service that helps you plan your project from start to finish.
And the cost? We ordered four windows and shades which came to a grand total of $5,141.08. That doesn’t include the labor, which is bundled into the overall renovation project.
Are Skylights Worth It?
The living room still has scaffolding in it. The furniture still isn’t in place. And yet? I can already tell that adding skylights to our living room is single-handedly the best thing we did for this house, period. And it wasn’t even that big of an investment in the grand scheme of things.
Obviously, the kitchen renovation was a massive upgrade, and the new primary bathroom will be stunning. But wow, the skylights have been such a game-changer. I told my friend that this change alone bought me 20 more years of living in this house.
I wasn’t unhappy in the living room, but I didn’t realize how much of a cave it was. Now it feels like a completely different house! And it makes me wonder if there’s a new paint color that will make this space sing even more…
Even leading up to our decision made last year, we wondered if this was the right move. I think my main concern was whether the style of our moody, modern, traditional house would ring true with skylights. But honestly, it was 100% worth it. Our home is not historic; it was built in the ’90s! Even if I painted the room white, I could still maintain that moody, modern feel with the furnishings and accessories.
Our living room before really was a “winter”—it flourished at night and with festive decor. With these new Velux skylights, it feels like a bright, inviting room year-round. I can picture myself entertaining at any time of day. (Not just for murder mystery parties *wink*.) If I had known it would be this good, I wouldn’t have waited so long. This room is coming out of hibernation!
