The Secret to Blocking Harsh Sunlight from Skylights

Skylights are a beautiful addition to any home, allowing natural light to brighten up your space. But while they bring warmth and openness, they also come with a challenge—harsh sunlight, excessive heat, and glare that can make certain rooms uncomfortable.

If you have ever found yourself squinting under an intense beam of sunlight or feeling like your air conditioner is constantly running to compensate for the heat, you are not alone. Luckily, there are smart ways to block or soften skylight sunlight without sacrificing the benefits of natural light.

Why Harsh Sunlight from Skylights Is a Problem

Skylights are positioned directly on the ceiling, meaning they get unfiltered exposure to the sun throughout the day. Unlike traditional windows that can be covered with curtains or blinds, skylights require a more specialized solution.

Here is what happens when there is no control over skylight sunlight:

Unbearable Heat: Direct sunlight can significantly increase indoor temperatures, making rooms stuffy and uncomfortable.
Glare Issues: Strong sunlight streaming in can create annoying glare on screens, furniture, and floors, making it difficult to work, watch TV, or relax.
Fading and Damage: Over time, furniture, flooring, and artwork exposed to prolonged UV rays can start fading, costing you money in replacements.
Disrupted Sleep Cycles: If you have a skylight in your bedroom, too much early morning sunlight can wake you up too soon, disrupting sleep.
Now that we know the problem, what is the best way to fix it?

Best Ways to Block Skylight Sunlight

Skylight Shades – The Most Effective Solution
One of the best and most stylish ways to control skylight sunlight is by installing skylight shades. These shades are specifically designed to fit ceiling windows and can be adjusted to let in just the right amount of light.

Best options:

Blackout Skylight Shades: Ideal if you want complete darkness—perfect for bedrooms or media rooms.
Light-Filtering Skylight Shades: These soften the sunlight without blocking it entirely, creating a warm, diffused glow.
Motorized Skylight Shades: Control your skylight coverage with a remote or smart home system. No need to climb up and adjust them manually.
Skylight shades also reduce heat gain, which helps cut down on cooling costs in the summer.

Window Films – Budget-Friendly but Less Flexible

If you are looking for a low-maintenance option, window films are a great alternative. These films stick to the glass and help block UV rays while still allowing some natural light to enter.

Pros:

Inexpensive
Blocks UV rays and reduces glare
Allows some light in

Cons:

Not adjustable—you cannot change the amount of sunlight coming in
Can still let in heat if not combined with other solutions
Exterior Skylight Covers – Best for Extreme Heat
For homes in hot climates, external covers are another effective option. These are installed outside the skylight and act as a shield against harsh sunlight.

Options include:

Mesh Covers: Reduce heat and glare while keeping some visibility.
Polycarbonate Covers: More durable and weather-resistant.
These are great for homeowners who do not need to adjust their light control regularly but want maximum heat reduction.

Smart Home Integration – Ultimate Convenience

For the most seamless experience, consider integrating your skylight shades with smart home technology. Motorized skylight shades can be synced with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, so you can adjust them with a simple voice command.

Example:

"Alexa, close the skylight shades."

Smart integration allows you to set schedules, so your shades adjust automatically based on the time of day or temperature.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Solution for Your Home

Blocking harsh sunlight from skylights does not mean you have to sacrifice natural light entirely. With the right skylight shades, window films, or exterior covers, you can maintain a comfortable, glare-free home while still enjoying all the benefits of skylights.

If you are looking for a stylish and effective way to block harsh sunlight, check out our collection of skylight shades—designed to give you the perfect balance of light control and energy efficiency.