How To Brighten Your Kitchen With Skylights

How To Brighten Your Kitchen With Skylights

Jun 09 2025

A bright kitchen is more than just aesthetically pleasing—it’s a happier, healthier, and more functional space to live in. At Restoration Roofing, we’ve seen firsthand how skylights can transform kitchens, especially here in Collierville and the Mid-South. Here’s our in-depth guide on why skylights are a smart addition—and how to choose the best ones for your home.


1. The Power of Natural Light

Natural light isn’t just pleasant—it has real impacts on wellness and energy. Homes with natural daylight tend to boost mood, productivity, and overall comfort. In contrast, dim kitchens with artificial lighting can feel closed off and exhausting.

By installing skylights, you tap into clean, inviting light that makes cooking, hosting, or prepping meals much more enjoyable.


2. Maximize Space & Storage

Windows take valuable wall space, but skylights are roof-mounted—freeing up your kitchen for more cabinets, shelves, or a stylish backsplash.

Top-lighting lets you preserve functional wall space without sacrificing daylight. So ditch the compromise and have it all!


3. Illuminate Key Work Areas

Got an island? Pendant lights plus skylights create the perfect kitchen lighting combo. Placing skylights above prep zones provides excellent natural task lighting.

Properly placed, skylights disperse daylight where it matters most—your cooking surface.


4. Fresh Air & Smart Ventilation

Ventilation is vital in kitchens. “Fresh Air” skylights can be opened to remove steam, cooking smells, and heat—lowering humidity and reducing the load on your HVAC system.

If you’re remodeling or updating, a venting skylight provides a clean solution to stale air without bulky exhaust fans or open windows.


5. Lower Energy Costs with Skylights

Switching off electric lights during the day saves energy—and money.

That built-in ventilation means your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool heated air. Skylights are a smart, energy-efficient lighting solution.


6. Aesthetics That Lift Your Spirits

Skylights add an architectural touch that artificial lighting can’t match. Whether opening your ceiling to the sky or providing warm washes of daylight, they elevate your kitchen’s ambience and make it feel larger and more dynamic.

Consider them both functional and gorgeous.


7. Choose the Right Type of Skylight

  • Fixed Skylights: Offer maximum daylight without airflow. Great for static lighting or shaded areas.
  • Venting (Fresh Air) Skylights: Openable models ideal for ventilation. Solar, electric, and manual options exist—all with rain sensors and bug screens.
  • Sun Tunnels: Energy-efficient tubes perfect for tight spaces or over islands without attic space.

8. Placement & Layout Tips

Your skylight’s location matters. Placing skylights over islands or primary work zones helps maximize effectiveness. Grouping kitchen skylights also enhances light flow and design appeal.

Consider:

  • Kitchen island, prep areas, or sink zones
  • Roof layout and ceiling type
  • Moisture and heat patterns

9. Design Smart with Light Shafts

Flat ceilings need shafts to channel light. Flared shafts—wider at the top or bottom—spread daylight more evenly and reduce glare.

This is a great design detail that brings light deeper into the space.


10. Skylight Glass & Energy Performance

Modern skylights use advanced insulation, argon gas, and low-E coatings. Some have self-cleaning coatings that reduce spotting and help rainwater rinse debris away.

That means clearer views, better efficiency, and less maintenance.


11. Maintenance & Longevity

Once installed properly, fixed skylights are nearly maintenance-free. Venting models may require occasional cleaning, but most come with leak-proof design and long warranties.

At Restoration Roofing, we handle expert installation and provide maintenance advice to keep your skylights working flawlessly.


12. Value & Health Benefits

Skylights aren’t just a cosmetic upgrade—they add real property value and well-being.

You’re gifting your kitchen a brighter, more connected, and healthier environment—things buyers notice, and families cherish.


Ready to Brighten Your Kitchen?

At Restoration Roofing, we’re proud to offer expert skylight installation across Collierville, Memphis, and the Mid-South. Whether you want fixed, venting, or sun-tunnel skylights, we manage design, permit, install, and follow-up.

Let’s upgrade your kitchen to a lighter, happier space—together. We hope this guide helps you make a purchasing decision on a skylight. If you would like a comprehensive quote for a replacement or new skylight cut-in, give us a call at 901-854-3402. At Restoration Roofing we have the experience and expertise to help you through the entire process to replace or install your Memphis skylight. To get in touch with one of our project managers, give us a call at 901-854-3402 or click here to set up a free inspection. We offer free inspections that are easy and completed quickly. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on taking care of your Memphis roof.