Are Skylights Making a Comeback?

A hit window trend of the 1980s might be making its comeback, says Realtor.com.  

Skylights debuted nearly 50 years ago and were presented as a moderately affordable way to increase natural light inside homes, making rooms feel bigger and more inviting. The window trend also fits the ’80s rise in contemporary-style homes, especially in the Sun Belt and Pacific Northwest. 

“In the ’90s and 2000s, the plot twist began,” Realtor.com notes. “Homeowners began to loathe skylights because they were leak-prone and high-maintenance.” 

Skylights, especially ones installed cheaply, leaked, with seals deteriorating and resulting in mold and high repair costs. As quickly as they debuted, they became seen by homebuyers as red flags for impending water damage. 

Now, skylights might be making their comeback – more efficiently than ever. 

“Contemporary skylights are often double-glazed, insulated and coated with low-emissivity coatings that block harmful UV radiation while limiting heat flow,” Lewis Nguyen, interior designer and lighting specialist, tells Realtor.com. “This keeps heat out in summer and in during winter, allowing for optimal energy consumption. Some skylights even contain smart glass that darkens automatically.” 

Skylights may be especially attractive for millennial and Gen Z homebuyers who are drawn to sustainability and natural light, promoting productivity and wellness with a touch of nostalgia and ’80s aesthetic. 

“Skylights help bring about a light, airy home,” Nguyen says, noting that the home feature can be a huge plus in today’s market. “I have witnessed many cases in which a sun-drenched room bathed in natural light from a skylight is instantly more appealing and memorable to prospective purchasers. It transforms a house from an ordinary structure to a cozy, vibrant home.”