Should you install your VELUX skylight to face the north, south, east, and west? The short answer is: if you want a lot of sunlight, install a south-facing or west-facing skylight. If you want less sunlight install a north-facing or east-facing skylight.

Typically, your VELUX skylight installer will be able to tell you more specifically what is best for your home. This article will go through the main differences between each direction and what works best for bringing more natural light into homes in general.

And before we get started, don’t forget: The sun rises in the east and sets in the west!

North-Facing Skylights

What they do: A north-facing skylight provides softer, consistent light throughout the day without creating too much heat or a harsh glare because it almost never experiences direct sunlight. Out of all options, north-facing skylights get the least amount of direct sunlight.

Is it for you: North-facing skylights can be installed in any climate but are optimal in warmer climates because they get the least amount of direct sunlight throughout the day.

Pros and Cons of North-Facing Skylights: A north-facing skylight can help save you money on your utility bill because it produces natural light all day without direct exposure to the UV rays that can affect the temperature of your home.

North-facing skylights may not be ideal if you are in a colder climate and want more direct sunlight that provides heat as well throughout the day.

South-Facing Skylights

What they do: A south-facing skylight provides strong, consistent light throughout the day because it gets the most amount of direct sunlight.

Is it for you: If you are in a colder climate or an area that does not have much sunlight throughout the day then a south-facing skylight is a great option.

Pros and Cons of South-Facing Skylights: Skylights that face south can work to naturally illuminate and heat your home. These are especially beneficial if you live in a colder climate.

A south-facing skylight can produce too much heat in the summer months. Especially if you don’t have a skylight shade to go with it!

East-Facing Skylights

What they do: East-facing skylights bring in more natural light in the morning. Because this is when the sun is rising and direct light is at its weakest, east-facing skylights provide some heat gain, but not as much as skylights exposed to more direct, afternoon sun.

Is it for you: East-facing skylights are optimal for warmer climates where minimal heat gain is desired but can be installed just about anywhere.

Pros and Cons of East-Facing Skylights: A versatile option, east-facing skylights can be installed in just about any climate. They are great at bringing in natural light in the morning without any harsh glares. Plus if you opt for a venting skylight like VELUX Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights, you can start the day with natural light and fresh air.

Skylights that face east may not be a great option if you want more direct sunlight during certain times or consistent lighting all throughout the day.

West-Facing Skylights

What they do: West-facing skylights provide more natural light in the afternoon. Because this is when the sun has been out all day before setting and direct light is stronger, west-facing skylights often give off more heat.

Is it for you: If you live in a cold climate then yes, west-facing skylights are a great option as they can produce heat and natural light.

Pros and Cons of West-Facing Skylights: Great for naturally heating your home in colder months, west-facing skylights receive sunlight at the hottest time of the day.

West-facing skylights could produce too much heat in warmer climates if they are not paired with a skylight shade.