How Rooflights Improve Natural Lighting in Kitchens
If you’ve ever walked into your kitchen and thought, "Why does this room feel dull, even with windows?" you're not alone. For many UK homeowners and self-builders, especially those working on rear or side-return extensions, poor lighting is a real design frustration.
That’s where framed rooflights come in. These overhead windows are not just sleek, they are also very functional. And when designed and placed correctly, they bring in up to 3× more natural light than a vertical window, reduce the need for artificial lighting and transform the feel of your space.
The best part? You can get all this without the overheating and glare that many people fear. In this guide, we’ll walk through how framed rooflights work, why they beat lanterns or regular windows for real daylight gains and how to size and place them to maximise both brightness and comfort in your kitchen extension.
What Defines a Quality Rooflight and Why It Matters?
A framed skylight uses a structural frame, which is often made of aluminium or timber, to support the glass. This gives it the mechanical strength needed for longer spans, slimmer profiles and secure sealing against leaks.
Unlike frameless units, which often still include thick black ceramic borders, framed rooflights are engineered for real-world use. That means better drainage, better thermal insulation and easier integration of opening mechanisms or blinds.
For homeowners, that translates into more visible glass, better daylight performance and fewer long-term headaches. There’s a common misconception that frameless equals more light but what actually matters is visible glass area and many “frameless” designs have internal borders that reduce it.
With framed options, you’re able to go bigger without worrying about structural limits. This is ideal in kitchens where humidity and heat build-up are daily realities. That’s why professionals lean toward framed units when performance and aesthetics need to work together.
Why Toplighting Beats Side Windows for Daylight
Let’s get straight to the science: vertical windows only receive light from a narrow slice of the sky, something that’s visible on the horizon. In contrast, rooflights access the full sky vault above, which can be up to three times brighter, especially on overcast days.
That means a rooflight will deliver two to three times the daylight of a same-size vertical window. And instead of sharp glare or shadowy patches, you get uniform illumination that spreads gently across your surfaces.
This is especially valuable in kitchen extensions with deep layouts or limited wall space for vertical glazing. Side windows struggle to throw light across the entire room, often leaving the middle zone dim and dependent on artificial lighting.
Rooflights, placed strategically over key areas like worktops, can fill that gap, making the entire space feel more open, clean and calm. It’s a top-down transformation that side windows simply can’t match.
Where to Place Rooflights for Maximum Impact
When it comes to lighting your kitchen effectively, placement is everything. It’s not enough to install a rooflight and hope for the best where you put it makes all the difference.
For homeowners working on a kitchen extension, especially rear or side-return projects, this means thinking like a lighting designer. Start with your kitchen layout: where are the busiest zones? Where do you prep food? Where do your kids sit for breakfast? That’s where your rooflights should go.
Long, narrow rooflights positioned directly above your worktop or island can “channel” daylight exactly where it’s needed, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and creating a naturally bright environment throughout the day.
On the other hand, a single, centrally placed unit can create a dramatic sun spot but might leave key areas in shadow. The most effective plans zone light with purpose. Done right, your rooflights become functional tools, not just pretty features in the ceiling.
How Big Should Your Rooflight Be?
The size of rooflights often sparks debate and the saying “bigger is better” does not apply. For rooflight glazing in kitchens, a good guideline is to size the glazing at about 10 percent of the floor area.
That means if your kitchen is 25 square metres, aim for 2.5 square metres of glass overhead. You can split this across multiple panes or use one large format, depending on your design.
What matters is that the light gets where you need it without causing overheating or glare. Some homeowners go as high as 15%, but going beyond that can create discomfort and complicate blind installation.
Rather than adding multiple rooflights, consider consolidating them into one or two elongated, strategically placed units. This approach simplifies the ceiling design and improves the uniformity of light distribution.
When rooflights are undersized or poorly positioned, they leave dark corners and waste natural light potential. On other hand, properly sized rooflights create bright, balanced interiors that feel calm, uplifting and more spacious.
Advanced Heat and Glare Control for Maximum Comfort
There’s a common fear among homeowners: that adding rooflights will turn their kitchen into a greenhouse. And it’s a valid concern, if the rooflights don’t have the right specs, they can indeed cause glare or unwanted heat.
But today’s framed systems offer multiple ways to manage this. Start with solar control glass also called low-g or low-e glass which reduces heat gain while still letting in daylight. This tech blocks harsh solar rays during summer but keeps your room bright.
This layered approach with glass spec, shading and airflow means you can enjoy the framed rooflights benefits of natural light without discomfort. Your kitchen stays cool, clear and bright without the trade-offs that older glazing setups used to bring.
Flat Roof Skylights or Lanterns: Which Delivers Better Light
Both flat roof skylights and lanterns have their place but when it comes to evenly distributed daylight, flat glass has a clear edge.
Flat rooflights are positioned below ceiling level and distribute illumination evenly across the space. They are perfect for modern, minimalist kitchens where simplicity is key.
On other hand, roof lanterns add height and architectural interest. They work well as statement features above dining tables or central kitchen work zones. However, they concentrate light toward the center, which can leave the edges of the room in shadow.
For homeowners who prioritise light performance over aesthetics, flat rooflights typically win. They deliver clean lines, softer diffusion and more uniform coverage.
If you want your kitchen to feel larger and calmer, they’re usually the better pick. Of course, design matters too. Some homes suit the elevation and elegance of a lantern. The choice depends on your layout, style preference and daylight goals.
What to Look for in a Rooflight?
Before you place your order, check the spec sheet. Here’s what matters:
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Visible glass percentage: Slim internal frames mean more daylight, so check how much of the unit is actually see-through.
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U-value: This tells you how well the rooflight insulates. Lower numbers mean better thermal performance. So look for U-values below 1.5 W/m²K for a good balance.
Blinds: Does the design support internal blinds? Are they included or retrofitted? -
Cleaning: Is it accessible from a window? Ground floor? Or should you consider self-cleaning glass?
Framed units often offer the most versatility in ticking all these boxes. Don’t just go for the best-looking model and go for the one that performs the way you need it to every single day.
Smart Rooflight Choices for Brighter Kitchens
Here’s what to remember if you’re planning a kitchen extension or redesign:
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Framed rooflights bring in up to three times more daylight than a standard vertical window, especially on overcast UK days.
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Their structural strength means slimmer profiles, easier installation and more visible glass. That makes your kitchen feel open, calm and inviting.
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But it’s not just about the light. You also want comfort. That means choosing the right glass (low U-value), adding shading if needed and ensure that your kitchen ventilates properly.
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Placement matters: put the glass over your island or worktop where you spend time, not just in the centre.
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And sizing isn’t about going as big as possible. Use the 10% rule as a guide, then refine based on layout.
Whether you go for flat rooflights or lanterns, the goal is the same: get a daylight-rich space that looks great, works beautifully and feels like a joy to use. That’s what framed rooflights deliver.