What Are the Best Skylights for a Modern Home?
By Regal Glass Group
If you're designing or renovating a modern home, you already know that natural light is everything. The right skylight doesn't just brighten a space — it becomes part of the design. But with so many types out there — roof lanterns, electric opening rooflights, walk-on glass — you might be wondering: “What skylight works best for my style?"
At Regal Glass Group, we've helped thousands of UK homeowners choose the perfect skylight for their contemporary spaces. And while there are some stunning options, frameless fixed skylights consistently stand out for their minimalist beauty, performance, and versatility. Let's break it all down — in real, human-friendly terms.
Table of Contents
💬 Questions (and Honest Answers)
Hands down — a frameless fixed skylight. With edge-to-edge glass and no visible upstand, it blends seamlessly into flat roofs and looks incredible from the inside and out.
It depends on the frame. Slim-frame aluminium roof lanterns can look very sharp in extensions, but if you're going for an ultra-minimal look, frameless rooflights win the style points.
Yes! Electric or solar-powered venting skylights keep the sleek design but let you control airflow with a remote or app — great for kitchens and bathrooms.
A large frameless rooflight can be just as impressive as a roof lantern, with cleaner lines and less visual clutter. Or go bold with a walk-on skylight in a roof terrace or hallway!
🌤️ Skylight Types for Modern Homes (Compared)
| Skylight Type | Modern Aesthetic ✅ | Best For | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frameless Fixed Skylight | ✅✅✅ | Most rooms (especially extensions) | Ultra-minimal, edge-to-edge glass, no frames |
| Slim Roof Lantern | ✅ | Kitchen diners, large open-plan rooms | Adds height and drama, more traditional vibe |
| Electric / Solar-Vented | ✅✅ | Bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms | Great airflow, smart control, and it stays sleek |
| Walk-On Glass Skylight | ✅✅ | Balconies, terraces, hallways | Double use: light + flooring, unique feature |
| Framed Fixed Rooflight | ✅ | More budget-conscious installs | Still sleek, but not as clean as frameless |
🔍 Why Frameless Fixed Skylights Win in Modern Design
✅ Clean, uninterrupted views – No visible frame, just sky and light
✅ Flush-fit installation – Works beautifully with rendered, flat, or zinc roofs
✅ Thermal efficiency – Triple glazing + low U-values = year-round comfort
✅ Minimal maintenance – No moving parts, just crystal-clear performance
✅ Pairs with everything – Bi-fold doors, microcement, natural wood — it fits any finish
💡 Tip: Go big and bold. Sizes like 1000 x 2000mm or 1500 x 2500mm look stunning in open-plan extensions or new builds with vaulted ceilings.
🛠️ Best Locations for Modern Skylights
| Room / Space | Ideal Skylight Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Extension | Frameless Fixed or Roof Lantern | Maximum light, visual impact above islands |
| Bathroom | Electric/Solar Vented Skylight | Steam release + privacy + light |
| Living Room / Lounge | Large Frameless Skylight | Statement glazing, mood-lifting atmosphere |
| Hallways & Corridors | Walk-On Skylight or Tubular | Brightens long, dark paths without taking space |
| Home Office | Fixed Frameless Skylight | Glare-free daylight, ideal for productivity |
| Garden Room | Frameless or Vented | Maintains modern aesthetic, adds natural light |
✅ Final Thoughts: Keep It Clean, Keep It Frameless
If you love clean lines, subtle finishes, and natural light that flows seamlessly from roof to room, there's one clear winner: frameless fixed skylights.
They're the go-to choice for modern homes because they disappear into the architecture while delivering high performance and incredible daylight. Whether you're building an extension, renovating your loft, or updating a minimalist space — they're simple, sleek, and smart.
🏡 Building a modern home or extension?
Explore our range of frameless fixed skylights — available in multiple sizes, all designed to maximise light and elevate your space.
