How to choose roof window types to brighten up your attic

Choosing the right type of roof window is key to effectively lighting and ventilating your attic. Depending on your needs and the characteristics of the room, there are different solutions available that offer a variety of functions and aesthetics. Below are the two most popular types of roof windows that will help you make the most of your attic space by introducing more daylight and fresh air.

Pivot roof windows are a universal solution that is easy to open and close. Thanks to the pivoting sash, it is also possible to conveniently clean the glass from the inside, which makes them ideal for everyday use in attics. This is a popular choice that works well in most attic and loft rooms, providing sufficient daylight and optimal ventilation. These types of roof windows offer excellent solutions for smaller attics but can also be used in larger living spaces.

Top hung roof windows allow the sash to be tilted upwards, which allows for a panoramic view outside and more fresh air in the room. Such windows are recommended where an unobstructed view and more light are important. Thanks to their functionality and the ability to regulate the air supply, they are perfect for large living spaces, attics and lofts. Top hung roof windows are a solution that guarantees modern design as well as comfort of use, ideal for larger attics and attic rooms.

Two factors are crucial when designing attic lighting: the right size of roof windows and their proper location. These aspects determine how much daylight enters the rooms and the comfort of using the space. Properly selected windows can completely change the character of the attic, making it brighter and more functional.

The size of roof windows has a direct impact on the amount of daylight that enters the interior. Larger windows allow for better lighting, but they must be adapted to the size of the room. A window that is too large in a small room can disrupt the proportions of the interior, so it is important to choose the size of the windows appropriately for the function of the room. In the case of large attics, it is worth considering installing several windows, which will allow for even distribution of light throughout the space.

The appropriate arrangement of roof windows has a huge impact on the amount of light entering the room. It is best for roof windows to be placed on the south side of the roof, which will ensure maximum sunlight throughout the day. In rooms with an irregular shape or in larger spaces, windows should be placed higher, which allows light to reach deep into the interior.

Learn more about how to design with daylight and maximize natural light in your home in our guide.

The choice of how to control the roof window is crucial for the comfort of everyday use and the arrangement of the space in the attic. Roof windows offer various ergonomic solutions that can be adapted to specific needs, such as window accessibility and the ability to place furniture underneath it. Below are two popular control systems: top and bottom handle, along with their advantages.

Roof windows with top handle are the most common choice due to the possibility of placing furniture directly under the window. Installing the window at a height of 90–120 cm from the floor provides easy access to the handle, and additionally increases the functionality of the space. Thanks to this, users can comfortably use the window, while maximally utilizing the lower part of the room for furniture. This solution is ideal for smaller attic rooms.

In the case of higher knee walls, where windows are installed higher, at a height of 130–150 cm, windows with bottom handle offer more convenient access. This type of control is ideal for large attics, where windows are installed at a higher height, which allows for better lighting of the interior. Lower control allows users to easily open and close the window without having to reach high, while maintaining the ergonomics and functionality of the room.

Depending on the needs and functionality of the attic, roof windows can be opened manually or with electric control. Choosing the right type of control is crucial for comfort of use and efficient use of space.

Manual control is a simpler and more economical solution, ideal for everyday use in rooms with easy access to the window. Windows with a top handle make opening easier, and their operation is convenient and intuitive. This is a popular choice for smaller attics, where there is no need to install advanced technologies. It is worth considering this option if you are looking for a reliable, yet affordable solution.

For those who value convenience, roof windows with electric control are the perfect solution. They allow you to open and close windows remotely using a remote control or app, which increases the comfort of use, especially in hard-to-reach places. Additionally, electrical systems can be integrated with smart homes, which allows you to automatically adjust access to light and ventilation. This allows you to create ideal conditions in the attic without having to go to the window.

Choosing the right roof window material affects the aesthetics and functionality of your attic. VELUX offers two popular options: wood and polyurethane, both of which are tailored to different needs and interior styles.

Wooden roof windows are a classic choice that blends in perfectly with traditional and rustic arrangements. Natural wood gives interiors a warm, cozy character, making them a popular choice for bedrooms, living rooms or attic offices. VELUX wooden windows are finished with a varnish that provides durability and protects against everyday wear and tear, ensuring their longevity.

Roof windows with a polyurethane finish are a great solution for modern interiors and rooms with increased humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Polyurethane is extremely resistant to moisture, and its smooth surface without visible joints ensures easy cleaning. Thanks to this, polyurethane roof windows are not only aesthetic, but also durable and practical, especially in demanding conditions.

Choosing the right roof window panes is of great importance for the thermal and acoustic comfort and energy efficiency of the attic. VELUX offers a wide range of panes that meet various user needs, including thermal insulation, noise protection and UV protection. Depending on the location and specifics of the rooms, it is worth investing in solutions that will increase the comfort of living in the attic.

Choosing the right glazing affects the energy efficiency and comfort of using the attic. Below are some of the available glazing options:

• Glass 61: Three-layer glass that provides excellent thermal insulation and protection against noise. This is the ideal choice for homes where energy saving is a priority, as it minimizes heat loss and increases the thermal comfort of the interior.
• Glass 64: Glass with increased thermal and acoustic insulation, additionally equipped with a coating that makes it easier to clean the outer surface. This minimizes the need for maintenance and is ideal for places with increased dust.
• Glass 66: A comfortable option that reduces cold around the window and effectively blocks outside noise. The anti-condensation coating guarantees a clean view and prevents moisture from settling on the glass.
• Glass 68: Exceptional thermal insulation that provides excellent protection against noise, is ideal for people looking for additional comfort in difficult weather conditions.
• Glass 70: Double-layer glass that provides protection against rain noise, blocks UV rays and is characterized by reinforced impact resistance. This is an economical solution that offers both comfort and safety.
• Glass 62: An advanced solution that provides noise reduction of up to 42 dB, making it ideal for rooms located in places with high noise levels, such as near airports or busy roads.

Each of these options is tailored to the specific requirements of attic users, providing both high thermal and acoustic insulation, which significantly increases the comfort of everyday use.

You can see the full overview of VELUX roof windowns here.

VELUX offers a variety of accessories for roof windows that significantly increase the comfort of use. Choosing the right roller blinds, both internal and external, allows for full control over the amount of light entering the interior and temperature regulation, which increases the functionality of attic rooms.

VELUX internal blinds for roof windows are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to match the style of any room. These accessories help control the amount of daylight, providing comfort in both bedrooms and living areas. With a range of material options, internal blinds can be used to block out or partially let in light.

VELUX external blinds provide additional protection from excessive sunlight in the summer months and help to keep warm during the winter, improving the energy efficiency of the room. They can also be electrically or solar powered, making them more convenient to use.

When planning a loft renovation, it is worth considering whether to install a single roof window or a combination of several to bring in even more light. VELUX offers solutions that help you make the most of daylight, depending on the size of the room and your individual needs.

Installing several roof windows in the attic is an ideal solution for larger spaces. This arrangement lets in more natural light, which has a positive effect on mood, health, and also makes the room seem more spacious. By combining several windows, the visual and practical effect is even more impressive.

VELUX offers easy-to-install balcony and terrace windows, which are a perfect complement to classic roof windows. Such solutions introduce an additional amount of light, while at the same time offering the functionality of a balcony or terrace, which increases the comfort of using the attic and ensures that the space is open to the outside.