{"id":3220,"date":"2022-04-29T22:14:09","date_gmt":"2022-04-29T22:14:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/?p=3220"},"modified":"2025-12-17T07:40:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T07:40:16","slug":"how-to-cover-skylights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/how-to-cover-skylights\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do You Cover a Skylight from the Inside & Outside"},"content":{"rendered":"

Unsure <\/span>how to cover skylight from inside<\/b> or outside to control direct sun, reduce heat and glare, improve energy efficiency, enhance comfort, and protect your interiors from UV damage?<\/span><\/p>\n

Skylight blinds, <\/span>shades<\/span><\/a>, curtains, reflective films, and motorization options are the best ways to block out up to 90% of light, heat, cold & glare entering your room through the skylight. This post explores the pros and cons of each option, so you can make an informed decision.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can install them inside or outside the skylight frame using brackets or suction cups. Or <\/span>motorize<\/span><\/a> your skylight covers & operate them using a wireless remote.<\/span><\/p>\n

The preferred installation option \u2013 inside mount or outside mount \u2013 will depend on your needs, style of your <\/span>room<\/span><\/a>, and functional requirements. Here is a comprehensive guide about <\/span>how to cover skylight from outside<\/b> or inside for the desired function and look.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will be different measurement procedures for <\/span>inside and outside mount window treatments for skylights<\/span><\/a>. For example, you need to consider the depth of your skylight\u2019s window frame for inside installation.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the <\/span>US Department of Energy<\/span><\/a>, when installed with a tight fit, insulated honeycomb blinds can decrease heat loss through skylight windows by 40% or more, which equals about 10% heating cost savings in heating seasons. In summer, they can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65% on south-facing skylights.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scroll on to learn how to block sun heat from skylight using <\/span>Venetian blinds<\/span><\/a>, pleated shades, reflective films, <\/span>cellular blinds<\/span><\/a>, & solar powered skylight blinds.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are Skylights?<\/h2>\n

A skylight is typically a <\/span>small window in a roof<\/span><\/a> or ceiling, which is used to let in natural light, provide ventilation, and offer a clear view of the sky. Natural light coming in through the roof window (skylight) will lower your dependence on artificial lighting during the day, increasing your home\u2019s energy efficiency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Skylight can be covered with light filter blinds to reduce glare in summer. In winter, you can cover it with insulating blinds (honeycomb shades) in winter to block external cold and retain internal warmth fr0m the heating systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to <\/span>Energy.gov<\/span><\/a>, an operable skylight can help <\/span>release the hot air<\/span><\/a> that naturally accumulates near the ceiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inside Mount vs Outside Mount Skylight Covers \u2013 8 Key Differences<\/h2>\n
\"Cover<\/a>
Cover Skylight – Inside & Outside Mount<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Sr#<\/strong><\/td>\nInside Mount Skylight Covers<\/b><\/td>\nOutside Mount Skylight Covers<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1<\/td>\nInstalled internally in the ceiling<\/span><\/td>\nInstalled externally on the roof top<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/td>\nLess fabric needed \u2013 will be installed inside the recess of the skylight window frame<\/span><\/td>\nMore fabric needed \u2013 3-4\u201d will be added to each side for extra coverage<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/td>\nOperation \u2013 can be relatively easy, using a wand, a hanging beaded chain, or a removable rod<\/span><\/td>\nDifficult operation \u2013 skylight cover is installed exterior to the hole in the roof top<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/td>\nRequire expensive professional installation \u2013 need to be properly secured into the ceiling<\/span><\/td>\nInexpensive installing \u2013 can even be DIY mount<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/td>\nBlinds fabric safe from storm and the elements<\/span><\/td>\nExposed to storm, rains, snow, fog, dust, and other elements<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/td>\nLow maintenance expenses\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nWill require more frequent cleaning, washing, and replacements<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7<\/td>\nSkylight window pane will act as a shield against fading<\/span><\/td>\nInstalled external to the skylight window pane \u2013 no shielding effect<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8<\/td>\nLight may seep in through holes along the edges<\/span><\/td>\nBetter sun protection<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9<\/td>\nRisky<\/b> \u2013 can fall down if screws get loosened<\/span><\/td>\nNonrisky \u2013 will only slip aside on the roof if screws get loosened<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

7 Practical Options to Cover Skylights from the Inside or Outside<\/h2>\n

Skylights are often the focal point and functional element of a room, so you need to choose skylight window treatments that match the design of the room and complement its functionality.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Pleated Shades \u2013 A Durable & Affordable Choice to Cover Skylights<\/h3>\n
\"Pleated<\/a>
Pleated shades<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pros<\/h4>\n