Often the unused space in your attic can be somewhere that no one in your family wants to go. It’s dark, cold, and notorious for spider webs, but it doesn’t have to be. A loft conversion can make use of this unused space, adding an additional room to your home. It can be bright, airy, and somewhere the whole family can enjoy if you design it correctly. The key is maximising the natural light you can bring into the space, and supplementing it with any additional ambient lighting required.
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What kind of windows should you install in your loft conversion?
Windows will allow you to bring in natural light to your loft conversion, which is preferential over artificial light. What better way to get the most sunlight possible than with some roof windows? A naturally light loft conversion will feel more open, boost your mood and even provide a great place to grow indoor plants.
Velux or rooflight windows are the best option for windows in your loft conversion since they can control light and also air flow into your loft. The builders will fit them into your ceiling, meaning you don’t need to build out a dormer to install the windows. They let in lots of natural light throughout the entire day, and you can also open them to let in a breeze on pleasant days. You’ll need to have enough head height in your loft to install these types of windows. At least 2.3 metres is recommended.
If you don’t have the head height then you may want to opt for dormer style windows. For dormers, you will build outwards, giving you an additional flat wall to install your windows while also giving you added floor space. Depending on where you live, you may require planning permission before building a dormer so ensure you check in with your local planning office.
How many windows should you install in your loft conversion?
The more windows you have, the brighter your loft will be. If you have space, two windows on each side will allow you to make the most of the light throughout the entire day. At a minimum, you should have one on each side of your loft to ensure proper ventilation and airflow.
Which direction should your windows be facing?
You will also want to take into consideration which direction your loft conversion is facing, and which way your windows will be facing. North facing windows will never get direct sun, but they will get a stable amount of light throughout the entire day. They are the ideal windows to have since you’ll always get the light you want without it overheating the room, or without periods of darkness in the day. South facing windows get the most sun, with direct sunlight for the majority of the day. They provide lots of light but can also make the room quite hot, so you may want to install shades or curtains. West and east facing windows will get direct sunlight at different points of the day, but only for a few hours.
