Dome vs Glass Skylights: Which Lets in More Light?
- ajraea
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
I was talking with a body corporate manager this week about there commercial building which prompted this article. They were looking at upgrading the skylights on there roof, and asked a question I have often heard at Auckland Skylights.
Does a dome let in more light than a glass skylight?
The answer depends on how you define more light. Both styles will brighten your interior beautifully but they work in very different ways.
Capturing Light from Every Angle
A dome skylight, made from acrylic, acts almost like a lens. Its curved design catches sunlight from low morning and evening angles that a flat skylight might miss.
Even on cloudy or winter days, dome skylights deliver a softer, more consistent glow throughout the day.
By contrast, flat glass skylights rely more on direct sunlight. They’re brilliant under midday sun and provide truer, more natural colour, but they don’t capture as much light when the sun is low.
If you’re looking for all-day brightness in an office, leisure centre, hallway, stairwell, or garage the dome skylight often wins.
If you want architectural clarity, views of the sky, or a clean, modern look glass skylights are your best choice.
Light Quality vs Quantity
Dome skylights scatter and diffuse light, reducing glare and evenly brightening the space. They’re ideal where you want soft, balanced light without harsh hot spots perfect for bathrooms, corridors, or stairwells.
Glass skylights, on the other hand, provide crisper, more directional light with sharper shadows great for kitchens, studios, or living areas where natural colour accuracy is important.
In short:
Domes = diffuse, gentle, consistent light.
Glass = bright, direct, visually striking light.
Energy Efficiency & UV Protection
Modern double-glazed glass skylights outperform domes in thermal efficiency and UV protection. They help retain warmth in winter and block solar heat in summer, keeping your home or office more comfortable and energy efficient all year round.
Acrylic or polycarbonate domes can include UV resistant coatings, but they’re thinner and less insulating by nature.
In earlier designs, manufacturers often used twin-skin domes for added thermal protection; a concept now echoed in sun tunnel systems, where double glazing and light diffusion are combined for improved energy performance.
Choosing the Right Skylight for Your Space
Each room has a different lighting need and often, the reason a specific skylight was chosen years ago has long been forgotten.
It’s also crucial to remember that some skylights are the only source of ventilation in a room, so design matters!!!
Dome Skylight
Best for areas requiring consistent light like offices, hallways, stairwells, or bathrooms in areas.
Captures more light from all angles
Delivers diffused, even brightness
Lightweight, low-maintenance, and affordable
Glass Skylight (Low-E, Double Glazed, or Laminated)
Best for kitchens, living areas, or offices
Excellent thermal control and insulation
Safe for earthquake-resistant designs with laminate inserts
Modern, energy-efficient, and architecturally clean
NZ Conditions Matter
In New Zealand’s highly variable light from bright summer sun to soft winter skies combining good design with the right skylight type makes all the difference.
At Auckland Skylights, we often recommend hybrid solutions:
Clear glass skylights in main living spaces
High-efficiency domes in smaller, darker areas
Opaque or smart glass for privacy in bathrooms
Full retrofit options on like for like basis.
This mix maximises both performance and comfort across the seasons.
Final Thought
Both dome skylights and glass skylights can completely transform how a space feels.
It’s not just about how much light enters the room but the quality of that light and how it interacts with your space.
The right choice depends on your roof design, room function, and energy goals.
If you’re unsure which option suits your project, our team at Auckland Skylights can help you compare light output, thermal performance, and installation requirements ensuring you get the right fit for your home or building.
one thing like a skylight can totally change your outlook in life. (mind, body and soul)
Contact Auckland Skylights
09 440 9820
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