A skylight is a window built into a roof or ceiling that lets natural light pour down into a room from above. Instead of looking out horizontally like a regular window, a skylight looks straight up at the sky.

Skylights transform spaces that might otherwise feel dark or closed in. An artist's studio with a large skylight gets steady, even light throughout the day, perfect for painting or drawing. A bathroom skylight can flood the room with sunshine while maintaining privacy, since no one can peek in from overhead. Some homes have skylights in hallways or stairwells where regular windows won't fit.

The best skylights are positioned to capture morning or afternoon sun without turning the room into an oven on hot days. Modern skylights often include shades or blinds so you can control how much light comes through. Some even open like hatches to let in fresh air. Architects especially love skylights because they can bring the outdoors inside, letting you lie in bed and watch clouds drift past or see stars at night, all without stepping outside.