18/08/2026
When planning an extension, don’t just think about how much space you’re adding, think about the light too.
Natural light can completely change how a space looks, feels and works, but getting it right involves more than simply adding the biggest windows possible.
The orientation of your home, rooflights, sliding or bi-fold doors, ceiling height and even how light reaches the existing rooms behind your extension are all worth considering.
We’ve put together 8 things to think about when planning natural light into your extension.
👉 Swipe through and save this one for your future plans.
Consider the orientation of your home.
Where does the sun rise and set in relation to your extension?
Understanding how sunlight moves around your home throughout the day can help you decide where glazing will have the greatest impact.
Consider rooflights or skylights.
They can bring daylight into areas that ordinary windows struggle to reach, particularly the middle of a deeper extension.
They can also be a great way of adding light without sacrificing valuable wall space.
Sliding or bi-fold doors can transform a space.
Large areas of glazing can bring in natural light while creating a much stronger visual connection between your home and garden.
Think about the view too, what will you actually see when those doors are closed?
Your new extension shouldn’t leave the original rooms in the dark.
Extending outwards can reduce the amount of daylight reaching the middle of your existing home.
Consider how light will travel beyond the extension and into the rooms behind it.
Internal glazing can help light travel further.
Glazed doors, internal windows or partially glazed partitions can allow natural light to pass between spaces while still creating separation where you need it.
Height can completely change how a space feels.
Vaulted ceilings, higher ceilings and carefully positioned glazing can create a brighter, more spacious feeling, even without dramatically increasing the footprint.
How will you actually use the room?
Morning coffee? Working from home? Family dinners? Entertaining in the evening?
Think about when you’ll use the space most and where you’d ideall
