Picking the right VELUX skylight size isn’t just about putting a window in your roof—it’s about completely reshaping your living space with natural light. The dimensions you choose will have a direct impact on everything from the room’s ambient brightness and airflow to your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Why the Right Skylight Size Is a Game-Changer
A skylight is so much more than a simple addition; it’s a powerful architectural feature that can redefine the entire feel of a room. Think of a small skylight as a spotlight, perfect for adding a targeted touch of daylight to a compact bathroom or a narrow hallway. A larger model, on the other hand, acts like a floodlight, capable of bathing a spacious living area in brilliant, welcoming sunshine.
This choice is what ultimately determines whether you achieve the aesthetic and functional outcome you’re aiming for. It’s no surprise that the demand for daylighting solutions is growing in Australian homes, aligning with a broader shift toward energy efficiency. The global skylight market, valued at around USD 3.08 billion in 2022, is expected to expand significantly as more people catch on to the benefits. You can dig deeper into this market growth and what’s driving it in detailed industry reports.
Matching Size to Your Space
Getting a feel for how different VELUX skylight sizes will interact with your room is the first step toward a successful project. The VELUX range is designed with Australian homes in mind, offering a wide variety of dimensions to suit different architectural styles and practical needs.
By carefully considering the room’s purpose and dimensions, you can choose a skylight that not only lights up the space but also enhances the feeling of openness and wellbeing. This strategic choice turns a simple window into a core feature of your home’s design.
Here at Vivid Skylights, serving areas like Brighton, we also have an extensive range of double glazed skylights on offer, both fixed, electric opening and in the near future will have solar powered opening skylights.
Exploring the benefits of skylights can give you a much deeper insight into how they can genuinely improve daily life. This guide will set you up to confidently select a size that brings both function and beauty to your property.
How to Read VELUX Skylight Size Codes
Ever glanced at an architect’s plan or a product brochure and spotted codes like “M08” or “S06” next to a skylight? At first, they can look like a confusing jumble of letters and numbers. But in reality, they’re part of a brilliantly simple system VELUX uses to keep its product range consistent.
Think of it like a clothing size for your roof. Once you get the hang of it, you can instantly know a skylight’s exact dimensions, making it easy to pick the perfect fit. This universal language is crucial for builders, architects, and homeowners alike, ensuring everyone is on the same page from the initial design right through to installation.
Decoding the Letters and Numbers
The VELUX size code is usually a letter followed by a two-digit number—something like C04 or M06. The letter generally tells you the skylight’s width, while the number points to its height. So, all “M” code skylights will share the same width, but an M08 will be taller than an M04.
This simple system takes all the guesswork out of the selection process. By learning to read these codes, you can confidently check product specs and building plans, knowing the VELUX skylights sizes you choose are exactly what your project needs.
As you can see, a well-proportioned skylight doesn’t just let in light; it becomes a central architectural feature, blending seamlessly with the ceiling to create a bright, open atmosphere.
Standard VELUX Skylight Size Codes and Dimensions
To make things even clearer, here’s a quick reference table that maps the most common VELUX size codes to their exact dimensions in millimetres. I’ve also included some ideal applications to help you connect a specific size to a real-world use case in your own home.
Think of this chart as your go-to guide. Whether you’re planning a small bathroom update or designing a large open-plan living area, you can use it to pinpoint the exact code for the skylight that will suit your needs best.
| VELUX Size Code | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Ideal Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| C01 | 550 | 700 | Small Bathrooms, Hallways |
| C04 | 550 | 980 | Ensuites, Laundries |
| C06 | 550 | 1180 | Compact Bedrooms, Studies |
| M04 | 780 | 980 | Kitchens, Mid-Sized Bedrooms |
| M06 | 780 | 1180 | Dining Areas, Living Rooms |
| M08 | 780 | 1400 | Large Living Areas, Studios |
| S06 | 1140 | 1180 | Open-Plan Spaces, Master Bedrooms |
| S08 | 1140 | 1400 | Vaulted Ceilings, Large Voids |
Keep this chart handy as you explore your options. It’s the simplest way to translate those little codes into a clear vision of how natural light can transform your space.
Now that we’ve covered the technical codes, let’s get to the fun part: applying that knowledge to your own home. Choosing the right VELUX skylight size isn’t just about measurements; it’s a creative decision that will completely change how a room feels and functions day-to-day.
A well-placed skylight can make a cramped room feel airy and open, or turn a big, open-plan space into the bright, welcoming heart of your home. It all comes down to what you want to achieve. Are you trying to bring a soft wash of light into a dark hallway, or are you aiming for a dramatic, sun-drenched statement in your kitchen? Your goal will determine whether a smaller, more focused skylight or a larger, more impactful one is the right fit.
The 10-20% Rule of Thumb
A brilliant starting point for figuring this out is the ’10-20% rule’. It’s a guideline we use in the industry suggesting that the skylight’s glass area should be about 10-20% of the room’s total floor area. Sticking to this simple principle helps you get a beautiful, balanced amount of natural light without making the space feel washed out or overexposed.
Let’s look at a few examples:
- Small Hallway (5m²): You’d want a glass area of 0.5m² to 1m². A compact C01 model would be perfect here, turning a dim corridor into a warm, inviting passage.
- Standard Kitchen (15m²): Aim for a glass area between 1.5m² and 3m². A single M08 or even a pair of M04 skylights could beautifully light up your benchtops and dining nook.
- Large Living Area (30m²): Here, you’ll need a glass area of 3m² to 6m². Imagine a series of M08 or S06 skylights creating a stunning architectural feature that floods the entire room with light.
Just remember, things like your ceiling height and roof pitch also play a big part. Higher ceilings and steeper pitches tend to spread light over a wider area, meaning you might be able to get away with a slightly smaller skylight to achieve the same bright effect. Taking a moment to visualise the end result is the key to choosing with confidence.
Ensuring a Perfect Fit with Your Roof Type
Picking out the right VELUX skylight size is just the start. The real magic happens when that skylight integrates perfectly with your roof – that’s the secret to a successful, long-lasting installation. At the end of the day, a skylight is only as good as its connection to your home, making this step absolutely crucial.
A major piece of this puzzle is your roof’s angle, or what we in the industry call its roof pitch. This angle determines how rainwater drains away from the skylight. VELUX is very specific about the minimum and maximum pitch for each model, and for good reason. It ensures water flows off and away, preventing pooling that could lead to leaks down the line. Get this match wrong, and you could be looking at serious water damage.
The Role of Flashing Kits
This is where flashing kits come into play. Think of a flashing kit as a custom-made raincoat for your skylight. Its sole job is to create a completely weatherproof seal between the window frame and your specific roofing material. Whether you’ve got classic tiles or a modern metal roof, the right flashing is non-negotiable.
For example, popping a skylight onto a tiled roof needs a very particular type of flashing, one that’s engineered to mould around the unique contours of each tile. You can get a better sense of what’s involved by reading up on a skylight tile roof installation.
A correctly installed flashing kit, matched to both the skylight model and your specific roof material, is your number one defence against the elements. It ensures a seamless, watertight barrier that protects your home for years to come.
Ultimately, the flashing is what turns a potential weak spot on your roof into a strong, fully integrated feature. Getting this detail right guarantees a leak-proof, professional finish that will stand up to the tough Australian weather.
Built Tough for Australian Conditions
Australia’s climate doesn’t mess around. From scorching sun to wild storms, our homes need to be built with materials that can take a beating. When you’re looking at different Velux skylight sizes, it’s good to know the product itself is engineered specifically for these tough Aussie challenges. VELUX skylights aren’t just about letting in beautiful light; they’re designed to be a fortress for your home.
It all starts with their high-performance double glazing. This isn’t just a fancy feature; it’s your frontline defence against the elements, providing serious thermal insulation. It helps keep your home cooler on those blazing summer days and cosier in winter, while also offering excellent UV protection to stop your furniture and floors from fading.
Proven Durability When It Matters Most
You want peace of mind, especially if you live in an area prone to extreme weather. VELUX skylights have been put through the wringer with rigorous testing, proving they’re more than up to the task of protecting Australian homes. You can feel confident in your investment, knowing it’s built to last.
A key bit of proof? VELUX High Performance skylights have passed the brutal Bushfire Attack Level 40 (BAL 40) test. This involves blasting them with intense 930°C heat, confirming their fire resistance—a non-negotiable for anyone living with Australia’s bushfire risk.
But it doesn’t stop there. They are also cyclone-rated, having been tested to AS4285 standards in the tropical north. During these trials, they were slammed with over 10,000 cycles of pressure testing to simulate the relentless force of cyclonic winds. You can dive deeper into their robust testing for Australian conditions on their website.
This level of engineering means your skylight is a safe, compliant, and seriously resilient addition to your home, no matter what Mother Nature throws at it. So, as you compare different VELUX skylight sizes, you can rest assured that the structural integrity is rock-solid across the board.
Common Questions About VELUX Skylight Sizes
Choosing the right VELUX skylight sizes brings up a lot of questions. It’s completely natural to want to get all the details right before making a decision. To help you feel confident, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common queries we hear from homeowners.
What Is the Most Popular VELUX Skylight Size in Australia?
While the “best” size always comes down to the room and the goal, we see a lot of love for the mid-range options. The M04 (780 x 980 mm) and the slightly larger M08 (780 x 1400 mm) are consistent best-sellers for a reason.
They hit that sweet spot between flooding a room with daylight and fitting neatly between the standard rafter spacing in most Aussie homes. This means you can get a huge visual impact without the headache of major structural changes.
Can I Install Two Smaller Skylights Instead of One Large One?
Absolutely! In fact, this is a brilliant design strategy that many architects use. Placing two smaller skylights can spread light more evenly across a big room or create a stunning architectural feature.
Imagine two C04 (550 x 980 mm) skylights hanging over a kitchen island. This setup lights up the whole workspace far more effectively than one large unit in the centre of the room, and it looks incredible.
Using multiple skylights gives you precise control over where the light lands. You can highlight specific parts of a room or just make sure the brightness is consistent from one end to the other.
Are There Other Brands with a Similar Range of Sizes?
Yes, there are definitely other great brands on the market offering a wide selection of high-quality products. For instance, Vivid Skylights also have an extensive range of double glazed skylights on offer, both fixed, electric opening and in the near future will have solar powered opening skylights.
When you’re comparing your options, it’s smart to look closely at the exact dimensions, features, and warranties each brand offers to find the perfect match for your project and budget. For a deeper look at the financial side of things, check out our guide on the cost of VELUX skylights.
Do I Need Council Approval to Install a Skylight?
Often, you won’t. Installing a skylight is frequently considered ‘exempt development’, especially if it doesn’t dramatically change your roofline.
However, the rules can differ from one local council to another. It’s always best practice to check with your local authority or a qualified installer first. This is especially true if your home is in a heritage-listed area or a designated bushfire-prone zone.
Ready to bring beautiful, natural light into your home? The team at Vivid Skylights is here to help you find the perfect solution. Explore our full range of fixed and opening skylights to transform your space today.
Discover your options at https://vividskylights.com.au.