As one of the best ways of adding space to a house without actually extending its footprint, garage conversions come with a whole host of benefits, not least that they tend to be one of the most cost-effective ways of expanding a home.
That said, there are also some challenges associated with this type of project – how to insulate them properly, getting the floor levels right, and ensuring they feel like part of the rest of the house – being just a few. One of the most common issues faced by homeowners wanting to convert their garage, however, tends to be how to get adequate natural light into the new space – without being left feeling overly exposed.
We reached out to the experts to get their advice on the best ways of pulling natural light into a garage conversion in a way that maintains privacy, as well as contributing to the finished external appearance of the structure.
1. Add a rooflight or lantern
Rooflights and roof lanterns can be the ideal solution for pulling light into all kinds of spaces, where standard horizontal windows are going to be difficult to incorporate – plus, the light they do draw in is incredibly clear and bright, making them perfect for north-facing conversions too.
Zaeem Chaudhary, chartered architectural technologist and director of AC Design Solution, cannot recommend this route highly enough. "The most impactful thing you can do in a garage conversion is install a rooflight. Because garages typically sit at the front of a property with no side elevations to glaze, roof-level glazing is often the only way to bring in unobstructed sky light without any privacy compromise whatsoever as the light comes from above, not across a boundary.
"Where the budget and structure allow, a roof lantern or continuous ridge glazing takes the idea of a rooflight further," continues Zaeem. "The only downside to a roof lantern is that they have a pitch on them, which can requiring planning permission."
Architectural technologist Zak Gilby of DeVis Architecture has some more advice for those considering rooflights or lanterns. "Where there is a flat or pitched roof above and no first floor, I would absolutely add a rooflight or lantern – with the only exception being if the owner plans to have a TV in the room, as a rooflight directly above a TV can cause significant glare on the screen."
Zaeem Chaudhary, MCIAT, is director of AC Design Solution, a multidisciplinary practice delivering architecture, structural engineering, and party wall services across London and the UK
Zak Gilby is managing director and co-founder of DeVis Architecture. By trade he is an architectural technologist with 5+ years in the industry. DeVis Architecture work on small-medium scale, residential projects across London and the South of England, and have expertise on all things home extensions, new builds, interior design and sustainability.
2. Use obscured glazing in the existing opening
Perhaps the most obvious way to pull light into your garage conversion ideas is by turning the existing garage door into a window – but this needs to be done thoughtfully if you don't want to be left feeling exposed.
"Garage conversions are one of the most challenging spaces to light effectively, especially where garages are integral (an integrated part of the ground floor, with a first floor above), given that there is nowhere to add a rooflight or lantern, and often only one wall where a window can be positioned," points out Zak Gilby. "Similarly, if two properties are attached by the garages, there will be no opportunity for side windows either."
So what does Zak suggest? "In these cases, the simplest opportunity for natural light is the existing garage opening. Where privacy is a concern, for example if the property is along a busy road with high footfall, or where there's no meaningful front garden or driveway space, obscured glazing or reeded glass can allow light in without giving a direct view inside.
"It's important to note, though, that these are permanent fixtures which may not be the best for all uses, such as if you are proposing a snug or garage conversion bedroom within the converted garage," warns Zak. "Obscured glazing significantly reduces the quality of the space."
"Often you can remove your garage doors and add a standard window without planning permission," points out architect Tina Patel from Architect Your Home. "If you happen to be in a conservation area, this can be done with glass inserts into what looks like a garage door in the front."
Alternatively, for a less permanent fixture, you could try using window film that will give you the privacy you need, but can be removed or changed if required.
Shop for privacy window film
This static window film has a striped effect to allow natural light to filter in but prevent passers-by seeing fully inside your garage conversion
This modern reeded effect glass window film comes in a variety of sizes and obscures the view from outdoors in but still permits natural light
Tina Patel is a RIBA-chartered architect and director at Architect Your Home, with over 15 years' experience helping families transform their homes through thoughtful, stress-free design. She specialises in homeowner-led renovations, making the process of extending, refurbishing, or reconfiguring a home simpler and more empowering. Having worked on over 200 projects, Tina is passionate about creating happy, harmonious homes that add real value to family life. She's an expert voice on planning system challenges, permitted development, and the realities of renovating in the UK today – especially from a homeowner’s perspective.
3. Insert high-level clerestory windows
Lying somewhere in between ceiling glazing and horizonal windows, high-level windows, also often referred to as clerestory windows, can be the perfect way of bringing light into a space where privacy is an issue.
This type of glazing can, in fact, be used in all kinds of ways, from getting light into basement conversions, to helping to pull light deep into the plan of a house suffering from the dreaded 'dark middle room'. Like roof glazing, this high-level light offers a remarkably bright, clear quality.
If you plan creating a bedroom in your garage conversion, do think through how you will prevent the early morning sun streaming in and ruining a good night's sleep – you may well find you'll need to have custom-made blinds or window coverings designed to fit. Automated blinds are a good idea too as reaching this type of opening can be tricky.
4. Choose your window coverings with care
While we're on the topic of window coverings, bear in mind that simply choosing the right method of keeping out the light can make all the difference here, no matter what types of windows you have opted for.
If you have decided on standard windows, set into the old garage door opening, or to the side of the conversion, focus on selecting a covering that allows light in while also protecting your privacy, rather than something that is either opened or closed with no in-between option.
"I would opt for a high-quality set of blinds or shutters," reveals Zak Gilby. "Wooden shutters that allow the bottom half to close whilst the top remain open would be ideal for flexibility."
You can find an excellent range of shutter blinds in different sizes and colours at Blinds2Go.
5. Consider installing a bay window if planning allows
Bay window ideas aren't just for traditional-style homes and actually come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and designs to suit modern and period properties alike.
"If planning permits, a bay window (either curved or angular) can be another option," picks up Zak Gilby, who goes on to explain how this type of window can also help with privacy.
"The angled glazing reflects light in different directions which can help obscure the direct views into the space," says Zak. "As a result, passers-by are more likely to see reflections of the surrounding street and houses rather than clear views into the room."
Be aware that in some cases, given their protruding nature and the fact that this will be at the front elevation of your house, incorporating a bay window might also mean you will need to apply for planning permission rather than it falling under permitted development.
6. Use internal glazing to share light
Using internal window ideas is a brilliant way to bring natural light into all kinds of otherwise gloomy spaces, making it possible to borrow light from other rooms.
"If the room is going to be a reception room – one that is public, like a living room, rather than private, such as a bedroom – internal glazing or glass partitions can allow the new spaces to share natural light with the hallway," explains Zak Gilby. "However, you should note that this can sometimes be expensive due to fire safety requirements (in the case of three-storey homes) and limits the use of the space as a private space in the future."
Internal glass doors can make a lot of sense if you want the new space to be flexible in terms of how you use it too – allowing for it to be kept open when needed or closed off when quiet or privacy is the order of the day.
Tina Patel has some reassuring words for anyone still stuck for ways to pull in natural light. "If you are struggling to get any natural light in, consider how you use the space, could you make it a cosy movie room that doesn’t need natural light, or make the space a low-use room such as a utility that may not need as much natural light?"
7. Explore the possibility of fitting a sunpipe
And, finally, do take the time to look into the possibility of fitting a light pipe – also known as a sunpipe or sun tunnel amongst other terms. You can find a range of sunpipes at Roofing Superstore.
This is a clever method of bringing natural light into windowless spaces and is a particularly good way of lighting a landing. It involves installing a dome or panel into the roof through which light is pulled into a highly-reflective tube, which then transports it through to a diffuser located in the ceiling.
"If you have a section of roof slightly offset from the space that you can use, a sun tunnel can be a good option," says Zak Gilby, although he goes on to point out that this is not a solution that will suit everyone.
"While interesting in principle, some people see them just as a large spotlight that you cannot switch off if you want a darker space."
FAQs
Do you have to have a window in a garage conversion?
Obviously incorporating a window of some kind into your garage conversion is the best way to pull in natural light – but is it a requirement when it comes to garage conversion building regulations?
This very much depends on other factors – namely ventilation and fire safety. If you are converting your garage into a habitable room, unless mechanical ventilation is being incorporated, you will need an opening window equivalent to 1/20th of the floor area of the new space, fitted with a high-level trickle vent.
In terms of fire escape, if there is no external door from your conversion to outside, or the door opens into any room other than your entrance hall, a window large enough to fit through, with fire escape hinges will be required.
When weighing up all the pros and cons of which route will be best for you when it comes to adding extra space to your home, be sure to look into garage conversion costs – while they are usually cheaper than extension costs, an extension could add more value. And, be sure to avoid these common garage conversion mistakes when finalising your plans.
