The use of skylights in architecture dates back to ancient civilizations. One of the most famous examples is at the Pantheon in Rome, where a 27-foot-wide oculus in the dome’s center floods the temple with a glorious, otherworldly glow. These 18 homes around the world embrace a centuries-old design choice, while also putting a new spin on the overhead window.

An Oceanside Cottage in Cornwall, England, Features Multiple Skylights and a Grass Roof

An Architect’s Bright and Airy Family Home Thrives Within a Brutalist Concrete Structure

silicate-brick hallway with sunshine. " layout="" credit="Courtesy of Amit Geron" photoUserId=""/>

A Metalworker’s Renovated London Apartment Feels Larger Than Its 576 Square Feet

A Pyramidal, Metal-Clad House Makes the Most of Space and Light

A 20-Foot Skylight Transforms a Jumbled Chicago Residence

This Japanese Island House Blurs the Indoor/Outdoor Divide

A Charming Loft in Berlin Boasts a Bath With a View

A Minimal Residence in Japan Features Large Skylights on the Upper Level

A Curvilinear California Home Takes Cues From Case Study Houses and Eichlers

A Tattered Brooklyn Brownstone Is Brought Back to Life With Big Doses of Color

A Rentable Live/Work Space Shows Off Its Playful Pizzazz in London

A White-Oak Staircase With a Skylight Defines This Manhattan Townhouse

Circular Skylights Let the Landscape Grow Through This Concrete Home in India

This Dynamic Australian Dwelling Angles for Epic Views

Megowan Architectural features a dramatic, triangular skylight situated above the dining and living areas." layout="" credit="Photo by Elise Scott" photoUserId=""/>

A Curvaceous Home in Chile Cuts a Dramatic Figure

Two Czech Architects Design a Bohemian Geothermal Residence With Intersecting Angles

A Family Home in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Emphasizes Sunlight and Privacy

A Pastoral Home in Austria Blends Basic Shapes With Rich Details

Architect Sven Matt designed this 1,600-square-foot home in the hilly west Austrian town of Bregenzerwald for his brother, Björn, and sister-in-law, Julia. A skylight floods the spruce-clad loft with light during daytime and offers uninhibited views of the stars at night." layout="wide" credit="Photo by Adolf Bereuter" photoUserId="6133459858461863936"/>

Related Reading:

5 Architectural Tricks and Devices to Bring Natural Light Into Your Home

A Guide to the 5 Main Window Types You Should Know

These 20 Homes With Arched Doorways Are Way Ahead of the Curve

Also Appears In

White Oak

18 Luminous Homes With Interesting Skylights

An Honest Guide to the Benefits and Drawbacks of Skylights