If you’re scrolling through Pinterest, you’ve likely admired stunning homes bathed in natural light. It’s easy to think that it’s a far-fetched dream, especially when you live in an HDB. But all hope is not lost—thanks to artificial LED skylights that you can install in your home.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to artificial skylights, their pros and cons, and a list of suppliers to help you decide if installing one is the right choice for your space.
What is an artificial skylight?
Artificial skylights are innovative installations emitting a spectrum of light that closely mirrors natural sunlight. These often make use of LED technology. The result? It feels like natural daylight is streaming into your home from above, no matter where you are.
By combining cutting-edge LED systems, toughened glass, and smart controllers, artificial skylights recreate the ambience of an infinite blue sky. Plus, with adjustable brightness and colour settings, you can tailor the light to evoke different moods throughout the day.
What are the benefits of an artificial skylight?
Image credit: Studio Periphery for Right Angle Studio
In a perfect world, every HDB unit could benefit from the glow of natural sunlight. But for many, that’s just not the case. Not all apartments have prime locations that capture the sun’s rays throughout the day. That’s where an artificial skylight comes in, transforming your space with a simple yet practical addition. Even a modest installation can work wonders, especially in areas like corridors or corners that receive little to no natural light.
Unlike natural light sources, an artificial skylight also has the added advantage of customisability. Homeowners can dim the lights and change the colour temperature depending on their needs. You no longer need blinds or curtains to block out the harsh sunlight creating a reflection on your computer screen while you’re trying to hit your deadlines.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, an artificial skylight brings many practical benefits. By mimicking the natural progression of daylight, it may help to regulate your circadian rhythm, which can lead to improved mood, mental health, and even productivity. Plus, with its ability to reduce the need for additional artificial lighting, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by the savings on your energy bills.
Where should I place my skylight?
Image credit: Hoft Interior
When it comes to installing an artificial skylight, the possibilities are endless. Think of it as a little burst of sunshine that you can add wherever your home needs some TLC. Whether in bathrooms, kitchens, corridors, or dining areas, a skylight has the power to transform a room by introducing a refined touch of light where it is most needed.
Take cues from this ryokan-inspired HDB maisonette that has a skylight installed in the middle of the staircase; or a wabi-sabi 4-room HDB where an indoor courtyard is enhanced by a faux skylight, creating a tranquil look.
Image credit: Kustom Karpets
For a more dramatic effect, aligning your skylights with your windows can evoke the sense of a larger, more open space. Another tip is to add it where you want to highlight certain areas of the home. An example is placing skylights near work areas such as the sink or island in the kitchen to add more elegance and functionality.
Best artificial skylight suppliers in Singapore
1. Lim Kim Hai Electric
Image: CoeLux
At Lim Kim Hai Electric, the CoeLux Artificial Skylight System brings natural daylight indoors, replicating the infinite blue sky across a range of environments—from homes to healthcare settings.
Choose from versatile models tailored to your space: the CoeLux High Tech 25, a robust 25cm-thick unit that emits a vertical beam of light and can be flexibly installed to form dynamic light grids, or the streamlined CoeLux Sky Line, just 12cm thick, which diffuses natural light along walls. The Smart Sky version of the Sky Line even adjusts its hue from sunrise to sunset, perfectly echoing nature’s rhythm.
Book an appointment at their showroom for a personalised consultation.
Address: 53 Kallang Place, Singapore 339177
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 5:30pm | Closed on Saturdays & Sundays
Contact: 6490 5000 | Lim Kim Hai Electric website
2. Lightcraft Pte Ltd
Image credit: Lightcraft Pte Ltd
The Faux-Sun Lighting System from Lightcraft Pte Ltd offers an innovative way to introduce the warmth of natural sunlight into spaces lacking windows. This advanced system features white colour tuning that skilfully replicates the full spectrum of daylight—from morning glow to bright midday sun.
The system adjusts to the natural sunlight cycle, creating a dynamic atmosphere that enhances your interior but also helps to regulate circadian rhythms for improved wakefulness and sleep. Designed for versatility, the Faux-Sun can be effortlessly installed on both concrete ceilings and false ceilings with limited depth.
Address: 11 Kaki Bukit View, Singapore 415947
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am to 7pm | Closed on Sundays
Contact: 6744 2441 | Lightcraft website
3. Chip Aik
Chip Aik is a leading and reputable supplier of aluminium extrusion products, sheets, and related hardware accessories in Singapore. As part of their range of aluminium solutions, Chip Aik offers a variety of skylight products that can be customised to meet diverse architectural needs.
Aluminium skylights are celebrated not only for their sleek, modern appearance—which complements a wide range of design styles—but also for their durability. These skylights remain functional and attractive for many years, and are resistant to rust, corrosion, and other environmental factors.
With frames that can be powder-coated in a spectrum of colours to either match or contrast existing décor, these products are ideal for applications spanning residential homes, commercial buildings, retail spaces, and industrial facilities.
Address: 11 Kian Teck Way, Singapore 628736
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm | Sat 8am to 1pm | Closed on Sundays
Contact: 6292 0217 | Chip Aik website
4. Eurolite Group
Image credit: Solatube Skylights
Eurolite Group is the supplier of Solatube Skylights in Singapore. Solatube is popular worldwide for its innovative system that captures sunlight from every angle using a unique daylight-catching dome and advanced reflector technology, then channels it through a highly reflective tube to brighten even the darkest corners of your home.
Whether you desire a system with adjustable brightness, one that features a solar-powered nightlight for safe passage at night, or simply want to flood your space with natural light, Solatube has a solution to suit your needs. It’s a great way to transform dark, windowless spaces into warm, inviting environments while enhancing energy efficiency.
Address: 521 Bukit Batok Street 23, Singapore 659544
Contact: 6899 3131 | Eurolite website
5. PeseTech
Image credit: PeseTech
To replicate this hallway skylight in a 3-room BTO, check out PeseTech’s artificial skylight. This solution utilises advanced technology to simulate an ultra-realistic blue sky, capturing the full circadian cycle━from the soft pastels of dawn and the bright clarity of midday to the calming hues of dusk and night.
In doing so, it creates a visual bridge to nature while also supporting a natural sleep cycle. Plus, it’s ideal for a variety of settings—from homes and offices to educational and healthcare facilities.
PeseTech’s artificial skylight starts at USD690 (~S$925.11) for its 60-watt model and comes with a mobile app that lets you control functions such as dimming, colour adjustment, wake-up routines, and scheduling the lights to turn on or off.
What you need to know before getting an artificial LED skylight at home
Before you commit to installing an artificial LED skylight, it’s essential to consider a few potential drawbacks alongside its many advantages. One of the key concerns is the quality of light. Unlike the full, nuanced spectrum of natural sunlight, LED light often leans towards a blue hue. This can sometimes disrupt sleep patterns by inhibiting melatonin production. As a result, you may miss out on some of the psychological and health benefits that come with genuine daylight.
Additionally, while many LED skylights are designed to be lightweight—some models weighing as little as 16.4kg—it’s important to assess your ceiling’s load-bearing capacity. Opting for a larger or heavier unit may necessitate structural reinforcement, meaning you’ll likely need to hire a contractor, which can significantly increase the overall cost.
The same goes if you choose larger or more complex units. These will require professionals to ensure a proper fit and safe electrical connection.
Guide to installing an artificial LED skylight in your HDB
You don’t have to live in one of Singapore’s landed homes or a villa in Bali to have a skylight in your home. Artificial LED skylights offer a creative solution for brightening up HDBs and other spaces that lack natural sunlight. Just remember to weigh the pros and cons, along with a careful assessment of your own needs, to help you decide if an artificial skylight is the right choice for you.
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