Maximising light when adding a kitchen extension should be a priority — here's how to create a bright, airy space

The importance of maximising light when adding a kitchen extension is often overlooked, yet this is something that marks the difference between an addition that adds both space and value to a house and one that comes at the expense of existing spaces.

Building an extension should not only be about adding physical capacity to a property – it should also be based on a design that improves overall flow and actually enhances the original building. Sadly, all too often, too much emphasis is placed on achieving that extra space without thought being given to what the new section will feel like to spend time in. At a basic level, your two main priorities should be to pull in as much light as possible to your extension, at the same time as being vigilant that the new structure won't block light from the rooms it is being built off.

We reached out to some trusted architectural experts for their advice on maximising light in an extension to ensure your project is nothing but beneficial to the way you live in your home.

How to maximise light in a kitchen extension

While you might think that you've got everything covered when planning out your kitchen extension ideas – layout, appliances, storage and so on – one thing that is often overlooked is how much natural light this new space will receive and how the provision of this will impact the amount of units you are able to incorporate.

With this in mind, our guide looks at the best ways of pulling in light at the same time as achieving your dream kitchen.

Use rooflights and ceiling glazing

This has to be the best way of getting the very most natural light into any type of extension, but in the kitchen, where wall space is precious, it is particularly useful. Bringing in light from above with ceiling glazing and rooflights will also help overcome any issues with your extension blocking light from existing 'middle' rooms.

"By adding an extension to a building, the room that once had an external wall with windows becomes isolated deep inside the house and daylight can be an issue," explains architect David Nossiter of David Nossiter Architects. "To resolve this, I nearly always add a large rooflight where the extension joins the existing building. I like to make my rooflights align with the internal features of the build, where possible. It just makes things looked considered and the cost of a bespoke rooflight is generally not greatly different to a quality off-the-peg one."

"A common challenge when adding a rear extension to a terraced house is that the central area can be left feeling dark and disconnected from the outdoors," agrees Neil Gaskin, director of Sketch Architects. "One effective solution to combat this is to install rooflights or skylights at the junction between the old and new, allowing natural light to be drawn deep into the kitchen and the rest of the home, whilst also creating a stunning feature of the interior."

David Nossiter

David has over 25 years experience in professional practice. He was elected as an RIBA member and admitted to the architects register in 2001, following seven years in practice working with Proctor and Matthews, Mole and Ellis Williams among others. During this time David worked on a large variety of projects.

Use glazed patio doors – carefully

The benefits of large, glazed patio doors cannot be underemphasised. Not only do they create a fantastic connection to outdoor spaces, even allowing homeowners to open up their kitchens almost entirely to the outside when the sun decides to shine, but they also draw in tonnes of natural light.

However, for all their plus points, there are a couple of factors to take into consideration when using them within a kitchen extension – with the main one being the fact that they will mean sacrificing wall space that could otherwise be used for citing a run of units.

"Another impactful design element to consider is slim-frame patio doors," advises Neil Gaskin. "These minimalist doors not only enhance the flow of light into the space but also give the illusion of a larger opening. By extending the patio doors to the full height of the ceiling, you can add a sense of volume, elevating the overall feel of the kitchen extension and boosting the natural light levels."

Both bifold and sliding patio doors are smart choices. Sliding doors tend to be available with slimmer frames, meaning more light and better views, while bifolds can be opened up completely during warm weather.

Neil Gaskin

Architect Neil Gaskin specalises in residential architecture, working on projects ranging from one-off houses to large scale masterplans for housing developments of 1,000 units and more.

Consider corner windows

Corner windows – that is those that wrap around two walls of an extension – can really help boost those natural light levels, as well as giving multi-dimensional views.

Often, this style of window will be fixed, as with picture windows, another great idea in kitchen extensions. The beauty of fixed glazing such as this, is that it can be specified in very large sizes, with minimal framing.

While we're on the topic of more unusual glazing, take some time to consider bifold windows. Like their close relative, the bifold door, these slide and fold up against a wall to create one large opening that allows lots of light in. Unlike doors, however, they allow for units to be fitted beneath.

Combine several types of windows

Most kitchen extensions tend to benefit from using a combination of different types of windows, strategically placed, as opposed to just one large glazed opening.

It might be that you choose to have roof glazing installed at the junction between the old and new sections, large sliding doors leading to the garden and a more standard-sized window elsewhere, for example.

In the case of flat roof extensions, don't miss the opportunity to incorporate a roof lantern or some ceiling glazing – both work particularly well over kitchen islands and in kitchen diners and can also be fitted with lights in order to illuminate the area below once night falls.

Choose a kitchen layout that allows light to flow

You might not have given much thought to the way in which your kitchen layout ideas will affect how light your extension feels, but it really can impact hugely.

While there isn't necessarily a 'best' layout, you need to ensure that the positioning of your units is designed in conjunction with the location of your light sources.

That said, L-shaped kitchen ideas are great for open plan kitchen diners as they allow light to spill through to the dining area really well – U-shaped layouts with a central island can work in a similar way.

If you are working with kitchen diner ideas, aim to locate the kitchen in the existing section that is being opened up, or at the 'back' of the new extension where it will benefit from shared light. The dining area, which won't need base and wall units, can be cited within the more heavily glazed spot.

When it comes to layout mistakes, avoid placing full-height or wall units either side of windows as they will prevent light entering and fully spreading into the space.

Choose your materials and finishes to reflect light

Alongside your choice of glazing and your layout, the materials you use for your units, flooring and finishes can also help increase how light the space feels.

Sticking to a colour palette that lies to the lighter end of the scale is a good idea and, while glossy units are currently rather out of favour when it comes to kitchen trends, the use of mirrors, placed to reflect natural light back into the room is hugely beneficial.

Pale, creamy natural stones, such as marble and limestone work well at keeping kitchen extensions feeling airy and bright when used on floors and worktops, and bare wood finishes also help with a breezy look.

FAQs

How to avoid overheating in a kitchen extension?

It can be tempting to go a little overboard with glazing when trying to get as much light into your new addition as possible, but you need to take care here and look into how to prevent overheating in homes. Depending on the orientation of your extension, you could well end up with a space that feels uncomfortably warm to spend time in when the sun is streaming in.

"We would always recommend investing in high quality, high spec glazing units – this is not an area you want to cut the budget on, otherwise your property might not be comfortable throughout the year," explains Neil Gaskin. "It's also important to check whether you are likely to need solar control glazing. Whether you’re looking to maximise daylight or minimise heat gain, the right glazing can make all the difference in creating a sustainable, comfortable home."

If you are really concerned that your new addition won't feel light enough, take a look at our round-up of glazed kitchen extension ideas – guaranteed to result in a space that will be full of natural light throughout the day.