The Best Window Treatments for Skylights & High Clerestory Windows

Skylights and clerestory windows are stunning. They flood a room with natural light, make ceilings feel higher, and give any space an airy, open feel.

But once the sun beats down through that overhead glass in the middle of a California summer, you’ll quickly understand the downside of leaving them uncovered.

The challenge? These windows are hard to reach, awkwardly angled, and standard off-the-shelf blinds rarely fit them properly.

This guide breaks down your best options, what to look for, and how to choose the right treatment based on your specific window type and goals.

The Difference Between a Skylight & a Clerestory Window

• Skylights are windows installed directly into the roof or ceiling, often horizontal or steeply angled. They face upward, which means gravity works against any shade you install.
• Clerestory windows are vertical windows positioned high on a wall, typically near the roofline. They’re common in open-concept homes and mid-century modern architecture.

Each window type has different treatment requirements, though many of the same product categories work for both.

What Makes These Windows Difficult to Treat?

• Accessibility: You can’t easily reach them to open, close, or adjust a standard blind.
• Angle: Skylight shades must resist gravity. Standard shades sag without a proper tension or track system.
• Heat gain: Overhead glass lets in direct sunlight for longer periods, driving up indoor temperatures — a real concern in Southern California.
• Glare: Morning or afternoon sun streaming through a high window can make an entire room unusable.

Best Window Treatments for Skylights

1. Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades — Best Overall

Cellular shades are the most popular and highest-performing option for skylights.

Fabric is folded into honeycomb-shaped cells that trap air, acting as an insulating buffer between the glass and your living space.

Key benefits

• Excellent thermal insulation keeps rooms cooler in summer, warmer in winter
• Available in light-filtering or blackout fabric
• Single-cell options offer a sleek profile; double-cell options maximize insulation
• Custom-fitted with side tracks that hold the shade taut at any angle

Best for

• Bedrooms, living rooms, any room where energy efficiency matters

Choose blackout if you need to sleep during daylight hours or want total light control.

Choose light-filtering if you want diffused natural light without harsh glare.

2. Pleated Shades — Best Budget Option

Pleated skylight shades look similar to cellular shades but use a single layer of folded fabric instead of a multi-cell construction.

Key benefits

• More affordable than cellular shades
• Clean, attractive appearance
• Still require side tracks to stay in place

Best for

• Living rooms, hallways, spaces where insulation is less critical

3. Motorized Shades — Best for Accessibility

If your skylight is more than a few feet overhead, motorization isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.

An electric motor raises and lowers the shade via remote control, smartphone app, or voice command (Alexa, Google Home, Siri).

Key benefits

• No ladders required
• Can be programmed to open/close on a schedule, reducing heat gain automatically
• Compatible with most cellular or roller shade styles
• Power options include rechargeable battery, solar, or hardwired

Best for

• Any skylight that’s genuinely hard to reach

Best Window Treatments for High Clerestory Windows

Clerestory windows sit vertically on the wall, so gravity isn’t as much of a challenge. But height still is.

1. Motorized Roller or Solar Shades

Solar shades are a natural fit for clerestory windows because they reduce glare and UV exposure without blocking your view entirely.

Key benefits

• Available in varying “openness levels” (1%–10%), which control how much light and view you retain
• Reduce heat gain without making the room feel closed off
• Pair easily with motorization for high-window accessibility

Best for

• Open-concept living areas, kitchens, offices where you want light control without total darkness

2. Motorized Honeycomb Shades

The same insulation benefits from skylights apply here, with motorization solving the reach problem.

Key benefits

• Energy-efficient
• Can be programmed to adjust throughout the day
• Available in a wide range of colors and opacity levels

Best for

• Bedrooms with clerestory windows, rooms in direct afternoon sun

3. Extra-Long Drapes or Panel Tracks

For clerestory windows with a more architectural or decorative purpose, fabric treatments can work beautifully, especially in mid-century modern or craftsman-style homes.

Key benefits

• Dramatic visual impact; draws the eye upward
• Works well on a ceiling-mounted track
• Lightweight fabrics create an airy feel; heavier fabrics add warmth

Limitation

• Less precise light control compared to shades; manual adjustment is difficult without a track system

Best for

• Decorative clerestory windows where light control is secondary to aesthetics

How to Choose: A Quick Decision Guide

Tips for Measuring and Installing Skylight Shades

Getting the measurements right is critical, especially for skylights, which require a custom fit.

• Measure the inside width at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. Use the narrowest measurement.
• Measure the height on the left, center, and right. Use the longest measurement.
• Confirm that the frame depth is sufficient to accommodate mounting brackets.
• Most skylight shades use side tracks (channels) that guide the shade as it moves—these are essential for keeping the shade taut on angled windows.
• For manual shades on high windows, order an extension pole to push and pull the shade without a ladder.

FAQs: Treatments for Skylights & Clerestory Windows

Q: What are the best window treatments for skylights?

Cellular (honeycomb) shades are widely considered the best option for skylights. Their side-track system keeps them taut on angled glass, and their air-trapping cells provide strong insulation against heat gain and loss.

Q: Do I need motorized shades for skylights?

Not always, but motorization is highly recommended for skylights that are difficult to reach. Manual shades work fine on lower or more accessible skylights when paired with an extension pole.

Q: What is the difference between light-filtering and blackout skylight shades?

Light-filtering shades diffuse sunlight, softening glare while keeping the room bright. Blackout shades block nearly all light—ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, or anyone sensitive to early morning or midday sun through overhead glass.

Q: Are solar shades good for clerestory windows?

Yes. Solar shades are an excellent choice for clerestory windows because they reduce UV exposure and glare while preserving your view and maintaining a connection to natural light.

Q: How are motorized skylight shades powered?

Motorized skylight shades can be powered by a rechargeable battery wand (no wiring required), a solar panel built into the shade, or a hardwired electrical connection, depending on the model.

Q: Can I install skylight shades myself?

Yes, with careful measuring and basic tools (drill, screwdriver, level). Installation involves mounting a headrail, bottom rail, and side channels inside the skylight frame. The first installation takes longer; subsequent installs go much faster once you understand the system.

Q: What color should skylight shades be?

White or off-white on the exterior-facing side helps reflect heat. For the interior, matching your ceiling color lets the shade blend in seamlessly, while a contrasting color turns the skylight into a design focal point.

Q: How long do skylight shades last?

High-quality cellular skylight shades typically last 10 or more years. Because skylights receive intense, direct sun exposure, some fabric fading is normal over time — especially with lighter colors.