Skylights won't be helpful at night. While they would be nice in the daytime, I think you'll have to have both for your ceiling and situation.

What do you think about a chandelier in the space? That idea has been tossed around as well.

You are both right. Skylights bring in TONS of natural light- during the day. Cans are for at night (as part of a larger alighting plan and on dimmers of course)

Yes skylights leak- eventually. Your roof will leak eventually too. A good skylight (Velux) properly installed will last as long as your roof.

I also would be concerned with the hot afternoon sun. I think you would be better off with light you can control. Look into LED, which are more expensive to start but cost much less to operate.

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Skylights definitely and they create a nice esthetic.

I have 2 of the VELUX Solar.

We have had 2 skylights in our cathedral ceiling over the years. I think this last one is a Velux. They each lasted about 15 years. Our roof is now leaking and the skylight is once again the weak point, so much so that it looks like there is rot. (We'll find out more tomorrow when the roofer shows up to give us an estimate.) The insurance company will pay for interior damage, but we're on our own with the exterior. We've had enough. While we've enjoyed the natural light, we won't miss the weak point in the roof or the afternoon glare. Our plan is to replace it with recessed lighting (LED). Good luck with whatever you choose!

Laura, which did you decide which to go with? I would love to see photos of how it turned out. Our living room is the same way, vaulted to a center point and dark during the day. We're trying to decide between a sky light and adding a window on the long side of the room. Thank you!

Get adjustable trims for the recessed lighting for sloped ceilings, or get pendent fixtures.

Lightheaded Adjustable options

I know that you’ve probably done this by the time I saw this (August 2021) and would like to hear an update, please. We have a similar ceiling and the added complication of being now in our 70s. Changing the all the light bulbs on those high ceilings has become an issue for us.
Thanks in advance for the info!

You have far more control over how well-lit your room is with recessed lights, particularly at night.