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How Glass Atriums Light Up Your Entryway
Lifestyle
A glass atrium is one of the most effective and eye-catching ways to increase natural light in your entryway. Atriums not only brighten the home but also bring a dramatic sense of openness from the moment you step inside. From traditional homes to contemporary builds, a glass atrium created with curtain walling and paired with stunning entrance doors can significantly alter the atmosphere of your space.
What is a Glass Atrium?
The term “atrium” originates from Roman architecture, where it referred to a central open-air courtyard. In modern UK homes, the concept has evolved into a striking architectural feature that brings light and openness into the heart of a building.
A glass atrium today is typically an open or semi-open space, often located centrally within a building, and enclosed or screened off by walls of glass. It doesn’t necessarily require a glazed roof or rooflight to be considered an atrium. At Express, we define a glass atrium as a light-filled space that may be open to the sky or enclosed by large expanses of glass, rather than one that must include overhead glazing. The concept can extend further, sometimes taking the form of a glazed-through corridor, with large glass screens at the front and rear of the property that mirror one another. These designs create an uninterrupted flow of natural light and a seamless connection between inside and out.
So, if you’re searching “what is an atrium?”, the answer is simple: it’s a central architectural space designed to invite daylight and openness into a home, commonly placed near an entrance or staircase and often framed dramatically with glass.
“A glass atrium isn’t just an architectural feature: it’s a way to transform the entire atmosphere of a home. Entrance atriums work particularly well when combining aluminium curtain walling with bespoke entrance doors, as it creates a bold yet inviting entrance that brings in light, space, and a stunning impact both outside and inside of the home.”
— Steve Bromberg, Managing Director, Express Bi-folding Doors
The Power of Pairing: Curtain Walling Meets Atrium Glazing
To maximise light and views, consider creating a glass atrium with curtain walling. This type of glazing establishes a large, continuous glass surface that can extend from ground level to the roofline. The result is a transparent façade that gives a strong architectural presence, an ideal feature for houses with an atrium.
At Express, we also offer premium front doors designed to sit within curtain walling systems. This brings a cohesive look to the front of your home and allows for uninterrupted flow of light into the interior. Pivot doors work particularly well in entrance atriums, pairing effortlessly with curtain walling for a clean, modern finish.
How Does A Glass Atrium Light Up An Entryway?
Increased Natural Light
A well-placed glass atrium is a powerful way to increase natural light. Positioned over an entrance or hallway, it acts as a central source of brightness. When used alongside curtain walling, the effect is amplified: sunlight travels deeper into your home and establishes a bright, welcoming environment throughout the day.
Stunning Visibility and Views
Atriums do more than brighten your home, they also open up wide views to the outside. With floor-to-ceiling or multi-panel atrium glazing, you can enjoy uninterrupted sightlines to gardens, trees, and open sky. These glazed features make hallways and landings feel lighter and more open. And while the effect is striking, privacy doesn’t have to be compromised. Glass can be specified as laminated for added home security or obscured in certain areas; ideal if your home faces the street or neighbouring properties. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of a glass atrium without giving up comfort or discretion.
Design Flexibility
There are plenty of atrium design ideas to suit different types of homes. You might choose two-storey glazing, shaped windows, or coloured frames that reflect your existing architecture.
Our curtain walling is priced on application and can be designed to run from ground level right up to the roof ridge. We offer glazing in any colour and specification, with shaped and gable options that can span multiple floors to form an impressive front elevation.
All solutions are made to measure, with minimal framing and maximum glass to help increase natural light throughout your entryway.
A Greater Sense of Openness
Natural light plays a vital role in making interiors feel more spacious and connected. A glazed atrium, be it a full-height curtain wall or custom shaped glazing, opens up your entryway, allowing light to flow into adjacent rooms and across levels.
This striking architectural feature can also be mirrored at the rear for a cohesive, front-to-back design. Our bespoke glass solutions work across all elevations, helping you achieve a home filled with light, clarity, and modern impact.
Design Add-Ons to Maximise Entryway Brightness
To make the most of your glass atrium, consider the following additions:
Expansive Glass Doors
Large patio doors such as bifold doors or sliding doors help to distribute the light from the atrium further into the home. They also offer convenient access to outdoor areas and contribute to a clean, modern appearance.
Mirrors and Décor
Positioning mirrors near the atrium is a simple way to reflect sunlight into darker corners. Combined with light-coloured paint and décor, this helps to amplify the brightness introduced by your glass atrium.
Bespoke Shaped Windows for a Stunning Entrance
If full curtain walling isn’t the right fit for your project or budget, shaped window atriums offer a brilliant alternative. By combining front doors with shaped, fixed, or gable glazing, you can still achieve an eye-catching, light-filled entrance without the higher cost of a full glass façade.
Every product we manufacture is fully bespoke: shaped panes, sidelights, and top lights can all be built to suit your space. These designs are especially useful for bringing character to homes with pitched roofs or angled elevations.
Our team will work closely with you and your architect or builder to make sure the glazing ties in perfectly with the rest of your property. The result is a more affordable glass atrium that still adds height, light, and strong visual impact from the outside in.
Visit Our Showroom
A glass atrium is one of the most impactful features you can add to brighten your entryway and let natural light flow through your home. Whether you’re creating a double-height glazed opening or a more modest entrance screen, pairing with curtain walling, striking entrance doors, and shaped windows delivers a brighter, more open and visually impressive living space. Here at Express, the possibilities are extensive, from shaped windows to full-height glass walls, each design is tailored to suit both your space and your vision. Come on down to our showrooms and chat with the team to start curating your dream entryway.
