I hope this is the right place for this post, and it is slightly lengthy. Please read it. If unable to help, at least let this be a testament to how DIFFICULT things can be here. I have officially arrived at my wit's end!
For months now, I have put considerable effort into finding a solution for a very large skylight in my living room. Some description, along with the two photos I attached:
I live in a roof apartment (renting) with very tall ceilings. They slant up and then meet at a flat area in the middle. The height is about 5-5.5 meters. THEN, inset about another half meter in the middle of the ceiling, is a very large square skylight. It is 179cm squared. It can lift open from one side via an electric opener, accessed from the wall with the rest of the light switches. Sounds cool, right? WELL, IT'S NOT.
There are already about 10 windows in the living and dining area itself, so I'm not sure why the architect decided there should be a huge, unshaded skylight in the middle of it all.
Now, in case people are thinking, But this is absolutely wonderful-- you can see the sky and stars! Nope. The thing is not clear glass, but a translucent safety glass. This means that all it does is transmit flat, bright white light. It looks like one huge fluorescent light in an office building, no matter the weather, until it's dark out. Really cozy. Can't watch movies during the day, or evening, really. It's just way too bright, and I won't even begin about how hot it is in the summer (really hot).
To keep anyone from wasting their time, I have already thoroughly looked into the following options DIY and otherwise:
- Called Velux, who makes all the windows in the apartment. They won't do the skylight because it's not Velux.
- Found out the skylight is Somfy. Called Somfy, they told me they can't do anything other than a motorized shade (expensive and not allowed since I rent) and... that I should call Velux.
- Window film that clings to the safety glass, have seen both inside and outside application (can't get up to the roof without risk of death, can't apply a cling film to glass inside due to height and lack of tall enough ladder)
- Blackout fabric, such as curtains, and hanging them somehow with hooks or even a staple gun (will droop and look terrible, and can't find a tall enough ladder for a reasonable price)
- Separately, looked into ladder and scaffolding rental. Either only renting for a week at a time for an insane price, or just not available in the height I would need to do it myself. I also cannot balance on one normal ladder and apply a film or shade that high up)
- Tarp secured over the skylight from the roof (same risk of death)
- Various handymen (3) said they simply aren't able to apply any film, or any panels to the outside, or any shades of any kind
- So close: Found a window film company, small, operated by 2 guys. They came and had a look, quoted me CHF 600 (good price!), came over the next week over an hour late, took an hour to set up, then told me they couldn't do it because the ladder wasn't tall enough. Then they told me if they could find a ladder tall enough, they'd tell me how much it is to rent. Yes, they expected me to pay for the ladder. Adorable!
I've called painters, roofers, and hardware stores, and nobody can help. Or nobody WILL help. Let's just say that were I back in the states, I'd have had this crap managed within a week. Here, however...
WHO CAN HELP ME?! I just want a solution that takes away almost all or all of the light, and I don't want to pay a fortune for it. Is there anyone out there who can make me a shade, or apply window film to the inside or outside? Or the tarp thing?
If I sound desperate/hysterical, it's because I am.