Last Updated on 4 March 2025 by Tia Ellahi
Glass roof lanterns: where should they be placed?
Glass roof lanterns are best placed in kitchen extensions, dining areas, living rooms, orangeries, and renovated conservatories to maximise natural light and create a spacious, open feel.
Natural light has the power to transform any living space, and glass roof lanterns are one of the most stylish ways to flood your home with daylight. Whether you’re planning a home renovation, extending your kitchen, or upgrading an existing structure, understanding your options for glass roofing is key to making the right decision.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about glass roof lanterns, including the best types of glass for lanterns, energy efficiency considerations, and maintenance tips. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the perfect glass roof skylight for your home.
What This Guide Covers:
- What is a glass roof lantern and how does it work?
- Best places to install a glass lantern roof
- Different types of glass for roof lanterns and their benefits
- FAQs
What is a Glass Roof Lantern?
Glass roof lanterns are raised, multi-pane glazed structures designed to sit on a flat roof. It enhances both natural light and aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice for kitchen extensions, orangeries, and open-plan living spaces. Unlike traditional roof lights, glass lanterns add height and an architectural feature that elevates any space.
What is a Glass Roof Light?
A glass roof light is a flat, fixed-pane glazing system that sits flush with the roof, allowing natural light to enter without altering the building’s silhouette. It’s a sleek, modern alternative to a roof lantern, ideal for minimalist designs and energy-efficient extensions.
Best Places to Install Glass Roof Lanterns
The placement of a glass roof lantern is just as important as the style and glazing you choose. The right location can maximise natural light, improve energy efficiency, and completely transform the look and feel of your home.
1. Kitchen Extensions
- Why? The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the addition of a Kitchen roof lantern will mean more daylight, making the space feel larger and brighter.
- Ideal for: Open-plan kitchens, dining areas, and spaces where natural light enhances cooking and entertaining.
- Benefits:
- Reduces reliance on artificial lighting during the day.
- Creates a focal point above an island or dining table.
- Prevents a dark and enclosed feel in rear or side extensions.
2. Dining Areas
- Why? Dining rooms can sometimes feel closed-off, especially in terraced homes or extensions with limited wall windows. A glass roof lantern brings in natural light and enhances the atmosphere for meals and gatherings.
- Ideal for: Kitchen-diner extensions, separate dining rooms, or orangeries.
- Benefits:
- Creates a more inviting space for socialising.
- Enhances morning light for breakfast and evening ambiance for dinner.
3. Living Rooms & Open-Plan Spaces
- Why? A glass roof lantern in a living room adds architectural interest and makes the space feel airy and spacious.
- Ideal for: Extensions, orangeries, and modern home renovations.
- Benefits:
- Enhances views of the sky and surroundings.
- Helps integrate indoor and outdoor living.
4. Hallways & Landings
- Why? These areas are often narrow and lack windows, making them feel dark and cramped. A glass lantern roof opens up the space without taking up wall space.
- Ideal for: Homes with central hallways or landings needing extra light.
- Benefits:
- Makes a strong first impression in entryways.
- Creates a light, open feel throughout the home.
5. Home Offices & Studios
- Why? Natural light boosts productivity and mood, making it perfect for a workspace.
- Ideal for: Extensions, garden studios, and converted spaces.
- Benefits:
- Reduces eye strain and reliance on artificial lighting.
- Provides a stylish and modern working environment.
Wherever you choose to install a glass roof lantern, positioning it in a way that maximises natural light while complementing your home’s design will make a world of difference.
Choosing the Right Glass for Glass Roof Lanterns
Not all glass for rooflights is the same. The type of glazing you choose can impact insulation, security, and light transmission. Here are the main options:
1. Self-Cleaning Glass
- Reduces maintenance as a special coating on the glass breaks down dirt.
- Ideal for hard-to-reach glass roof lanterns.
2. Solar-Control Glass
- Helps regulate temperature, reducing overheating in summer.
- Prevents excessive glare while maintaining natural light.
3. Toughened or Laminated Glass
- Increases safety and security, preventing shattering on impact.
- Essential for durability and compliance with building regulations.
4. Double Glazing
Roof lanterns are only available with double glazing, as triple glazing would add excessive weight and structural load. High-quality double-glazed roof lanterns still provide excellent thermal performance, noise reduction, and energy efficiency, making them the best option for maintaining insulation and comfort.
When selecting glass for lanterns, it’s best to consider both practicality and aesthetics.
Find The Perfect Glass Roof Lanterns for Your Home
Glass roof lanterns offer incredible ways to enhance your home with natural light. At GFD Homes, we provide a range of high-quality aluminium glass rooflights and lanterns, designed to deliver both beauty and performance.
All our glass roof lanterns come with self-cleaning glass as standard, ensuring easy maintenance and a crystal-clear finish all year round. If you require ventilation, we also offer the option to add openers to your roof lantern for ventilation purposes, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout your home.
If you would like to see the quality of our products in person, call us on 01642 309576 to book a visit to our showroom. Our team is happy to provide expert advice and help you find the perfect roof glazing solution.
If glass roof lanterns aren’t quite what you’re looking for, why not explore our range of roof lights? They offer a sleek, contemporary alternative with the same high-quality performance and durability.
Ready to transform your space? Get a free online quote today or explore our collection of high-quality glass roof lanterns.
FAQs about Glass Roof Lanterns
What glass is best for a roof lantern?
The best glass for lanterns depends on your priorities. Self-cleaning and solar-control glass are ideal for reducing maintenance and controlling indoor temperatures. High-quality glazing offers superior insulation, while toughened glass ensures safety.
Are lantern roof conservatories cheaper than a glass roof?
Roof lanterns can’t be installed on standard conservatories—they’re designed for renovated conservatories or orangeries with a solid flat roof. While adding a roof lantern may seem like a cheaper option, the final cost depends on factors like size, glazing, and custom features such as ventilation or self-tinting glass.
How to clean lantern glass?
For best results, use a soft sponge, warm water, and a gentle glass cleaner. If possible, opt for self-cleaning glass to reduce maintenance.
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