Last Updated on 24 February 2025 by Josh Lucas
When it comes to enhancing your home with a roof lantern or roof light, size matters!
Adding a roof lantern or roof light to your home is a game-changer when it comes to transforming interior spaces with natural light.
Whether you are renovating, extending, or building from scratch, selecting the right roof lantern size is crucial to striking the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Not only can the right size make your room feel more open and airy, but it also impacts energy efficiency, structural integrity, and overall design harmony.
With a variety of roof lantern sizes and roof lights available, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in! This guide will break down everything you need to know, from standard dimensions to custom sizing, installation considerations, and FAQs, ensuring that you have all the information to make a confident decision.
What We’ll Cover
- Understanding Roof Lantern & Rooflight Sizes
- Standard Roof Lantern Dimensions
- Choosing the Right Size for Your Space
- Custom vs. Standard Sizing
- Installation Considerations & Challenges
- FAQs
Understanding Roof Lantern & Rooflight Sizes
Roof lanterns and roof lights come in various sizes to suit different spaces and styles. Whether you’re looking for a small roof light to subtly brighten a room or a large roof lantern to create a statement, size is a critical factor in ensuring functionality and aesthetics.
The size of a roof lantern should complement the dimensions of your roof opening and the overall layout of your home. The size of a roof light also impacts how much natural light enters the space, influencing both aesthetics and energy efficiency.
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Standard Roof Lantern Dimensions
Manufacturers offer a range of standard roof lantern sizes, designed to fit common home improvement projects. Typical dimensions include:
- Small Roof Lanterns: 1000mm x 1500mm – Best for compact spaces or highlighting specific areas.
- Medium Roof Lanterns: 2000mm x 3000mm – A balanced option for most room extensions.
- Large Roof Lanterns: 3000mm x 4000mm – Ideal for large, open-plan areas needing maximum light.
For roof lights, standard sizes may vary slightly, with common options including:
- Small Roof Lights: 600mm x 900mm – Great for bathrooms or small corridors.
- Medium Roof Lights: 1000mm x 1500mm – Perfect for kitchens or modest extensions.
- Large Roof Lights: 2000mm x 3000mm – A striking feature for spacious living areas.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Space
Before selecting your roof lantern or roof light, consider the following:
- Room Size & Layout – A large roof lantern suits open-plan areas, while a small skylight might be better for compact rooms.
- Roof Opening & Structural Considerations – Ensure your chosen size matches your available roof opening without requiring major structural alterations.
- Aesthetic Preferences – A slimline roof lantern offers a sleek look, while larger units provide grandeur.
- Natural Light Needs – A large skylight floods the space with light, whereas a small roof light adds subtle brightness.
- Energy Efficiency – Larger glazing areas require high-performance insulation to maintain thermal efficiency and prevent excessive heat gain/loss.
Roof Lanterns & Roof Lights from GFD Homes
At GFD Homes, we offer a premium range of roof lanterns designed to enhance your living space with natural light, style, and superior thermal efficiency. We provide a range of premium options, including roof lanterns and roof lights:
- Atlas Aluminium Roof Lanterns – Known for their sleek design, minimal framework, and high-performance glazing, Atlas roof lanterns are perfect for modern extensions and renovations.
- Korniche Aluminium Roof Lanterns – These industry-leading roof lanterns combine precision engineering with slim sightlines, ensuring maximum light and outstanding thermal performance.
In addition, we also offer the Korniche Aluminium Flat Glass Roof Light, a stylish and thermally efficient solution for homeowners looking to introduce natural light without the height of a traditional roof lantern.
The Korniche roof light features a slimline aluminium frame with high-performance glazing, ensuring a modern aesthetic while maintaining excellent insulation.
Custom vs. Standard Sizing
If standard roof lantern sizes don’t meet your requirements, many suppliers offer bespoke options.
Custom sizing allows you to tailor the design to your specific needs, whether you need a small lantern roof extension or a large rooflight configuration.
Standard sizing is typically more affordable and readily available, making it a convenient choice for many homeowners.
However, it does limit design flexibility, as you’re constrained to predefined dimensions. On the other hand, custom sizing provides the freedom to achieve a perfect fit for unique spaces, ensuring maximum impact and functionality.
If your project has specific architectural requirements or a unique vision, a custom roof lantern may be the ideal choice. However, if you want a cost-effective and quick installation, standard sizes are often the best option.
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Installation Considerations & Challenges
The size of your roof lantern impacts installation complexity. Larger units may require additional support or reinforcements, while smaller ones can be easier to fit. Key considerations include:
- Weight Load – Larger units require a sturdy roof structure and may need extra reinforcement.
- Glazing Options – Self-cleaning glass can reduce maintenance and improve long-term durability.
- Weatherproofing – Proper sealing is essential to prevent leaks, particularly for larger units.
- Professional Installation – Some sizes are best handled by experts to ensure structural integrity and compliance with building regulations.
Ready to Enhance Your Home? Call Our Experts Today!
Choosing the right roof lantern or roof light is an investment in both style and functionality. Whether you’re looking for a small skylight to subtly brighten a room or a large roof lantern to create a stunning feature, the right size and design can make all the difference.
At GFD Homes, we offer a variety of roof lanterns and roof lights in different sizes and styles to suit any home improvement project. Our expert team is here to help you make an informed decision.
Call our expert team on 01642 309 576 or get an instant quote online at GFD Homes.
FAQs
Can a roof lantern be too big?
Yes! If a roof lantern is too large for the space, it can overwhelm the design, affect energy efficiency, and compromise structural integrity. Always balance size with proportion and practical considerations.
How long does a roof lantern last?
High-quality roof lanterns can last 20+ years with proper care, especially when made from durable materials like aluminium and equipped with weather-resistant glazing.
Does a roof lantern make a room cold?
No, a well-insulated roof lantern with thermal glazing prevents heat loss, keeping your space warm in winter while reducing overheating in summer. Look for units with low U-values for maximum efficiency.
How does size impact cost?
Larger roof lanterns and roof lights typically cost more due to increased material use, complex installation, and higher glazing requirements. Custom sizes can add further costs due to bespoke manufacturing.