Last Updated on 27 February 2025 by Tia Ellahi
Roof Lantern Styles: What options are there?
When it comes to popular roof lantern styles, the main options are contemporary, traditional, and pyramid, each providing unique aesthetics and light distribution to complement different home designs.
Adding a roof lantern or roof light to your home is a brilliant way to flood your space with natural light, creating an airy, open feel that transforms any room. But with so many styles available, how do you choose the right one?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of roof lantern styles and what to consider before making your purchase. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of the best roof glazing option for your home.
What We’ll Cover
- The different styles of roof lanterns
- The types of roof lights and their benefits
- Key considerations before buying a roof lantern or roof light
- FAQs
What Are the Different Roof Lantern Styles?
When it comes to roof lantern styles, there are various styles to suit different homes and tastes. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern look or a more classic aesthetic, there’s an option to match your needs.
1. Contemporary Roof Lanterns
If your home features a modern extension or an open-plan kitchen, a contemporary roof lantern is a fantastic choice. These designs focus on slim sightlines, minimalist frames, and maximum glass area, allowing in plenty of daylight while keeping the look sleek and understated.
The Korniche Aluminium Roof Lantern, for example, is engineered with clean lines and minimal framework, giving you uninterrupted views of the sky. Similarly, the Atlas Aluminium Roof Lantern boasts a frameless internal appearance, making it a standout option for modern homes.
2. Traditional Roof Lanterns
If you’re after a more classic look, a traditional roof lantern might be better suited to your home. These styles are often inspired by Victorian and Georgian designs, featuring decorative elements like ridge details and more intricate framework.
While they still allow plenty of light in, the frame details can be slightly more pronounced compared to contemporary models. These are often seen in period properties, orangeries, and homes aiming for a heritage aesthetic.
3. Square or Pyramid Roof Lanterns
Square or pyramid-shaped roof lanterns offer a compact yet impactful design, ideal for smaller spaces or symmetrical room layouts. Their even shape provides a balanced distribution of light and can create a striking architectural feature. These styles work particularly well in modern homes, smaller extensions, and garden rooms, bringing a sense of openness while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.
Types of Roof Lights: What Are Your Options?
While roof lanterns are a popular way to bring natural light into a home, they aren’t the only option. There are several types of roof lights designed to suit different home designs, budgets, and functional needs.
1. Flat Roof Lights
Flat roof lights, like the Korniche Flat Glass Roof Light, offer a sleek, minimalist look and sit flush with your ceiling, creating the illusion of an open roof. These are ideal for modern extensions, kitchen renovations, and living spaces where you want a discreet, contemporary appearance.
✅ Unobstructed sky views
✅ Frameless designs for a seamless look
✅ Energy efficiency, with low U-values for better insulation
✅ Perfect for modern interiors
2. Walk-On Roof Lights
For those with roof terraces or balconies, walk-on roof lights provide a functional yet stylish solution. These are made from extra-thick, toughened glass to withstand foot traffic while allowing natural light to filter into rooms below.
✅ Perfect for roof terraces, patios, or basements
✅ Heavy-duty, impact-resistant glass
✅ Maintains a modern, seamless look
3. Ventilated Roof Lights
If you’re looking for a practical solution that enhances airflow, ventilated roof lights are a great choice. These can be manually or electrically operated, helping to improve air circulation in kitchens, bathrooms, and conservatories.
✅ Improves air quality in humid spaces
✅ Automated options available with rain and temperature sensors
✅ Ideal for reducing condensation
4. Circular Roof Lights
For a more architectural statement, circular roof lights (also known as oculus roof lights) can create a unique focal point in any home. These are often used in high-end renovations where style is a priority.
✅ Striking, contemporary design
✅ Available in fixed or opening models
✅ Great for adding character to a space
5. Custom Rooflights
If standard sizes and styles don’t quite fit your space, custom rooflights offer a tailored solution. Bespoke roof lanterns and roof lights allow you to select exact sizes, frame colours, and glazing options, ensuring the perfect fit for your home.
With brands like Korniche, you can create a completely unique roof glazing solution that meets both your aesthetic and practical needs.
Key Considerations Before Buying a Roof Lantern or Roof Light
Before making a final decision, consider these important factors when choosing your roof glazing solution:
1. Thermal Efficiency
A good roof lantern or roof light should offer excellent thermal insulation to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Look for options with high-performance glazing, such as the Korniche lantern, which boasts self-cleaning glass and low U-values for better energy efficiency.
2. Frame Material
Most high-quality roof lanterns and roof lights are made from aluminium, as it offers strength, durability, and slim profiles for maximum glass area. Atlas and Korniche products use thermally broken aluminium to reduce heat loss and improve overall efficiency.
3. Glass Type
Different glazing options can enhance your roof light’s performance. Solar control glass, self-cleaning coatings, and tinted glass can all improve comfort levels in your home.
4. Roof Compatibility
Before installing a roof lantern or roof light, ensure your existing roof structure can support it. If in doubt, consult a professional to assess your space and recommend the best approach.
Browse Stunning Roof Lantern Styles with GFD Homes
At GFD Homes, we offer a wide range of roof lantern styles to suit every home, from sleek contemporary designs to classic traditional options. With a variety of customisation choices, including frame colours, glazing options, and bespoke sizes, you can tailor your roof lantern to perfectly complement your space.
If a roof lantern isn’t quite right for your property, we also have a fantastic selection of roof lights too, ensuring there’s a solution for every home and lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking to flood your home with natural light, enhance energy efficiency, or create a stunning architectural feature, we have the perfect roof glazing solution for you.
💡 Ready to transform your space? Get an instant quote today or explore our full collection of roof lanterns and roof lights to find your ideal match!
FAQs about Roof Lantern Styles
Can you add a roof lantern to an existing roof?
Yes! Roof lanterns can be installed onto flat roofs, making them a fantastic upgrade for extensions and existing rooms. The installation process typically involves cutting an opening in the roof, installing the correct upstand, and securing the lantern in place.
Do I need building regulations approval for a roof lantern?
In most cases, roof lanterns are considered permitted development and don’t require planning permission. However, they must comply with building regulations, particularly for thermal efficiency and structural integrity.
Can you place lanterns on slabs?
No, roof lanterns need to be installed onto a structurally sound flat roof. They cannot be placed directly on slabs or unsupported surfaces.
For more guidance, take a look at these!..
- Kitchen Roof Lanterns: Is this the upgrade your kitchen needs?
- Cheap Roof Lanterns: Are they worth it?
- How to Measure for a Korniche Roof Lantern
