Roof lanterns and rooflights can both make rooms feel lighter, brighter and more welcoming. But which should you go for? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.
What We'll Cover:
What is a roof lantern?
Roof lanterns are glazed structures that usually sit within a flat roof. They’re made up of different panes of glass set in a frame to form a 3D shape – a bit like the roof of a conservatory or orangery.
You might choose a roof lantern over a rooflight if you want to create more of a focal point, or if you have a big space and want to let as much light in as possible.
What is a rooflight
Rooflights (also known as skylights or roof windows) are flat windows fitted into a flat or pitched roof to let more natural light into the space below.
They’re popular in loft conversions and side-return extensions and can be either fixed or opening.
Check out our roof windows collection or our Luma range to see more.
Roof lantern vs rooflight
Roof lanterns and rooflights both let more natural light into your home, but there are some key differences between them. Roof lanterns are generally bigger, let in more light and create more impact. Rooflights are smaller and simpler. They cost less to buy and install and can easily incorporate an opening mechanism if you need extra ventilation.
Both have their advantages and, to an extent, the best choice for you will depend on your room, roof type and amount of space. But if you’re really torn, and have the budget to work with, a roof lantern would be our recommendation. Not only do they draw in more light and give you extra ceiling height, they also make a stunning architectural feature.
Roof lantern pros
Roof lanterns are a great choice because they:
- Let in more light than a flat rooflight, and up to three times more than a standard vertical window
- Give you extra ceiling height, making rooms feel spacious and airy
- Make an impressive design statement inside and out, whatever the style of your home
- Are ideal for flat roofs and flat-roof extensions
- Can be very energy efficient, helping to keep the room warm in winter, cool in summer
- Can be purchased as a ready-to-install kit for fast, easy fitting
Roof lantern cons
On the other hand, roof lanterns:
- Are more expensive to buy and install
- Can be harder to keep clean (though self-cleaning glass significantly reduces this problem)
- Can be hot in summer, cold in winter and prone to condensation if not well insulated.
- Aren’t usually suitable for pitched roofs
- Have fewer options for ventilation
- Will need to be installed by a professional due to working at height and complex roof measurements required
- Aren’t easy to add blinds to (though, their purpose is to let the light in!)
Rooflight pros
Rooflights offer lots of plus points too. They:
- Cost less to buy and install
- Can be installed on flat or pitched roofs
- Have more opening and ventilation options
- Are easier to clean – and may come with self-cleaning glass too
- Are ideal for loft conversions and smaller areas of the home, such as bathrooms and stairwells or landings
- Are unobtrusive to look at, meaning they rarely need planning permission
- Easy to add blinds to
Rooflight cons
Looking at rooflight disadvantages, note that they:
- Don't let in as much light as sky lanterns, so you may need to install more for them to be effective in larger areas
- Don’t have the same visual impact as a roof lantern
- Can make the room too hot or cold if not well insulated
Are roof lanterns better than rooflights?
If you’re dealing with a smaller space, or simply trying to solve the problem of too little daylight in part of your home, a rooflight may well be the most suitable option for you. They’re simple, functional and affordable.
But if you’re looking to create a space you truly love – whether that’s an open-plan kitchen, a place for dining and socialising or a bright, airy playroom – a roof lantern will undoubtedly have greater impact.
Take a look at a few inspiration photos and you’ll see exactly what we mean.
Do you need planning permission for a roof lantern?
Because rooflights don’t protrude away from the roof they hardly ever need planning permission, unless you live in a listed building or conservation area. But what about roof lanterns and planning permission?
The rules can be quite complex and may depend on the type of property and where you live, so check the Planning Portal or get in touch with your local planning authority.
The good news is that if you’re installing a roof lantern as part of a new build or extension it won’t need any additional permission. And adding a roof lantern to an existing flat roof won’t usually need planning permission, as long as:
- The roof lantern doesn’t protrude any higher than 150mm from the existing roof plane.
- The roof lantern isn’t any higher than the highest part of the house roof.
- Any side-facing windows must be obscure glazed to protect neighbours’ privacy.
- Any openings must be at least 1.7m above the floor.
Are roof lanterns a good idea?
Absolutely! Roof lanterns are a really effective way to bring more natural light and warmth into your home, even in rooms that usually feel dark and shadowy. The extra height, plus the elegant framework, means they make a stunning design statement in any style of home.
The best advice we can give is to do your research before making your choice. Understand the potential drawbacks and look for effective insulation – the key to saving energy and helping to maintain a comfortable room temperature. Read more in our Roof lanterns Guide or browse our Skypod roof lanterns here.
