A roof lantern is a glazed dome or frame structure placed on top of a roof or ceiling to bring natural daylight in from above. Unlike a rooflight that sits flush within the roof plane, a roof lantern projects slightly above roof level — typically with a frame of aluminium, steel, or timber.
Types of Roof Lanterns
| Type | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| **Classic roof lantern** | Rectangular frame with glass, projecting above the roof | Villas, heritage buildings |
| **Pyramid lantern** | Square base with sloped glass panels | Flat roofs, modern homes |
| **Barrel lantern** | Curved glass roof | Conservatory effect, long corridors |
| **Dome / rooflight (flat roof)** | Transparent plastic or glass dome | Common flat-roof solution |
| **Roof window (Velux etc.)** | Sits flush in the roof plane | Pitched roofs |
Daylight and Energy Efficiency
A roof lantern delivers 3–5x more light than a vertical window of the same area, because overhead light strikes at a higher angle. Modern glazing (double or triple glazed, low-e coated) keeps heat loss to a minimum.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
- Flat roof, smaller than 1 m² — usually permitted development
- Larger than 1 m² or in a pitched roof — planning permission required
- Listed building — always consult the local planning authority
DIY or Hire a Professional?
| Option | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| **DIY (flat roof dome)** | Confident DIYer, flat roof with good access |
| **Roofer or contractor** | Larger structures, pitched roofs, bespoke installations |
What Does a Roof Lantern Cost?
| Type | Materials | Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Dome rooflight (60×60 cm, flat roof) | £/€ 150–350 | £/€ 200–500 |
| Standard roof lantern (80×120 cm) | £/€ 500–1,500 | £/€ 500–1,200 |
| Bespoke / custom-made | £/€ 2,000–8,000+ | £/€ 1,000–3,000 |
> More guides and building plans: fredsdiyplans.com
Related Terms
- Roof turret — small ornamental tower on the ridge
- Dormer — window extension from the roof slope
- Double void / atrium — open space spanning multiple floors
- Argon glazing — insulating gas fill in double-glazed units