How Big Is A Roof Lantern?
Roof lanterns have surged in popularity in recent years, offering a stunning architectural feature that brings natural light flooding into spaces like kitchens, dining rooms, and extensions. They not only elevate the style of a home but can also help create a more energy-efficient and welcoming environment. But one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: how big is a roof lantern supposed to be?
The truth is, roof lanterns come in a wide range of sizes. Choosing the right one depends on several factors, the size of your existing roof structure, the size of the room, the purpose of the space, the structure of your roof, and of course, your personal preferences. Let’s dive into how big a roof lantern usually is, how to choose the right size for your home, and what other key considerations you should keep in mind.
What Is a Roof Lantern?
Before we get into the specifics of sizing, it’s worth understanding exactly what a roof lantern is. A roof lantern is a glazed structure, typically made of glass and framed with aluminium, timber, or uPVC, that sits atop a flat or low-pitch roof. Think of it as a modern skylight on steroids. It resembles a miniature glass conservatory roof and is designed to pull in daylight from multiple angles. With their slim sight lines, roof lanterns are a good option if you are wanting to let in more light.
Unlike regular flat rooflights, which lie flush with the roof, roof lanterns are elevated and usually have a pitched shape. This not only gives them a striking appearance but also maximizes the spread of natural light into the room below.
Standard Roof Lantern Sizes
There’s no single standard size for roof lanterns, but there are common dimensions that most manufacturers in the market offer. These can range from smaller units for compact areas, all the way up to expansive structures for open-plan living areas.
Small Roof Lantern Sizes
- 1000mm x 1500mm
- 1000mm x 2000mm
These smaller sizes are perfect for bathrooms, hallways, or smaller kitchens. They provide the benefits of additional daylight and sky views without overwhelming the space.
Medium Roof Lantern Sizes
- 1500mm x 2500mm
- 2000mm x 3000mm
These sizes are ideal for medium-sized rooms or extensions, such as a kitchen-diner, where you want to make a big impact but still keep things proportional.
Large Roof Lantern Sizes
- 3000mm x 5000mm
- 4000mm x 6000mm
Large roof lanterns are great for open-plan living areas or commercial spaces like restaurants and atriums. They offer a dramatic look and provide serious sunlight coverage.
Custom Sizes
Many manufacturers offer bespoke roof lanterns that can be tailored to your exact specifications. If you’re working with an architect or doing a custom build, this might be the best route to get the perfect fit.
How to Choose the Right Size for Your Roof Lantern
Picking the right size isn’t just about what looks good on paper. Here are some key factors to help you decide:
1. Room Size
The golden rule is: your roof lantern should be in proportion to the size of the room. Too small, and it won’t make much of an impact. Too large, and it could dominate the space or look awkward. As a general guide, many experts recommend your lantern take up no more than 25–30% of the roof area.
2. Structural Considerations
The size of your roof lantern will also depend on what your roof can support. A large, heavy roof lantern may require extra steel support or structural adjustments, which could increase costs. Always consult a structural engineer or builder before finalising size.
3. Orientation and Light
Which direction your room faces also plays a role. North-facing rooms might benefit from a larger lantern to allow more light, whereas south-facing rooms may not need one as big.
4. Planning Permission
In most cases, installing a roof lantern falls under permitted development, especially if it doesn’t project more than 150mm above the existing roof plane. However, larger or custom designs might require you to check the building regulations and may require planning permission, before your roof lantern installation.
Practical Tips for Sizing
- Leave a border of at least 300mm around the edge of the roof to allow for proper installation and maintenance access.
- If you’re placing it above a kitchen island or dining table, center it for visual balance.
- Consider how the lantern will line up with ceiling lights, beams, or extractor fans in the room below.
What Shapes Do Roof Lanterns Come In?
The size and shape of your roof lantern often go hand in hand. Common shapes include:
- Rectangle: Most popular, works well for long rooms or extensions.
- Square: Great for symmetry in more compact spaces.
You can also choose from different pitch angles. A higher pitch (like 30–35 degrees) gives a more dramatic look and improves light diffusion. A shallower pitch may look more modern and subtle.
Framing Materials and Their Impact on Size
The frame material affects not only the appearance but also the visible glass area. For example:
- Aluminium frames are sleek and allow for larger glass panes and slimmer sightlines.
- uPVC frames are cost-effective but usually come with thicker frame profiles, which might reduce light intake slightly.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
While it’s tempting to go as big as possible, especially if you’re dreaming of bright rooms and Instagram-worthy interiors, the size of your roof lantern should work with your space, not against it. The best roof lantern is the one that balances aesthetics, functionality, and the practical limits of your home. Whether you go small and stylish or bold and bright, a roof lantern is always a beautiful way to bring the sky indoors. As well as improving your external kerb appeal.
At UK Rooflights we offer a large range of different size roof lanterns, with toughened glass and advanced weatherproofing. Our contemporary roof lanterns can reach impressive U-Values as low as 0.6W/m2K, and self-cleaning glass, for excellent energy efficiency. Plus, with multiple choices of stock sizes or made-to-measure options, you can find your perfect size roof lantern.
Looking for the best quality roof products on the market? Get in contact with our sales team on sales@ukrooflights.co.uk to discuss your next project. Or for exclusive trade discounts, sign up for our online portal below!
