What are roof lanterns?
A roof lantern is a raised, hipped glazed structure — glass on every side, meeting at a ridge — that sits on a flat roof and draws light down from all directions. The added height makes the room below feel taller as well as brighter.
Lanterns suit orangeries, kitchen-diners and single-storey extensions where a flat ceiling would feel low. Slim aluminium systems now carry more glass and less frame than the old uPVC designs.
We size the lantern to the room and to the roof's structure, and finish the internal plaster box so it frames the lantern properly.
- Typical sizes
- 1000 × 1500 mm up to about 3000 × 6000 mm
- Frame
- Aluminium (most) or uPVC
- Glazing
- Double or triple, solar-control options
- Ventilation
- Optional opening vents
- Fitting time
- 1–2 days onto a prepared kerb
- Typical lead time
- 3–5 weeks from order
Why choose roof lanterns?
- Light from every angle across the day
- Adds visual height to a single-storey room
- Slim aluminium bars, more glass
- Double or triple glazed with solar-control options
- Can include opening vents
- Classic look that suits period and modern homes
What options are there?
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Opening vents with electric control
- Internal and external colours
- LED lighting in the plaster box
What should you check before you order?
- Needs a strong, level kerb or upstand
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
- Some designs project above the roof enough to affect planning on certain houses
- Plaster-box depth affects how the lantern looks from below
Planning and building-regulation rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our planning guide and building regulations guide set out each nation's position.
How much do roof lanterns cost?
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Large or bespoke aluminium lantern | £5,995 – £10,795 | £4,995 – £8,995 |
| Mid-size aluminium lantern (2 × 3 m) Typical | £3,955 – £5,995 | £3,295 – £4,995 |
| Small lantern (1 × 2 m) | £2,995 – £3,955 | £2,495 – £3,295 |
Guide prices per lantern, supplied and fitted onto a prepared kerb. Your fixed price follows a free survey for new installations.
Roof lanterns: common questions
Roof lantern or flat rooflight?
A lantern adds height and sky from all sides; a flat rooflight is lower-profile and cleaner from outside. Our guide compares them in detail.
Do roof lanterns get hot?
They can in summer if clear glass is used on a south-facing roof. Solar-control glass and an opening vent make a big difference.
Can a lantern go on an existing extension?
Yes, if the flat roof structure can be opened up and trimmed. We check joists and the roof build-up at survey.
How big can a lantern be?
Aluminium systems go to around three by six metres in standard ranges; larger sizes are made to order.
Do they leak?
Modern lanterns are sealed systems. Leaks usually trace back to the kerb or roof membrane detail, which we form and check ourselves.
Aluminium or uPVC?
Aluminium gives slimmer bars and a longer life; uPVC costs less. We fit both.
