How to Extend Your Home with Lantern Roofs to Maximise Light
If you’re considering how to extend your home, the roof you choose will define the look, comfort, and long-term usability of the space. Many extensions with flat or tiled roofs…
If you’re considering how to extend your home, the roof you choose will define the look, comfort, and long-term usability of the space. Many extensions with flat or tiled roofs achieve the extra square footage, but often feel enclosed. A lantern roof extension brightens the space. It raises the ceiling height and brings in natural light from above, making the environment more inviting.
For homeowners across the South of England, lantern roofs are a proven option. They blend modern design with energy-efficient glazing. They also meet all current UK building regulations and include a 10-year manufacturing warranty for peace of mind. With 20 years of experience and over 1,000 projects under our belt, we offer solutions that balance style, compliance, and daily comfort.
What Is a Lantern Roof Extension?
A lantern roof is a glazed structure set above a flat or solid roof, designed to maximise natural light from every angle. Unlike a flat skylight, a raised pyramid or rectangular shape makes the ceiling feel taller. It brightens the room and serves as a focal point, enhancing both comfort and design.
Key features of a lantern roof extension:
- Raised design that increases ceiling height.
- Glazed panels that channel natural light from multiple angles.
- A striking focal point that adds both style and practicality.
Lantern roofs are perfect for single-storey extensions. The feature enhances spaces like open-plan kitchens, dining rooms, and conservatories. They deliver the openness of a glazed structure while maintaining the insulation needed for year-round use.
In many cases, you can install a roof lantern under permitted development rights. Just ensure you respect specific limits. The UK’s guidance on permitted development states that lanterns can’t rise more than 150mm above the current roof plane. This helps you avoid the need for planning permission. Homeowners need to confirm specific requirements with their local planning authority. Restrictions can differ depending on the location.
5 Benefits of Lantern Roof Extensions for Single-Storey Homes
1. Floods Your Home with Natural Light
The Energy Saving Trust notes that maximising the use of natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting. This can lead to lower electricity bills. With UK electricity prices at an all-time high, it makes sense to use daylight more with features like lantern roofs.
Homeowners often tell our team that their homes feel much more welcoming once a lantern roof is installed. You can see real examples in our gallery and read feedback in our testimonials.
2. Creates a Greater Sense of Space
The raised design of a lantern roof increases ceiling height, making a room feel more expansive. This effect is especially valuable in ground-floor extensions where vertical space is limited.
For families, this openness changes kitchens, dining areas, and lounges into larger, more inviting spaces. To see how this looks in practice, explore the videos of our completed projects in our showroom.
3. Modern Design with Lasting Elegance
Lantern roofs combine modern style and clean lines. They maintain a classic appeal that fits both contemporary and traditional homes. This versatility makes them one of the most popular choices for roofs on single-storey extensions.
Lantern designs not only let in more natural light but also enhance the whole look of the extension.
4. Energy Efficiency with Warmer Roof Systems
A common concern with extensions is year-round comfort. When combined with insulated systems such as the Warmer Roof, lantern roof extensions comply with building regulations for thermal performance.
Modern glazing and thermally broken frames minimise heat loss in winter and reduce overheating in summer. Citizens Advice notes that improved insulation and glazing minimise energy consumption in homes. This makes lantern roofs both an efficient and stylish option.
5. Adds Value to Your Property
A high-quality extension is both an investment and an upgrade. Nationwide’s research explicitly shows that extensions can add up to 23% to a property’s value. They found that in 2024, the average extension costs between £45,000 and £75,000.
A lantern roof extension boosts your home’s style and liveability. It attracts future buyers and provides your family with immediate benefits.
Lantern Roofs vs Other Roof Options
When exploring how to extend your home, the roof you choose defines both comfort and style. Our team offer three main options, with each having its own benefits.
- Flat roof extensions deliver a sleek, modern finish and are one of the most cost-effective ways to gain extra space.
- Pitched roof extensions bring a traditional feel and excellent insulation. They are an ideal choice for larger constructions.
- Lantern roof extensions combine the efficiency of a Warmer Roof with the added benefit of natural light from above.
Lantern roofs are distinctive. They merge solid insulation and compliance with an abundance of daylight. This keeps your extension bright and welcoming. For many families, this makes them the best all-round choice for single-storey living.
Where Lantern Roof Extensions Work Best
Lantern roofs are adaptable and can enhance a wide range of single-storey extensions. They are especially effective in spaces where light and openness are priorities:
- Open-plan kitchen-diners where daylight creates a brighter hub for cooking, dining, and family time.
- Living rooms or lounges with a raised roofline that makes the space feel more spacious and welcoming.
- Conservatory conversions replace old glass roofs with insulated systems that meet building codes.
- Home offices that utilise natural light support concentration, wellbeing, and a productive working environment.
Our FAQs explain how lantern roof systems work with different types of builds and what permissions may be required. For tailored advice, our team can guide you through the best design for your home and help ensure compliance at every stage.
Extend Your Home with Light, Comfort, and Confidence
A lantern roof brings in natural light and raises the ceiling height. It fits both modern and traditional homes, making the extension brighter and more welcoming. Now is the time to upgrade your home with a single-storey extension that provides year-round comfort. Our market-leading Warmer Roof systems’ energy-efficient glazing keeps you snug in winter and cool in summer.
Single Storey Extensions has over 20 years of experience and has completed more than 1,000 successful projects. Families across the South of England trust us. Additionally, every project is backed by a 10-year manufacturing warranty for lasting peace of mind.
Call 0331 6302551 or arrange a free consultation today and take the first step towards a brighter home.
