Roof Lantern Extensions: Transforming Your Living Space with Light and Style
September 22, 2025|News
When you’re dreaming of more space at home, the thought of moving house can feel overwhelming. Between estate agent fees, stamp duty, and the stress of finding the perfect property, extending your existing home often presents a far more attractive solution.
A well-designed home extension not only creates the extra space you need but can add significant value to your property – and when paired with a stunning roof lantern, it becomes something truly special.
Why choose to extend your home rather than move?
Home extensions offer a practical and cost-effective way to create more living space without the upheaval of relocating. Whether you’re looking to add a bright dining area, expand your kitchen, or create a captivating living space for the family, an extension allows you to stay in the neighbourhood you love while tailoring your home to your exact needs.
At Tyneside Home Improvements, we’ve helped countless North East homeowners transform their properties with thoughtfully designed extensions. From single storey additions to stunning orangeries, each project is carefully planned to complement your existing architecture whilst maximising both space and natural light.
What is a roof lantern?
A roof lantern is a glazed structure that sits proudly on your existing roof or new extension, designed to flood your interior with natural daylight. Unlike traditional roof windows or flat skylights, lantern roof lights feature multiple panes of glass arranged in a pyramid-like formation, creating an architectural focal point that draws the eye upward.
Modern roof lanterns combine slim aluminium frames with high-performance glazing to create clean lines and maximum light transmission. The Korniche roof lantern and similar contemporary roof lanterns have become a popular choice for homeowners seeking to add both functionality and aesthetic appeal to their extensions.
Benefits of choosing a roof lantern over a solid roof
Maximising natural light
The most obvious advantage of roof lanterns extensions is the dramatic increase in natural daylight they provide. Traditional solid roofs can make extensions feel enclosed and require artificial lighting even during daylight hours. A lantern roof transforms the space, creating an airy atmosphere that makes even compact areas feel generous and welcoming.
Architectural interest and style
Quality roof lanterns add significant wow factor to any home extension. Whether you’re extending a period property or adding to modern homes, the right lantern roof can complement your existing architectural style whilst creating a striking contemporary feature. The central ridge design and glass panes create visual interest both inside and out.
Improved connection with outdoors
Roof lanterns create a stronger connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Combined with bifold doors or French doors, they help create a flowing transition that makes dining rooms, kitchen extensions, and living areas feel more spacious and connected to your garden.
Adding property value
A well-designed lantern roof extension represents excellent value for money. Not only do you gain practical living space, but the architectural appeal and improved light levels can significantly boost your property value – often exceeding the initial investment.
Roof lanterns and thermal efficiency
Modern roof lanterns are engineered for outstanding thermal performance, addressing concerns about heat loss and energy bills that older glazed extensions often suffered from.
Advanced glazing technology
Today’s roof lanterns feature double glazing as standard, with solar control glass options to manage heat gain during summer months. This advanced glazing helps maintain comfortable temperatures year-round whilst reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems.
Thermal breaks and insulation properties
Thermally broken aluminium frames prevent heat transfer through the structure itself. These thermal breaks, combined with excellent insulation properties, ensure your roof lantern extension maintains comfortable temperatures without impacting your energy bills negatively.
Customisation options for your perfect roof lantern
Size and configuration
Roof lanterns are available in both standard sizes and custom sizes to fit your specific requirements. Whether you’re working with an existing flat roof or planning a completely new extension, we can design the perfect roof lantern to suit your space.
Frame colours and finishes
Choose from a wide range of RAL colours to complement your home’s exterior. From classic white to contemporary anthracite grey, or bold statement colours, powder-coated aluminium frames offer durability and style. We provide extensive colour options to achieve the perfect fit for your property.
Glass options
Modern roof lanterns like ours come with a choice of various glass specifications:
- Solar control options to manage heat and UV rays
- Self-cleaning glass to reduce maintenance
- Acoustic glazing for properties near busy roads
- Tinted options for privacy and glare reduction
How big should the lantern roof for my extension be?
The size of your roof lanterns extension should be proportional to your space. Typically, a lantern that occupies 10-15% of the roof area works well. This ensures maximum natural light while maintaining aesthetic balance and structural integrity, enhancing both style and functionality in your living space.
Integration with other features
Roof lanterns work beautifully alongside other extension features. Whether you’re planning an orangery with traditional dwarf walls, or a modern single-storey extension, the lantern roof can be integrated with existing roof planes and combined with roof lights for additional illumination.
Planning and installation considerations
Permitted development rights
Many roof lantern extensions fall under permitted development rights, meaning you may not need full planning permission. However, if your property is in a conservation area or you’re making significant changes to the existing roof plane, additional approvals may be required. Our expert team can guide you through the planning process.
Building regulations
All roof lantern installations must comply with current building regulations approval requirements. This covers structural integrity, thermal performance, and safety glazing standards. We handle all aspects of compliance to give you complete peace of mind.
Professional installation
Installing roof lanterns requires expertise in both structural work and glazing systems. Our experienced installers ensure weatherproof installation that will provide years of trouble-free performance.
Transform your home with Tyneside Home Improvements
Roof lantern extensions represent a great way to transform your living space, combining practical benefits with stunning visual impact. Whether you’re planning a new home office, expanding your dining area, or creating a spectacular kitchen extension, the right lantern roof can make all the difference.
At Tyneside Home Improvements, we’ve been helping North East homeowners create beautiful, functional living spaces for over 17 years. Our expert team combines technical expertise with creative vision to deliver extensions that truly transform homes.
Contact us today for expert advice and a free quote. Call us on 0191 489 5063 or complete our online contact form to start your journey toward a brighter, more spacious home. Let us show you how the right roof lantern extension can bring light, style, and value to your property.
