Back to newsPerfect for kitchens, dining rooms, and open-plan areas, roof lanterns bring in abundant natural daylight, making rooms feel larger and more welcoming. Whether you’re working with a flat roof or planning a new extension, Sunsquare’s contemporary pyramid and multi-pane roof lanterns suit both modern and traditional homes.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 7 lantern roof extension ideas to help you create a brighter, more uplifting living space.
What Are Lantern Roof Extensions and How Do They Enhance Natural Light Indoors?
Lantern roof extensions are glazed, pyramid-style structures built into flat roofs, designed to bring more natural light into your home. Unlike traditional skylights, they feature a raised, pitched frame that captures light from multiple angles, creating a stunning centerpiece.
Sunsquare roof lanterns are composed of multiple glass panes held by thermally efficient, slim-line aluminium frames. Our popular Pyramid Multi-pane roof lanterns are known for their minimal aesthetic and clean lines, fitting beautifully into both period and modern properties.
These extensions use advanced double glazing and laminated inner panes for superior safety, durability, and thermal performance. Optional self-cleaning glass coatings use rainwater to remove dirt, making upkeep easier. For ultimate ventilation, our innovative Aero Electric Opening Pyramid Skylight provides fresh airflow at the touch of a button.
Sunsquare lanterns can often be installed without major structural changes, though checking building regulations is always essential.
Can Lantern Roof Designs Be Used in Both New Builds and Older Properties?
Yes, Sunsquare’s lantern roof designs can be used in both new builds and older properties, making them a versatile and premium choice for UK homeowners. In modern homes, our contemporary roof lanterns with ultra-slim frames and clean lines complement minimalist architecture while enhancing natural light.
For period homes, a traditional-style lantern roof can be customised to match existing aesthetics without compromising character.
Our aluminium roof lanterns are extremely durable and long-lasting, manufactured in our Bury St Edmunds facility with prestigious Made in Britain accreditation, making them a practical and reliable choice for any property. Sunsquare roof lanterns can be designed in standard sizes or as fully bespoke solutions depending on the project’s requirements.
Whether you’re working with a flat roof, an extension, or converting a conservatory, our lanterns can be adapted to suit the structure.
They also pair perfectly with options like self-cleaning glass and triple glazing to maintain exceptional energy efficiency in any setting. When retrofitting into an existing roof, a structural assessment will be needed, and planning permission might apply, especially in conservation areas.
Are There Planning Permission Requirements for Lantern Roof Extensions in the UK?
In many cases, lantern roof extensions fall under permitted development in the UK, meaning planning permission isn’t required. However, this depends on factors such as the lantern’s dimensions, its height above the existing roof, and its impact on neighbours.
For definitive guidance, it’s always best to consult the official UK Government Planning Portal. If your property is located in a conservation area or is a listed building, permission is more likely to be required.
Regardless of planning status, you must obtain building regulations approval to ensure structural safety, proper insulation, and overall compliance with UK standards. Choosing a Sunsquare rooflight ensures your installation meets and exceeds these requirements, including critical standards like Part L for energy performance, thanks to our superior design and materials.
Top 7 Lantern Roof Extension Ideas
Adding Sunsquare rooflights is one of the most impactful ways to transform a dim or enclosed room into a bright, open, and inviting space.
These architectural features not only allow more daylight to flood your home but also add elegance, improve ventilation, and boost energy efficiency when designed correctly.
Whether you live in a modern new-build or a traditional cottage, a Sunsquare lantern roof extension can work wonders. Below are seven standout ideas to inspire your next home improvement project.
1. Kitchen Extension with Lantern Roof Lights
A kitchen extension is one of the most popular ways to use a roof lantern. By placing a large Sunsquare Multi-pane Roof Lantern above an island or dining area, you not only brighten the space but also create a stunning living area that feels much larger than its actual square footage.
Pairing the lantern with self-cleaning glass ensures easier maintenance, while our advanced solar control coatings enhance thermal performance, keeping the heart of your home comfortable all year round.
2. Garden Room with Roof Lanterns
A garden room is a brilliant choice for a relaxing retreat or home office. Adding an Aero 30º Pitch Pyramid Skylight helps bring the garden indoors and fosters a deeper connection with nature. These spaces benefit from our standard non-fragile, laminated glass for safety and security.
A Sunsquare roof lantern with solar control reduces glare and ensures comfort throughout the year, making your garden room a true year-round haven.
3. Open Plan Living Spaces
Open-plan living spaces can sometimes lack sufficient lighting in deeper interior areas. Fitting a Sunsquare rooflight directly above a central seating or dining area creates a striking focal point while bringing in more natural daylight.
The minimal aesthetic of Sunsquare’s slim-line aluminium framework allows for maximum light transmission, making our lanterns an excellent choice for such spaces. Our wide range of glazing options ensures you can achieve optimal energy efficiency that complements your home’s architectural style.
4. Orangery with a Lantern Roof
For a perfect blend of solid wall structure and glass, a traditional orangery enhanced with a Sunsquare rooflight lantern offers classic British charm with modern performance.
Modern versions of this design benefit from our bespoke RAL colours, slim aluminium frames, and advanced glazing that keeps heat in during winter while blocking excess solar gain in summer. This extension becomes not just a visual upgrade but a valuable addition that can increase property value.
5. Side Return Extensions with Lantern Rooflights
Side return areas in terraced homes are often underutilised. Transforming this corridor into a bright passageway or extra kitchen space using a Sunsquare roof lantern can breathe life into an otherwise dark area.
Choose our clear self-cleaning glass option to maximise daylight and reduce long-term maintenance in these often hard-to-reach installations. This style of home extension is especially beneficial in urban properties where creating more light and space is essential.
6. Home Office with a Roof Lantern
Creating a peaceful, light-filled workspace can improve productivity and wellbeing. A Sunsquare rooflight over your home office brings in natural daylight, which reduces eye strain and cuts down on the need for artificial lighting.
Opt for our revolutionary Aero Electric Opening Pyramid Skylight, which offers ventilation at the touch of a button and can be integrated with smart home systems like Alexa and Google Home for automated, weather-responsive climate control. A well-insulated lantern with double or triple glazing also helps reduce noise, enhancing thermal performance and lowering energy bills.
7. Dining Room or Lounge with Lantern Feature
If your lounge or dining room is in a darker part of the home, adding a Sunsquare rooflight can completely transform the mood and usability of the space. A central Pyramid Skylight surrounded by recessed spotlights creates a luxurious feel, whether for entertaining or relaxing.
For a home extension in a conservation area, a sympathetic bespoke design from our expert team is essential to ensure a seamless and compliant installation.
Do Lantern Roofs Improve Energy Efficiency and Ventilation in Living Spaces?
Yes, Sunsquare lantern roofs significantly improve both energy efficiency and ventilation, thanks to our market-leading design and high-quality materials. Our roof lanterns feature advanced thermal breaks within the aluminium framework and use high-performance double glazing as standard to retain warmth and block 99% of harmful UV rays.
For ultimate performance, our C.U.in glazing option incorporates suspended-film technology to achieve U-values as low as 0.4 W/m²K.
These features contribute to outstanding thermal performance, helping to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, which leads to lower energy bills. Furthermore, our Aero Electric models provide controllable ventilation, allowing warm air to escape and fresh air to circulate naturally. This is particularly useful in kitchens and open-plan spaces, contributing to a healthier and more energy-conscious home environment.
Key Considerations Before Installing a Lantern Roof
Before adding a Sunsquare lantern roof to your home, there are several important factors to think through to ensure the project is safe, compliant, and beneficial in the long term.
1. Roof Structure and Suitability
First, assess whether your existing flat roof is structurally sound and able to support the weight of the new glazing. An assessment by a structural engineer is recommended, and reinforcements may be necessary.
2. Building Regulations and Planning Permission
While planning permission may not be needed, building regulations approval is always required. Sunsquare products are designed to meet and exceed all UK building regulations, ensuring your installation is fully compliant in terms of structural integrity, safety, and thermal performance.
3. Energy Efficiency and Glazing Choices
Choose the right glazing to enhance comfort and reduce energy bills. Sunsquare offers a range of options, from our high-performance double-glazing as standard to triple-glazing and C.U.in technology for market-leading thermal efficiency. Additional coatings for self-cleaning and solar control are also available.
4. Ventilation and Airflow
Consider your ventilation needs. For ultimate comfort and airflow, the Sunsquare Aero Electric Opening Pyramid Skylight provides smart, automated ventilation that is invaluable in kitchens, dining areas, and open-plan living spaces.
5. Size, Style, and Finish
The size and placement of your lantern will influence how much light enters the room. At our UK manufacturing base in Bury St Edmunds, we offer both standard and fully bespoke sizes, shapes, and RAL colours to personalise the look while maintaining harmony with your home’s design.
FAQs
Do lantern roofs work better than traditional roof windows?
Yes, for flat roof extensions, Sunsquare lantern roofs are the superior choice. While roof windows suit sloped roofs, our pyramid and multi-pane lanterns are designed to capture more light from multiple angles, acting as a central floodlight that brightens the entire room. They also create a dramatic architectural impact, becoming the main feature of the space.
Can I install a lantern roof on any type of property?
Sunsquare lantern roofs are versatile and can be adapted to most properties with a flat roof, from modern new-builds to period homes. Our bespoke design service ensures a perfect fit for your project. For pitched roofs, alternative skylight solutions would be more suitable. We always recommend consulting a professional to assess structural suitability.
What should I consider before installing a lantern roof?
Key practical considerations include structural load, building regulations, and your desired levels of insulation and ventilation. Choosing a premium, fully compliant system from a trusted manufacturer like Sunsquare is crucial. Consider the size, glazing options, and placement to achieve a captivating living space that combines beauty with high performance and everyday comfort.
Conclusion
Adding a Sunsquare lantern roof to your home is an exceptional way to boost natural light, improve energy efficiency, and create a more inspiring space. These top 7 lantern roof extension ideas show how versatile this feature can be—ideal for kitchens, garden rooms, and open-plan living spaces.
With the right design, glazing, and structural planning, a Sunsquare lantern roof can transform your home’s look and comfort. Whether updating a period property or embracing a modern style, a well-designed lantern roof extension adds value and enhances your connection to the outdoors.
At Sunsquare, we design and manufacture high-performance lantern roof systems tailored to your home’s needs. Our team guides you from concept to completion with certified, British-made solutions you can trust.
📞 Call us on +44 (0)1922 714087 📧 Email: sales@sunsquare.co.uk
