Roof Lantern vs Skylight — Which Is Best for Your Extension?

Planning a flat-roof extension? One of the key decisions is how to bring natural light in from above. The two main options are roof lanterns and flat skylights (rooflights). Here's an honest comparison to help you choose.

What's the Difference?

A roof lantern is a raised, multi-paned glass structure that sits above the roofline — think of a glazed pyramid or ridge. A skylight (or rooflight) sits flush or near-flush with the flat roof surface.

Both serve the same purpose — flooding your extension with natural light — but they do it differently and suit different situations.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When to Choose a Roof Lantern

You want a statement feature. Roof lanterns create a dramatic focal point in any extension. Viewed from inside, the raised glass structure draws the eye upward and makes a room feel significantly taller and more spacious. You want light from multiple angles. Because the glass panels are angled, a roof lantern catches light from all directions throughout the day — not just when the sun is directly overhead. Your extension is large enough. Roof lanterns work best on extensions where the internal space can accommodate the visual drama. They're particularly effective over kitchen islands, dining tables, or seating areas. Your budget allows it. Roof lanterns cost more than flat skylights, but the impact on the room is significantly greater.

When to Choose a Skylight

You want a clean, minimal look. Flat rooflights are almost invisible from outside and create a sleek, uncluttered ceiling line inside. Your budget is tighter. Skylights are typically half the cost of a comparable roof lantern, making them ideal if you need to bring light in without stretching the budget. You need multiple openings. Several smaller skylights can be more cost-effective and more evenly distributed than a single large roof lantern. Headroom is a concern. If your extension has limited ceiling height, a flush rooflight avoids the raised structure of a lantern.

Can You Have Both?

Absolutely — and it's a common approach. A roof lantern as the centrepiece of the main living area, with flat rooflights in the kitchen or utility sections, gives you the best of both worlds.

Our Roof Lanterns

We supply aluminium roof lanterns in contemporary, 2-way, 3-way, and square designs, made to measure in any size. All feature thermally broken profiles, self-cleaning glass options, and the same fast lead times as our doors and windows.

Browse our roof lantern range or get a free quote for your extension.