Roof Lanterns
A roof lantern transforms a room. It pulls daylight down into spaces that would otherwise need artificial light, gives ceiling height where there is none, and, done well, looks intentional rather than added.
We make timber roof lanterns to your specification. Traditional, contemporary, square, rectangular, octagonal. Solar-control glazing, openable vents, integrated blinds. Made in our workshop, delivered as a single piece for site installation.
Homeowners adding a kitchen extension, orangery, garden room, or refurbishing an existing flat-roofed area, wanting natural light from above and a feature ceiling element.
Configurations and options
Contemporary Lantern
Minimal framing, large panes, slim sightlines. Reads as glass with structure, not structure with glass.
- Slim rafter and ridge profiles
- Up to 1.5m x 2.5m single panes
- Concealed fixings throughout
Traditional Orangery Lantern
Multi-pane traditional appearance with more visible structure. Suits classical orangeries, period kitchens, garden rooms.
- Moulded rafter and ridge profiles
- Astragal-bar glazing patterns
- Painted or stained finishes
Pyramid Lantern
Square plan with four equal sloping sides meeting at a central apex. Strong geometric statement.
- Centred opening vent option
- Equal pane geometry
- Suits square rooms and central locations
Bespoke Shapes
Octagonal, hexagonal, elongated, stepped, geometries we design with the architect for the specific room.
- CAD-designed and prototyped
- Bespoke pane geometry
- Stepped or multi-tier configurations
What we use
Accoya
Preferred timber for roof lanterns. 50-year above-ground warranty, exceptional dimensional stability (critical for a heated, daylight-exposed structure), takes paint cleanly.
European Oak
For oiled or stained finishes where the timber should read as oak. Specified with care for stable, well-seasoned stock.
Solar Control Glazing
Double or triple glazed argon-filled units with solar control coatings. U-values 0.8-1.2 W/m²K depending on spec.
Lead & Aluminium Detailing
Code 4 lead flashings around the kerb upstand, powder-coated aluminium cappings on the lantern itself where exposed.
Typical pricing
From £4,500
Subject to specification and site conditions.
Currently quoting
Spring 2027
Lead times updated quarterly.
Examples of our roof lanterns
Genuine examples, all our own work.
What we don’t do
We do not retrofit aluminium roof lanterns. They are excellent products for the right project, made by specialist manufacturers; we are not one of them. Our lanterns are timber, made by hand, more expensive, and serve a different aesthetic.
Things people ask us
Do roof lanterns need planning permission?
Usually not on an existing flat roof, a roof lantern fitting within the existing footprint typically falls under Permitted Development. New extensions including the lantern need planning as a whole. Listed buildings and Conservation Areas need consent regardless.
What opening mechanisms are available?
Manual stay-arm openers for accessible lanterns, electric chain actuators (mains or 24V low voltage) for higher installations, rain sensors and wind sensors for automatic closing. Single vent or multiple vents depending on the lantern size.
Can blinds be integrated?
Yes. Cordless cellular blinds run on slim tracks within the rafters, manually operated by pole or motorised on a remote. Specified at design stage so the rafter depths and track positions are detailed in.
How do you manage solar gain?
Solar control coatings on the glass reduce solar gain by 60-70% while keeping visible light transmission high. Combined with blinds and natural ventilation through opening vents, even south-facing lanterns stay comfortable in summer.
What structural opening is needed?
We design the lantern around the structural opening you can achieve, usually a trimmed timber or steel kerb upstand 150-200mm above the finished roof level. A structural engineer specifies the kerb and trimmers if the opening alters joist or rafter loadings.
What are current lead times?
Allow 10-14 weeks from sign-off of final drawings to delivery. Larger and bespoke geometries (octagonal, hexagonal) sit at the longer end of that range.
Thinking about a project?
Tell us what you have in mind. We aim to respond within one working day.