27/02/2026
✨ Flat Roof with Roof Lantern
A roof lantern sits proud above a flat roof, creating a beautiful glazed feature that draws light down into the heart of the room.
Why homeowners love it:
• Floods the space with vertical light
• Creates a focal architectural feature
• Enhances the feeling of height and openness
• Perfect for contemporary or transitional designs
• Ideal over kitchen islands or dining tables
A roof lantern works particularly well when you want to make the extension feel like a statement addition — light-filled, elegant, and connected to the garden. The elevated glazing also helps light travel deeper into the room compared to standard flat skylights.
☀️ Pitched Roof with Skylights
A pitched roof with integrated skylights offers a softer, more architectural feel. The slope naturally adds height and can help the extension blend seamlessly with traditional properties.
Why it works beautifully:
• Adds character and structure internally
• Excellent rainwater drainage
• Allows for vaulted ceilings and exposed beams
• Can feel more in keeping with period homes
• Skylights can be positioned strategically for directional light
Skylights in a pitched roof often create a more subtle light effect — washing light across walls and ceilings rather than creating a central glazed feature.
💭 So, Which is Right for You?
It depends on the feel you want to achieve:
• Want a bold, contemporary centrepiece with maximum overhead light? → Roof lantern.
• Prefer architectural character with a softer, vaulted feel? → Pitched roof with skylights.
Both options can completely transform a rear extension — the key is aligning the roof design with the overall style of your home and how you want the space to feel day-to-day.
At Design Living Space, we help you visualise both options so you can choose with confidence.
Thinking about extending? Let’s design it properly from the top down.
