VueSky Skylight vs. Roof Lantern: Making the Right Choice for Your London Home

When considering ways to brighten your home and add a touch of elegance, both skylights and roof lanterns are popular options. While both solutions let in natural light and create an open, airy atmosphere, choosing between the two can be tricky. So, how do you decide which is the right fit for your property?

This guide will break down the key differences, pros, and cons of roof lanterns and skylights, helping you make an informed decision.

Key Differences Between Roof Lanterns and Skylights

Roof Lanterns

• Design & Size: Roof lanterns are grand structures that sit atop a flat roof. They are typically more intricate and larger than skylights, designed to flood a space with light and provide a dramatic focal point.
• Lighting: Roof lanterns offer significantly more light compared to traditional windows or skylights, often three times more, thanks to their raised and angled structure.
• Aesthetics: Roof lanterns are visually striking, both inside and outside. They bring an opulent and classic feel to the space, often featured in extensions or orangeries.
• Roof Requirements: Roof lanterns are best suited for flat roofs and require structural reinforcement, meaning not every roof can support one.
• Ventilation: Most roof lanterns don’t open, although some may come with small venting options. They are primarily installed for light and visual impact.

Skylights

• Design & Size: Skylights are flat windows installed either on pitched or flat roofs. They are simpler and more subtle in design compared to roof lanterns.
• Lighting: Skylights allow less light than roof lanterns but still significantly more than regular windows. They provide a clean, modern way to let natural light into a room.
• Aesthetics: Skylights are sleek, unobtrusive, and blend in well with a variety of architectural styles.
• Roof Requirements: Skylights can be installed on most roofs without extensive modification, making them a more versatile option.
• Ventilation: Many skylights are operable, meaning they can be opened to allow for ventilation. Options range from manual to electric, making them ideal for improving airflow.

Benefits of Roof Lanterns vs Skylights

Roof Lanterns

• Bring in the maximum amount of natural light
• Add a luxurious, elegant touch to any space
• Perfect for flat roof extensions and orangeries
• Increase the perceived spaciousness of a room

VueSky Skylights

• Provide natural light and ventilation
• Energy efficient and eco-friendly
• Easier and cheaper to install than roof lanterns
• Discreet and blend well with most roof types

Key Considerations When Choosing Between Skylights and Roof Lanterns

1. Roof Compatibility: Not all roofs can support a roof lantern due to its size and weight. Skylights, however, are lighter and can be installed on most roofs, including pitched and flat surfaces.
2. Installation and Costs: Skylights are generally easier and less expensive to install. Roof lanterns often require more substantial work and materials, which increases their cost. If you’re working within a tight budget, skylights may be the better option.
3. Ventilation Needs: If you’re looking to improve airflow in a room, skylights are ideal. They come with various opening options, from manual to electric. Roof lanterns, on the other hand, are mostly fixed and don’t offer the same ventilation benefits.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: Roof lanterns make a bold statement, adding a touch of grandeur and luxury to any home. If you want to create an eye-catching feature, this is the way to go. Skylights, by contrast, are more subtle, perfect for those who prefer minimalism.
5. Energy Efficiency: Both roof lanterns and skylights can contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting. However, the larger size of roof lanterns may also lead to more heat loss in the winter, so high-quality glazing is essential.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

Both VueSky skylights and roof lanterns typically fall under permitted development rights, meaning you won’t need planning permission as long as certain conditions are met. For skylights, these include not protruding more than 150mm above the roof’s surface and ensuring that opening parts are 1.7m above the floor. Roof lanterns have similar rules, but due to their size, it’s always good to check with your local planning office, especially if you live in a conservation area.

Conclusion: Skylight or Roof Lantern—Which Should You Choose?

The decision between skylights and roof lanterns boils down to your preferences, budget, and roof structure. If you’re looking for maximum light, a bold aesthetic, and have a flat roof to support it, a roof lantern might be the perfect choice. However, if you want a more cost-effective, subtle solution that also offers ventilation, a skylight could be the way to go.

Need more guidance on which option is right for your London home? Contact the experts at Vuesy Skylights London for tailored advice and premium installation services.