Part of our Roof Lantern Installation service
What Is the Difference Between a Skylight and a Roof Lantern in Cheltenham?
The simple distinction between a flat skylight and a raised, multi-pane roof lantern, and which suits which room.
The simplest difference is shape: a skylight is a single flat or flush pane set into the roof, while a roof lantern is a raised, three-dimensional glazed structure with sloping sides that sits up above the roof line. Both bring light from above, but a lantern makes more of an architectural statement, while a skylight is more discreet. Which suits you depends on the room, the look and the budget.
People often use “skylight” loosely to mean any glazing in a roof, which is where the confusion comes from. Here is a clear breakdown so you can talk to us with confidence about what you actually want.
What is a skylight or rooflight?
A skylight, also called a rooflight, is a glazed unit set into the plane of the roof. It can be a pitched-roof window like a VELUX, or a flat-glass rooflight on a flat roof. The defining feature is that it follows the line of the roof, sitting flush or close to it, rather than rising above it.
- Discreet and low-profile, blending into the roof
- Suits lofts, landings, bathrooms, single rooms and flat-roof extensions
- Available fixed or opening, in pitched and flat-roof versions
Our VELUX window installation and flat-roof skylight installation pages cover these.
What is a roof lantern?
A roof lantern is a raised, pitched glazed structure that sits on a kerb and rises above the flat roof, with sloping glazed sides meeting at a ridge or apex. It is a feature in its own right, designed to be seen and to flood a large space with light from every angle.
- Architectural and three-dimensional, a centrepiece for a room
- Suits kitchen extensions, dining rooms and open-plan living spaces
- Sits on a flat roof, raised on a kerb, typically larger than a single rooflight
Our roof lantern installation page covers these in full.
Side by side
Appearance
A skylight is flat and understated. A lantern rises up with pitched sides, adding height and drama both inside and from the garden.
Light
A flat rooflight lights a room well from directly above. A lantern, with its angled glass, gathers light from multiple directions through the day and feels especially generous in a large space.
Where they go
Skylights suit almost any roof, pitched or flat. Lanterns are a flat-roof product, most at home over an extension.
Cost
A single rooflight is generally the more economical choice. A lantern, being larger and more structural, typically costs more, reflecting its size and presence.
Which should you choose?
Choose a skylight or rooflight when you want light without fuss, in a loft, a bathroom, a landing, or as a clean modern feature on a flat-roof extension. Choose a roof lantern when you want a statement piece over a kitchen-diner or open-plan space and you have the flat roof to take it. Many extensions use one or the other; some use both.
If you are not sure which suits your room and roof, we will give you a straight recommendation. Get a quote and we will advise and provide a fixed written price after a free survey.
From quote to daylight, with no surprises
Fixed quote
A clear, fixed written price — online or by phone.
Survey
A specialist confirms the right glazing spec. Flexible times.
Install
Clean, weather-tight fitting that protects your property.
Guarantee
We tidy up and back the work with a written guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a skylight and a roof lantern?
A skylight is a single flat or flush pane set into the roof, while a roof lantern is a raised, pitched glazed structure with sloping sides that rises above the roof line. A lantern is more of a feature; a skylight is more discreet.
Is a roof lantern better than a skylight?
Neither is simply better; they suit different rooms. A lantern makes a striking feature over a large extension, while a flat rooflight is ideal for lofts, landings and discreet light. The room and look decide which fits.
Can you fit a roof lantern on a pitched roof?
Roof lanterns are designed for flat roofs, raised on a kerb. On a pitched roof, a roof window or rooflight is usually the right choice. We can advise on the best option for your roof at survey.
Which costs more, a skylight or a roof lantern?
A single rooflight is generally more economical, while a roof lantern typically costs more, reflecting its larger size and structural form. The accurate figure for either is the fixed written quote after a survey.
Helpful reading on this
Costs, comparisons and answers to the questions we’re asked most.
Other skylight services
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