- September 28, 2026|
- News
As a home improvement company, the number one demand we’re hearing from homeowners this year has been to add more natural light to their living space.
After all, natural light in the home comes with several benefits, including an added sense of space and reduced dependence on costly artificial lighting. There are also several health perks, ranging from higher sleep quality to improved productivity and a better overall mood.
So, with the benefits clear, how can you add more natural light to your home? Bi-folding doors and conservatories may be the first things that spring to mind, and whilst great options, if it’s purely sunlight you’re after, we recommend roof lanterns.
What is a roof lantern? It’s a structure, often rectangular with a pitched roof, that sits on flat surfaces, protruding outwards. Typically, they’re made using aluminium frames, with huge expanses of glass attracting light from all angles.
What is a roof lantern?
A roof lantern is a structure, predominantly made up of glass, that rises from a flat roof, allowing natural light to infiltrate the room below. Regardless of where the sun is (even if it’s not out at all), the lantern will bring light in all day long. They also give you a great view of the sky and outside world in general, which cannot be forgotten!
Appearance
Roof lanterns feature a raised, pitched frame, often with a ridge along the top, made up of angled glass panels. They sit above the roofline rather than flush with it, which gives them that distinctive lantern shape. Far from being purely functional, a glazed lantern is one of the most impactful features you can add to a home.
Function
The primary job of a new roof lantern is to flood the space below with natural light. Because they’re raised and angled, they capture light from multiple directions throughout the day, which can really change the way you feel about your living space.
Materials
We choose aluminium as our frame material for roof lanterns, and most other reputable manufacturers/installers do too. That’s because, if maximum light is the goal, aluminium is by far the best choice to achieve it. Being a metal, it’s incredibly strong, and therefore the frames can afford to be slimmer, meaning a higher percentage of the structure is glass.
With roof lanterns being in such an exposed position at the apex of a roof, they’re also exposed to the weather. Aluminium won’t be affected by rain, wind or sun in the same way as other materials, so you won’t need to worry about it changing colour or shape.
The type of glass matters too. We offer performance glass options such as self-cleaning glass and solar control glazing so you can manage heat and UV rays effectively, keeping rooms comfortable year-round.
Where to place them
Roof lanterns are designed for flat roofs, making them ideal for extensions, orangeries, kitchen diners, garden rooms etc. Unlike roof windows set into a pitched roof, a roof lantern sits on top of an existing flat roof and rises above it.
Importantly, your home doesn’t need to be south-facing to make the most of a roof lantern, the multi-angled design captures light from all directions regardless of which way your home faces. They are an architectural feature that adds real aesthetic appeal to your home, so it’s worth bearing this in mind.
What are the benefits of a roof lantern installation?
Natural light and lower energy bills
Research from the World Green Building Council links regular natural light exposure to improved mood and wellbeing. They rightly reference that, as people, light is as fundamental to life as food, water and air, and has a significant impact on our health, as well as your home’s performance and value.
More daylight also means less reliance on artificial lighting, which helps reduce energy bills. Pair that with advanced thermal glazing, which is essentially how well a product prevents heat/cold from moving in and out of your home (heat retention in winter, repelling in summer), and a quality roof lantern can make a big difference to your home’s energy efficiency throughout the seasons.
A striking focal point and increased home value
A roof lantern draws the eye upward, creates a sense of height and turns an ordinary extension into something genuinely special.
It’s the kind of impactful feature that estate agents love too; natural light and architectural interest are consistent selling points that can add real value to your property.
Customisation and easy maintenance
Modern aluminium roof lanterns can be tailored to your exact requirements, from frame colour to glazing type.
Popular colours include anthracite grey, black and white, with a full range of RAL shades available to suit any home style, whether you want to blend with surrounding greenery or go for something new altogether.
And because aluminium frames require minimal upkeep, a gentle wash with soapy water is all the maintenance you’ll typically need. Self-cleaning glass means you won’t need to worry about getting a ladder out and manually cleaning the product often.
What is the difference between a roof lantern and a rooflight?
A flat rooflight sits flush, or nearly flush, with the roof surface. It’s a discreet, minimal solution. A roof lantern rises above the roof, creating a three-dimensional glazed structure that adds height and real architectural character. Both work well on a flat roof, but they deliver a very different result.
Is a roof lantern or a rooflight a better option for me?
If you want a budget-friendly, entry-level option, a flat rooflight is a good pick. They’re more subtle, but don’t offer the all-encompassing natural light intake of lanterns.
| Feature | Roof lantern | Flat rooflight |
| Appearance | Raised, pitched, architectural | Flush with the roof |
| Natural light | Maximum, multi-directional | Good, single angle |
| Visual impact | High, a real design statement | Understated and minimal |
| Ceiling height impact | Creates a sense of extra height | Minimal |
| Thermal performance | Excellent with quality glazing | Excellent with quality glazing |
| Ease of maintenance | Easy, low upkeep | Easy, low upkeep |
Roof lantern supply and installation from Clearview
At Clearview, we supply and install premium aluminium roof lanterns manufactured in our West Yorkshire facility. Our flagship is the Aluna+ Lantern.
- Ultra-slim aluminium frame, meaning more glass, more light, more visual impact
- Fastest installation time in the market, thanks to an innovative Q-lok system
- The most thermally efficient lantern available, with a thermally broken GRP ring beam to keep warmth where it belongs
- Performance glass options, including self-cleaning glass and solar control glazing to manage heat and UV rays
- Integrated LED lighting, looks stunning day and night
- Made to order, square and rectangular options up to 4m x 8m, tailored to your exact requirements
- Colour freedom, black, grey, white or any RAL shade
- 10-year guarantee, for complete peace of mind
All our roof lanterns meet and exceed current thermal efficiency standards and building regulations. We’re also a CERTASS-approved installer.
On planning permission: many roof lantern installations fall within permitted development rights, but we’d always recommend checking with us or your local authority, as every project is different.
Why trust Clearview?
We’ve been helping homeowners across Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria for over 15 years. Here’s what you get when you work with us:
- In-house manufacturing and complete quality control from our Huddersfield facility
- A dedicated project manager from first enquiry through to aftercare
- Certass and CPA accreditations for verified quality and compliance
- A 10-year guarantee on all products and installations
- Our installation process is tailored to your specific needs
- Benefit from our decades of experience and high customer satisfaction
- Two showrooms in Leeds and Huddersfield, you’re welcome to come and see our range in person
Thinking about adding a roof lantern to your home? Call us on 0800 907 8658 or visit one of our showrooms for a detailed quote and expert advice. For any further questions, feel free to get in touch!
Do roof lanterns require planning permission?
Most lantern roof projects fall under permitted development, making them a great way to brighten up extensions, though checking local guidelines first is always a good idea. We can do this for you.
What sets roof lanterns apart from flat glass rooflights?
The key differences stem from the elevation of the roof lantern. Its pitched design captures maximum illumination, making it perfect for larger open spaces.
What determines the overall cost of a roof lantern?
The total cost of a roof lantern depends on your chosen dimensions, glass specification, and site access. Designed for easy installation, they offer outstanding long-lasting efficiency.
