Increasing Natural Light with Roof Lanterns
Increasing natural light is one of the most sought-after features in both modern and traditional properties.
We’ve noticed a significant rise in the number of homeowners and developers asking us about roof lanterns, and it’s no surprise. Increasing natural light is one of the most sought-after features in both modern and traditional properties, and roof lanterns are one of the most effective ways to achieve that. Whether we’re installing them in kitchens, rear extensions or commercial spaces, the impact they make is immediate, brighter rooms, a greater sense of openness, and a genuine transformation in how people experience their space day to day.
One of the key benefits of roof lanterns is that they allow light to enter from above, which is particularly useful in parts of the home that may be overshadowed or face north. Unlike standard flat roof lights, roof lanterns use angled glazing to catch sunlight throughout the day, creating a more dynamic and uplifting environment. We’ve seen this first hand in countless projects, even during the shorter winter months in Scotland, the difference in brightness is dramatic.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. Natural light contributes to wellbeing, boosts mood, and can even reduce energy bills by limiting the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. From our experience, most clients are amazed at how much lighter and more spacious their rooms feel after installation, particularly in open plan kitchen and dining areas where roof lanterns help create a true centrepiece.
Why Aluminium Roof Lanterns are the Preferred Choice
Although roof lanterns are available in a variety of materials, aluminium is by far the most popular with our customers, and for good reason. Aluminium offers strength without bulk, which means slimmer frames and a greater glass to frame ratio. This maximises the amount of daylight entering the room, while keeping sightlines clean and modern.
Another advantage is thermal efficiency. Thanks to modern engineering and the use of thermal breaks, the aluminium roof lanterns we fabricate, and install are incredibly well insulated. They help retain heat in the winter and reduce overheating in the summer, ensuring year-round comfort. When combined with high performance glazing options, such as solar control or self-cleaning glass, the result is a product that doesn’t just look great but performs exceptionally well too.
We fabricate our own aluminium products in house, which gives us complete control over quality and lead times. It also means we can customise designs to fit non-standard openings, unusual roof shapes, or specific architectural requirements. We’ve worked on everything from compact urban kitchens to expansive countryside homes, and each project brings a new opportunity to showcase what these products can really do.
Practical Considerations When Choosing a Roof Lantern
From our experience, there are a few important things to think about before deciding on a roof lantern. First is size and placement. While larger lanterns will obviously bring in more light, it’s also essential to consider proportion, you want something that complements the room, not overwhelms it. We always guide our customers on what will work best for their particular layout, and we often collaborate with builders and architects at the planning stage.
Next, ventilation is something many people overlook. If the room beneath the lantern is prone to getting warm, such as a south facing kitchen, it might be worth adding opening vents. These can be manual or electric, depending on preference and budget, and help improve airflow throughout the home.
And finally, consider privacy and shading. In some projects, especially those in close knit urban settings like parts of Glasgow or Edinburgh, clients worry about overlooking or glare. For these situations, we can offer integrated blind systems or glazing with built in solar protection to reduce heat gain and protect furniture from UV damage.
Aesthetic Versatility for Modern and Traditional Homes
One of the things we love about roof lanterns is how versatile they are. Whether a property is period or contemporary, the right design can enhance it dramatically. In Edinburgh, for example, many of our customers live in older stone buildings with flat roofed rear extensions. Roof lanterns in these settings often strike the perfect balance between old and new, adding light and space while preserving the architectural character of the property.
We often use Smart Systems’ aluminium profiles to build our lanterns because they offer outstanding flexibility. Whether the client wants a modern anthracite grey or a more traditional white or dual colour finish, we can meet the brief without compromise. We’ve even completed heritage style installations with timber style detailing on the inside, giving the impression of a traditional roof light with all the benefits of modern aluminium.
In more contemporary homes, where clean lines and open spaces dominate, roof lanterns help bring cohesion to the design. They create a natural focal point, draw attention to height and volume, and complement other features like aluminium bifold or sliding doors. We often fit them as part of a wider glazing package, ensuring that the frames and finishes match throughout the property.
Roof Lanterns for Commercial and Public Projects
While most of our roof lantern installations are residential, we’re also seeing growing interest from commercial clients. Schools, offices, and hospitality venues, especially those undergoing refurbishment, are choosing roof lanterns as a way to introduce more natural light and improve the overall experience of the space.
In commercial settings, the benefits are the same, improved light, better ventilation, and an enhanced atmosphere. But here, the focus often includes durability, ease of maintenance, and compliance with building standards. That’s why fabricating in house is so valuable. We can work to strict specifications, offer flexible lead times, and ensure the final product meets all technical and aesthetic requirements.
From office atriums to restaurant seating areas, we’ve delivered roof lantern solutions that offer both performance and visual impact. And because we’re based in Scotland and work extensively throughout the Central Belt, we understand the climate related considerations that go into designing glazing for this region.
For anyone considering how to bring more light into their home or commercial space, roof lanterns are a solution that truly delivers. They’re practical, elegant, and remarkably effective, and with aluminium frames offering excellent thermal performance and a sleek finish, it’s no wonder we’re seeing demand rise year after year.
If you’d like to discuss a project or find out how a roof lantern could work in your space, we’re always happy to share our experience and help guide you through the options.
