It’s one of those choices that seems simple at first, but quickly becomes a bit of a head-scratcher. You’re planning an orangery or extension and now you’ve got to decide between a lantern roof and a flat orangery roof. Both look great in the right space, but they couldn’t be more different in style and feel.
If you’re stuck trying to picture which one fits your home better, you’re not alone. It’s not just about looks either. It’s about light, insulation, maintenance, and how you want the space to feel all year round. So here’s a proper look at both, with all the practical stuff mixed in.
What’s a Lantern Roof?
A lantern roof is basically a raised glass structure that sits on top of a flat roof. Think of a mini glass house or a big skylight sitting in the middle of your roof. It’s often shaped like a pyramid or has a ridge down the centre with angled glass panels on each side.
You’ve probably seen one in a kitchen extension or a posh orangery. They draw the eye upwards and flood the space with natural light. Great if you’re trying to make a room feel taller, brighter, and a bit more showy.
Now, that can be brilliant if you’re working with a darker part of the house or you’ve got a north-facing garden. But there are a few things to consider before you fall for the visual appeal alone.
And What’s a Flat Orangery Roof?
A flat orangery roof usually means a flat, solid roof with a central rooflight or skylight set into it. The skylight is often square or rectangular and doesn’t rise above the roof as dramatically as a lantern.
It’s a more subtle approach. Still brings in natural light, but without shouting about it. Some people prefer this quieter look, especially if the house itself has a more modern or minimal style. Others go for it because it can offer better insulation or a sleeker finish.
It tends to work well when you want the extension to feel more like a natural part of the house rather than a feature in its own right.
Natural Light: Who Wins?
If natural light is high on your wish list, then the lantern roof is the obvious front-runner. Those angled glass panels catch the sun from all directions. On a clear day, the light can pour in and make the space feel completely open.
But here’s the catch. All that glass can make things a bit too warm in summer or a bit too chilly in winter unless you’ve picked the right glazing. Solar-controlled glass helps, but you’ll want to factor in blinds or ventilation too.
The flat orangery roof still lets in plenty of light, but it’s more controlled. With a good-sized rooflight, you’ll get a lovely soft light filtering through rather than direct beams. It’s gentler, and sometimes that’s what you want especially in a family room or a home office where glare could be an issue.
Style and Character
This part comes down to taste. The lantern roof has more visual drama. It’s bold, eye-catching, and definitely adds a bit of wow. If you’re building an orangery with a classic or traditional twist, a lantern roof fits right in.
But if you’re leaning toward clean lines, low profiles, and a bit more of a contemporary vibe, a flat orangery roof might sit better with your style. It can look incredibly smart with aluminium or timber frames and works well with larger bi-fold or sliding doors.
Think about the rest of your house too. Got a Victorian terrace? Lantern might suit. Live in a new build with a flat roofline? Flat orangery could blend better.
Heating and Insulation
This bit matters more than you might think. A room that’s too hot in summer or too cold in winter isn’t going to be much use.
Lantern roofs have come a long way in terms of thermal performance, especially if you go for double or even triple glazing with a low U-value. But at the end of the day, glass doesn’t insulate as well as a solid roof.
Flat orangery roofs usually do a better job of keeping heat in. The bulk of the roof is solid and heavily insulated, which can make a difference in how the space feels year-round. Combine that with a good quality rooflight and you get the best of both warmth and daylight.
If you’re planning to use the room as a proper living area, like a lounge or kitchen, then energy efficiency might tip the scales in favour of the flat option.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Here’s something people don’t always think about. Glass needs cleaning. And angled glass up high means you’ll probably need to get someone in to do it unless you’re handy with a ladder and not afraid of heights.
Lantern roofs can collect leaves and debris, especially if you’ve got trees nearby. Rain usually helps rinse them off, but not always. And water marks? They’re going to show.
Flat orangery roofs are easier in this respect. Most rooflights are self-cleaning or have a special coating that helps keep the grime away. And because they’re flatter and more integrated, they don’t tend to gather muck in the same way.
Cost and Installation
The price can vary quite a bit depending on size, materials, and who you’ve hired to build it. But generally speaking, lantern roofs cost more. There’s more glass, more framing, and more structural support needed.
That said, they can add a real wow factor that might boost your home’s value or appeal later down the line. A well-built orangery with a lantern roof often feels like a statement piece.
Flat orangery roofs are usually cheaper to build and insulate. Simpler design, fewer structural demands. They can still look great, just in a more understated way.
Noise
If you’ve ever been under a big glass roof during a rainstorm, you know exactly what I mean. Some people find the sound of raindrops soothing, while others find it a bit distracting. Lantern roofs tend to amplify outdoor sounds, especially if the glass isn’t thick enough to block out the noise.
Flat roofs with smaller rooflights generally handle noise better. Because the roof isn’t as expansive or angled, it tends to be quieter inside, even when it’s raining. That could make a big difference if you’re planning to use the space as a lounge or a home office, where you’ll want peace and quiet.
Which One Should You Go For?
Honestly, it comes down to how you want the space to feel. Want something striking that brings in as much daylight as possible? The lantern roof is probably calling your name.
But if you’re after a more subtle design that feels cosy, blends in with the rest of your home, and offers better insulation, the flat orangery roof is hard to beat.
Have a chat with your architect or builder. Look at some real-life examples, and think about how you’ll use the space across all four seasons. There’s no right or wrong here just what works for your home and your lifestyle.