How to add natural light to your conservatory with roof lanterns

• 10 October, 2025|
• News

Key findings

• Roof lanterns transform dark conservatories into bright, usable spaces by maximising natural daylight from above
• Modern roof lanterns deliver impressive thermal efficiency with U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K, reducing heat loss and energy bills
• Increased natural light improves mood and wellbeing by supporting the body’s circadian rhythm and production of serotonin
• Contemporary roof lanterns are available in various colours and glazing options to suit both traditional and modern design preferences
• Professional installation ensures your roof lantern delivers lasting results in terms of light, insulation and longevity

If your conservatory feels more like a dark room than a bright, welcoming extension of your home, you’re not alone.

Many homeowners struggle with conservatories that lack sufficient natural light, making them uncomfortable and underused for much of the year. The good news? Adding a roof lantern to your conservatory can completely transform the space, flooding it with natural daylight and making it feel like a functional space you’ll actually want to spend time in.

Roof lanterns work by replacing solid or poorly glazed sections of your conservatory roof with glass panels that allow overhead light to pour in from above. This creates a dramatic visual impact whilst also improving thermal efficiency and reducing your reliance on artificial lighting.

In this post, we’ll explore how roof lanterns increase natural light, the benefits they bring to your conservatory and the design choices available.

What are roof lanterns?

Roof lanterns are glazed structures installed into the roof of a building to allow maximum light to enter from above. Unlike traditional flat roof lights or skylights, a lantern roof sits proud of the roofline, featuring raised glass panels supported by a ridge and rafters. This architectural feature has been used in buildings for centuries, but modern roof lanterns combine classic design with contemporary materials and energy-efficient glazing.

Today’s roof lanterns are typically constructed from either uPVC or aluminium. Both quality materials offer excellent durability and weather resistance. The structure usually comprises a ridge at the apex, supporting rafters that slope down to a base frame, all filled with high-performance glass panels. This design allows natural daylight to flood in from multiple angles throughout the day, creating a sense of openness that flat rooflights alone can’t quite match.

Roof lanterns are particularly effective in conservatories, where they can replace older polycarbonate or solid roofs that leave the space feeling gloomy. They’re also popular in kitchen diners, flat roof extensions, orangeries and garage conversions.

Benefits of roof lanterns for conservatories

Adding a roof lantern to your conservatory delivers a range of practical benefits that can genuinely transform how you use the space.

Increased natural light intake

The most obvious benefit is the dramatic increase in natural light. The angled glass panels capture sunlight from dawn to dusk, directing it down into your conservatory and reducing shadowy corners. Unlike vertical windows, overhead light comes from above, creating a brighter, more evenly lit environment. This means you’ll use less artificial lighting during the day, which is better for both your energy bills and the ambient brightness of the room.

Improved thermal efficiency

Modern roof lanterns are built with thermal efficiency in mind. Our Skypod roof lanterns achieve U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K, which means they’re excellent at preventing heat loss. The energy-efficient design traps warm air inside during winter whilst keeping your conservatory comfortable in summer by blocking unwelcome heat from entering. Better thermal performance means your conservatory becomes a usable living room all year round.

Outstanding noise reduction

Our Skypod system offers 32 decibel noise reduction, which significantly cuts down on outside noise penetration. This creates a quieter interior environment where you can relax, work from home or enjoy family time without constant distraction from traffic or other external sound sources.

Aesthetic appeal and design flexibility

A contemporary roof lantern adds real architectural interest to your property. You can choose from various frame colours, including White, Golden Oak, Rosewood, Moondust Grey and Anthracite Grey, to match your existing windows and doors. Glass colour options include Clear, Bronze, Aqua, Blue and Neutral. This level of customisation means your roof lantern will complement your home’s style whilst delivering all those practical benefits.

The benefits of a brighter living space

Beyond the practical advantages, increasing the amount of natural light in your conservatory has genuine benefits for your health and wellbeing.

Mental health and mood: Exposure to natural light supports the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep and appetite. People who spend time in bright, naturally lit spaces tend to report better mood and lower stress levels. A roof lantern that brings much natural light into your conservatory can help counteract seasonal affective disorder, making the space more uplifting.

Sleep and circadian rhythm: Natural light helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, the internal clock that tells you when to feel alert and when to wind down. Spending time in naturally lit spaces during the day can improve your sleep quality at night.

Spatial perception: Brighter spaces simply feel larger. A conservatory that was once cramped and gloomy can suddenly feel spacious and airy when you install a roof lantern.

Connection to the outdoors: A roof lantern gives you a view of the sky, connecting you to the changing weather and seasonal light patterns. This sense of openness can make your conservatory feel less like an enclosed box and more like a natural extension of your garden.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to install a roof lantern in a conservatory?

The cost varies depending on size, style and specification. We provide free, no-obligation quotes to help you understand the investment required. Give us a call on 0114 257 1200 to discuss your project and get accurate pricing.

Do I need planning permission for a roof lantern?

In most cases, adding a roof lantern to an existing conservatory falls under permitted development rights. However, if you live in a listed building or conservation area, you may need approval from your local planning authority.

Can a roof lantern be installed on an existing flat roof?

Yes, roof lanterns are ideal for existing flat roofs, including conservatories and flat roof extensions. Our Skypod roof lanterns are designed for quick and simple installation.

Roof lanterns from Warwick Development

At Warwick Development, we install high-quality Skypod roof lanterns that deliver outstanding performance and aesthetic appeal. Our roof lanterns are fully customisable and suitable for conservatories, orangeries, flat roof extensions and kitchen diners.

Our Skypod roof lanterns offer U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K, making them incredibly thermally efficient. They feature self-cleaning temperature-controlled glass as standard. You can choose between a 20-degree or 35-degree fixed pitch, depending on your design preferences.

Frames are available in White, Golden Oak, Rosewood, Moondust Grey and Anthracite Grey. Glass colour options include Clear, Bronze, Aqua, Blue and Neutral. Internal uPVC capped bars can be specified in black, white or grey.

All our roof lanterns come with comprehensive guarantees and are installed by our experienced team. Our Skypod roof lanterns are BS EN ISO 9001 accredited, and all our installations are FENSA registered.

Who are Warwick Development?

We’re a Sheffield-based, family-run business with over 30 years’ experience in manufacturing, supplying and installing uPVC and aluminium glazing products. From our Sheffield headquarters, we proudly manufacture Eurocell, Spectus and Smart Architectural aluminium profiles.

Our range includes windows, doors and roofs. We’re accredited by FENSA, CMS Quality Mark, UKAS, PAS 24 and BSI. For homeowner customers, we provide a full design and installation service within a 45-mile radius of our Sheffield headquarters.

If you’d like to find out more about adding natural light to your conservatory with roof lanterns, get in touch today. Call us on 0114 257 1200 or use the contact form on our website for a free, no-obligation quote.