Skylights vs. Lantern Windows: Choosing the Best Option for Natural Light

Introduction of Skylight and Lantern Windows

Important Point

A ceiling lantern or skylight is useful for adding abundant natural light to a home. These window types are useful for allowing more natural light than side-hung windows.

They can deliver three times more natural light. These window types greatly help homeowners when renovating or building a home extension.

Large, open-plan spaces require additional lighting in the farthest corners of the room.

Regardless of which of these two types to choose, it is important to know some key differences between ceiling lanterns and skylights. Both skylights and roof lanterns are often called roof lights.

What Is a Skylight Window?

A skylight is a flat window, usually installed between grooved roof tiles. Often these windows can be opened – closed or top-hung by a center pivot. Skylights can be incorporated into flat roof extensions and are a great choice as a low-visibility option from outside ground level.

What Is a Ceiling Lantern Window?

A ceiling lantern can provide a sparkling pitch to a flat roof extension. They prove useful in adding a grand architectural element to the structure of a building.

This type is useful in transforming the space into a more luxurious and contemporary environment and can open up the room to the sky. Has the ability to channel the sun’s rays from every angle. Because of this, they can provide the benefit of greater amounts of natural light.

Most ceiling lanterns are not openable, but many have an automatic thermostatic ventilation feature that allows heat to rise and escape easily. Due to this, heat generation is reduced. Some roof lantern ventilation also has rain sensors, which turn it off when it starts to rain.

Types of Skylight Windows

1. Fixed Skylight Windows

One of the most popular types of skylights is fixed skylights. As their name suggests, these are fixed and do not open for ventilation. Basically, these windows are completely closed to the ceiling.

This type of skylight is commonly used in low-light areas such as attics and stairs. 90% of the material in a fixed skylight is made of glass. These window frames are made of steel, aluminum, or wood.

These types of skylights are also available with a plastic dome that moves outside it. This is not completely necessary because when installing these skylights properly, it is very well sealed.

The joints always need to be sealed tightly so that the moisture does not go inside and does not cause any problems. Some people prefer to install a sustainable plastic dome for peace of mind.

2. Tubular Skylight Windows

Tubular Skylights are convenient for a roof that does not have more space on the ceiling. These skylights are fairly compact, but installing the window can provide an adequate amount of extra lighting.

Essentially, this is a tube that will start at the top of your roof and go to the room where it is installed. This tube is capable of redirecting natural sunlight under its shaft by the use of optical techniques.

One of the most convenient aspects of this type of skylight is that the skylight can be angled to fit in places where other types of skylight cannot be provided.

Here the tubular skylight is allowed to wrap around certain design features in the attic. This skylight can be placed in the right place in accordance with the appropriate needs.

Most often, these tubular skylights are very easy to install. These tubular skylights are commonly found in pantries, closets, foyers, and hallways.

3. Tilt Skylight Windows

A tilt window skylight is a different form of a ventilated skylight. This type is a slightly different type of normal ventilation skylight.

This type of skylight allows the upper hinge to open the window. This is a convenient way of opening a skylight window, but it comes with a personal choice.

These tilt skylights are useful for adding sufficient natural sunlight to any room and look very beautiful in terms of appearance.

Opening a window on a spring or summer night, and enjoying it can be an incredible experience. For this reason, installing this type of skylight in the bedroom is a very good choice.

4. Ventilated Skylight Windows

This is a multi-purpose work type. Ventilated skylights are very useful for air-light ventilation. This type can be the right choice for the kitchen and the bathroom, as it is useful in removing excessive moisture and providing a continuous flow of fresh air.

It spreads the light where it is installed. Ventilated skylight is the addition of different types of new windows to the roof of any home. The only problem with ventilating skylights is that it requires significant space to install so some people stay away from this style.

For most people, it is not impractical because in most cases, there is no question of using this type of skylight unless the house is really small. These skylights can be really popular for the bathroom as they can really help provide a delightful atmosphere.

We can take a bath while enjoying the night experience because of being able to open the window for ventilation. Installing this skylight makes it feel worth it. A skylight like this is definitely able to add some attraction to the home.

Also Read: Understanding Picture Windows: Features, Installation, and Types Explained

Types of Lantern Windows

Here are some different types of Lantern windows outlined.

1. Square Lantern Windows

The square ceiling lantern located in the middle of the roof gives the house a neat, symmetrical, and modern look. A square lantern is a unique option for those looking for something a little different from the usual rectangular shape.

This type is the best choice for small or square-shaped roofs. It is easy for them to draw natural light into the singular zone of the room below. For example, seating area or dining space.

Square roof lanterns are used more on stairs, bathrooms, or hallways. Small square ceiling lanterns contribute subtly to the room rather than fitting a larger rectangle.

2. Cupola Lantern Windows

Roof lanterns with more impressive structures may be needed to help separate large settlements proportionately. The two-tiered octagonal ceiling lantern with a cupola located at the top looks like the most elegant design as well as draws attention when given extra height.

These ceiling lanterns are especially found in magnificent historic homes. Also, a contemporary look can be achieved by keeping the lines and details simple.

3. Octagonal Lantern Windows

The octagonal ceiling lantern is useful in giving the room a sense of grandeur. This type gives the impression of a dome structure from the inside which looks absolutely stunning.

This ideal design can bring plenty of light from all corners of the room so it helps to create an impression in the room. Octagonal-shaped ceiling lanterns are suitable for round or polygonal spaces and are often found in period homes with towers or turbans.

4. Rectangle Lantern Windows

This shape is an excellent and timeless shape for ceiling lanterns, giving the home the feel of long Victorian conservatories as well as greenhouses.

A rectangular ceiling lantern can spread light throughout the area of the room which can affect the actual brightness. It is able to transform the room into a bright and spacious area.

They can be a perfect choice for fitting along the entire open-plan room length and to help connect different areas or define pathways in large spaces.

Difference Between Skylight and Lantern

The roof lanterns are large when the skylight window is small. A skylight is a single window that is made in the ceiling. While the ceiling lanterns make the entire roof lantern together with many different panels. A glass pane is used to create a scattered beam of light in the skylight window.

A skylight can be fitted in different places around the house, as well as aesthetically more subtle than the roof lantern. Doing so can increase the lightness of some areas. Skylight windows have the following features:

A window pane
Flat than high windows
It has been built into the ceiling
It opens up vertically and closes
Suitable for skylight blinds (both manual and solar-powered electric skylight blinds)

Also Read: Understanding Jalousie Windows: Features, Types, Maintenance, and Costs Explained

Which Is Better? : Skylight or Lantern

Lantern Windows

The roof lantern may be the right option as a show-stopping window. These majestic windows are very good for modern homes and can also add stylish properties to more traditional properties. A roof lantern is a versatile option for any home.

In addition, if you are planning to extend the home with a conservatory or extension, lanterns on the ceiling proved to be a cheap option that can create an illusion that looks bigger.

Skylight Windows

The Skylight window offers a welcome feature for the underlying window. A skylight can be useful in transforming a dark and dormant room into a bright and busy area. Installing this window makes the room look bigger and airy overall.

These windows are not only one of the most demanding window designs but are also useful in areas where there is some space, which makes them an excellent alternative to attic and loft conversion.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Skylight Windows

Pros of Skylights:

1. to Get Natural Light in Your Home

Of course, only electric lighting has to be fitted to provide light to a somewhat obscure-looking loft. Frequently climbing the loft costs lighting unnecessarily. Instead of fitting a skylight, you can get natural lighting which is also attractive.

2. Skylight Makes Space Wide

The plus point of Skylight is that when it is nighttime, the moon’s light is useful in lighting the room. Makes the ceiling apparently wide and therefore is useful to keep claustrophobia away.

3. the Price of the House Increases

When installing Skylight, consider the size, color, and style matter, adding to the beauty of the home. An expertly installed and well-designed skylight proves to be good for the value of the property. In particular, “green buyers” can appeal.

Cons of Skylights:

1. An Improperly Sealed Skylight May Be Leaked

It is important that the skylight is sealed properly. Otherwise, during rain or snowy weather, the risk of skylight leaks increases. Water damages the house by entering the walls or ceilings of the room.

If moisture is allowed to accumulate below the skylight bond, a mold or mildew problem is raised as a result. The installer needs to be experienced in fitting skylights.

2. Very High Light

Depending on the orientation and size of the skylight, it can be seen that it provides more light. A small window has to be installed to solve this problem.

3. Poor Insulation

When installing a skylight, there is a shaft between the ceiling and the ceiling. But if installed poorly, it can be responsible for the thermal problem and increase energy costs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lantern Windows

Pros of Lanterns:

1. Increase in Natural Light

The importance of natural light for our health can be considered in advance. An increase in vitamin D offers many benefits, such as improving our focus and productivity. The spas and ridge sections of the ceiling lanterns provide an uninterrupted flow of natural light into the room.

2. Improve the Aesthetics of the Home

The ceiling lantern looks really beautiful from inside and out. It helps to add contemporary style to any building with its slim, elegant look. Ceiling lanterns can be used for aesthetic improvement of the house.

Ceiling lanterns are available in different colors and different designs. This type has the option of choosing one color for the interior and another color for the exterior to complement the interior and exterior of the house.

3. Safety and Damage Protection

The strength of materials such as aluminum, an innovative glass lock system, and tamper-proof fasteners on ceiling lanterns make it impossible for intruders to enter the house. Roof lanterns have some of the best seals and gaskets to control the damage caused by climate.

4. Ceiling Lantern Blinds

Ceiling lanterns with pleated blinds or roller blinds do not have to worry about furniture fading.

Cons of Lanterns:

1. Not Suitable for All Ceilings

The lantern window corresponds to certain types of ceilings. This window does not prove to be suitable for a sloping roof.

2. Difficult to Install

These windows are often complex in construction, so they can be a little inconvenient. So to install these windows, you must seek an experienced professional’s help.

3. Replacement Problems

Lantern windows are made of glass components. This glass replacement is difficult when it is damaged under certain circumstances. This window replacement option is also less.

4. The Window Has to Be Changed Immediately When Damaged

In this window glass, it has to be changed immediately when there is damage in some circumstances as the furniture of the household has to suffer a lot when water is leaked from the roof.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Are the Main Differences Between Skylights and Lantern Windows?

Skylights are typically flat windows installed in the roof, offering a subtle light source, while lantern windows are more architectural features that provide a larger, more decorative element and significant natural light.

Can Skylights Be Opened for Ventilation?

Yes, many skylights can be opened, either manually or via automated systems, to allow for ventilation. However, not all skylights are designed to be operable.

What Types of Skylights Are Available?

Common types include fixed skylights, tubular skylights, tilt skylights, and ventilated skylights, each serving different needs for light and ventilation.

Are Lantern Windows Suitable for All Types of Roofs?

No, lantern windows are generally more suitable for flat or gently sloping roofs and may not be ideal for steeply pitched roofs.

How Do I Choose Between a Skylight and a Lantern Window?

Consider factors like the amount of natural light needed, aesthetic preferences, and the architectural style of your home. Skylights are great for subtle light, while lanterns add a bold architectural feature.

Do Skylights Require Maintenance?

Yes, skylights need regular maintenance to ensure proper sealing and prevent leaks. Cleaning the glass and checking for damage is essential.

What Are the Advantages of Using Lantern Windows?

Lantern windows increase natural light, enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home, and often include safety features and blinds to prevent furniture fading.

Can I Install a Skylight or Lantern Window Myself?

While DIY installation is possible, it’s recommended to hire a professional for proper installation and sealing to avoid issues like leaks or poor insulation.

Are There Any Energy Efficiency Concerns with Skylights?

Improperly installed skylights can lead to thermal issues and higher energy costs. Proper insulation and sealing are crucial for maintaining energy efficiency.

How Can I Protect My Furniture from Fading with Skylights or Lanterns?

Many skylights and lantern windows come with options for integrated blinds or UV-filtering glass to help reduce fading from sunlight.

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