Guide · 5 min read 
Roof lantern, flat rooflight or roof window: which is better?
How roof lanterns, flat rooflights and pitched-roof windows compare on light, looks, cost, drainage and where each can go.
All three bring daylight in from above. The right one depends on your roof and the look you want.
| Roof lantern | Flat rooflight | Roof window | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof type | Flat roof on an upstand | Flat roof on an upstand | Pitched roof, in the roof plane |
| Look from inside | Glazed pyramid or ridge, a focal point | Clean frameless-looking rectangle | Sloping window in a pitched ceiling |
| Light | Most, from four slopes | Good, single pane | Good, plus a view out |
| Profile outside | Stands up from the roof | Very low | Flush with the roof |
| Water and dirt | Sheds well | Relies on a slight fall | Sheds well |
| Cost for size | Highest | Lower | Varies |
Choose a lantern when...
You want maximum light and a feature ceiling over a kitchen, dining or living space, and the roof is not heavily overlooked.
Choose a flat rooflight when...
You want a minimal look, a low profile, or a cheaper option for a smaller opening such as a hallway or bathroom.
Choose a roof window when...
The roof is pitched. Lanterns and flat rooflights are for flat roofs.
Written by the Buy Roof Lanterns team. Last reviewed 19 October 2026. General guidance only; your designer, building control body or council confirms what applies to your project.