A loft conversion can turn a cobwebbed-filled storage area stacked with old Christmas decs, bulky suitcases and forgotten schoolbooks into a penthouse-style master suite or spacious home office.
Choosing the right windows to bring natural light into this previously gloomy gap between the top floor and the roof, can be crucial to how successfully it functions in its newly transformed state.
Pitched roof windows can provide at least twice as much light as vertical windows of the same size, according to loft window specialists VELUX, and create a bright space to work in or to indulge a passion for arts and crafts.
A dormer window can add valuable extra headroom so even the tallest person in the house can walk around comfortably. And French doors to a balcony bring a romantic extension to a master suite, where you can sit and gaze across the rooftops at the start or end of the day.
We asked our experts what people planning a loft conversion should consider when it comes to style and placement of new windows that'll offer the best view in the house.
1. Add rooflights to a loft conversion
(Image credit: BC Designs)
A rooflight or skylight is the easiest and most affordable way to bring light into the newly converted attic space, particularly if they are non-opening.
"Rooflights are seen as a budget-friendly option for loft windows, and can be used on a roof with a slanted pitch or flat surfaces," says Liam Spencer, owner of Northallerton Glass.
"They don’t usually require planning permission to install, but their modern style may not fit in with the aesthetics of older homes.
"Similar to dormer windows, they can increase the risk of leaks as you will need to cut a hole in the roof when installing a rooflight, and they can be tricky to clean depending on their placement," he warns.
For a simple but dramatic design element, position a skylight in the en suite of a loft bedroom and you can enjoy showering or bathing beneath the stars or sky.
Always ensure that loft rooms are well ventilated. This is particularly important in a bathroom or en suite as the trapped moisture can turn to condensation and then mould.
Liam Spencer
The owner of Northallerton Glass, Liam has a decade of experience in the glass processing and glazing industry. He enjoys sharing his wide range of knowledge on domestic glass choices.
2. Sloped roof windows for natural light on a pitched roof
(Image credit: Keylite Roof Windows)
A sloping roof window is another affordable option when transforming a loft from storage space to additional living space.
They are often referred to as Velux windows, though this is the brand name of the leading manufacturer of roof windows, flat rooflights and sun tunnels.
"These windows are easy to install, excellent for natural light and ventilation, and often do not require planning permission," saysSam Tamlyn, MD of The Shutter Store. "They are ideal for sloped roofs but may need additional blinds or shades to control light and heat."
"Centre-pivot roof windows are hinged at the middle. These windows are easy to operate and ideal for situations where furniture is placed beneath," saysBarbara Entwistle, project development manager for VELUX.
"Top-hung roof windows are hinged at the top and open outward, providing an unobstructed view and maximising ventilation."
With a masters in construction management and more than two decades working for VELUX, Barbara is a specialist in glazing solutions for loft conversions.
Sam Tamlyn
Sam is MD of The Shutter Store and an expert in advising on top quality solutions for dressing windows in every room, including bespoke designs.
3. Include sash windows on a dormer loft conversion
(Image credit: Plus Rooms)
A wedge-shaped dormer extension with a vertical window or balcony doors is a familiar sight on many houses as a way to give the loft more headroom.
"Dormers can require complex changes be made to the structure of your home's roof, meaning expensive construction costs," says Liam. "It is likely that this addition will also need planning permission.
"They can also have an increased risk of leaks, as despite flashing being installed with the window, it doesn’t completely eradicate the likelihood of rainwater seeping through."
The style of window in a dormer can be chosen to match the design and colour of the windows on the floors below for a cohesive look.
If you have a ridged roof, the gable is the wall beneath the point where the two sides of it meet. Because the wall is vertical, you can choose a window style that is the same design or colour as the other ground and first or second floor windows.
"Gable-end windows are aesthetically pleasing and provide excellent light and views. They may require structural adjustments to install in the wall," says Sam.
You can also play with the shape and add a unique look to your conversion with a feature window. For a room with a view, a round window can act like the porthole of a ship for gazing out.
The bespoke nature of a feature window can make it more expensive, as it might have to be custom made, and the unique shape could make it more complicated to install.
5. Use sliding or French doors if you have a balcony
(Image credit: Juliet Murphy)
If your loft conversion opens out to the flat roof of the floor below, make the most of this outdoor space by creating a roof terrace with French or patio sliding doors used for access.
You can also install French or sliding doors if you have a balcony attached to your loft level. If there is not a space to step out into, choose a Juliet balcony with inward opening doors for a similar effect.
"Doors to a balcony enhance the sense of space, provide access to the outside, and allow for ample light," says Sam.
"They do require more space and structural support, and at times may need planning permission."
6. Add an innovative balcony window
(Image credit: VELUX)
Even if you don’t have a permanent balcony fixed outside your new loft room, you can enjoy the effect with a clever window that pushes out to create one.
When closed, it looks like a tall, twin-framed, pitched roof window. But the frames can be opened separately and increase the space in the room.
The top frame can be opened 45 degrees and the bottom frame pushed out to form a balcony surround, with the glazing at the front and secure rail support and spindles to the side. This striking feature means you can enjoy the outside while still standing safely on the floor of your loft.
Balconies usually require planning permission, so even though this innovative design resembles a pitched roof window when closed (which can be installed under permitted development), it’s worth checking with your local planning officer to see whether you need permission to fit it, especially if there is a risk the balcony can overlook your neighbours when fully opened.
Lean into the natural shape of a pitched roof loft conversion with an apex window. With two sides following the slant of the roof up to its highest point, you have maximum exposure and a panoramic view of your outside space.
The triangular shape makes the most of a gable end in a detached or end of terrace house, opening up the side of a loft and making the space feel brighter.
"These windows are usually floor to ceiling, however, they can't be ventilated easily unless a casement add-on is used – which can increase the cost," says Liam.
The height of your loft window can make cleaning them an interesting challenge.
For roof windows at head height, centre pivot windows can have a secret hack that makes them simple to clean on both sides.
"If you've ever wondered what the small hole is for in the window frame, open the window from the top down and you should find a bolt," says Barbara. "Fold the window all the way round, slot the bolt into the hole and now the outside window is on the inside, held in place so that you can clean it easily."
9. Use combination windows for pitched and vertical light sources
(Image credit: Keylite Roof Windows)
Maximise your outlook with a window that combines pitched and vertical glazing to bring you rooftop and sky views.
In this style, the roof and vertical windows combine seamlessly at eaves level, giving you a dormer effect without extending outwards.
This larger glazed area increases light into the living areas of your converted space, and means you can enjoy the view out even when seated.
The lower part of the window can be fixed for safety if the windows is part of a child's bedroom or play area. Bottom hung or left/right inwards opening windows will allow ventilation and aid cleaning.
10. You might need conservation windows for listed homes
(Image credit: Victor Huang/Getty Images)
When updating a period property, changes should be sympathetic to the aesthetic of the house and its surroundings, so the look of the addition doesn't jar.
There may even be restrictions on the design of windows and materials that you can use if your house is listed or in a conservation area.
For your loft conversion, look at skylights that replicate original Victorian cast iron windows, but which give 21st-century standards of thermal performance.
In dormers, you can opt for traditional casement or sash windows that are cohesive with those on the lower floors.
Windows that are in-keeping with the age of the house and the character of a conservation area are more likely to be accepted by the planning authority.
11. Motorised windows for loft conversions with hard to reach glazing
(Image credit: VELUX/The Roof Window Store)
If your loft windows are too high to reach, electric or solar-powered openers can save you from having to stretch with a window pole to open and close.
Instead you can open to ventilate and close when the weather turns using, a remote control, a switch on the wall, an app your phone or even via voice control.
Automatically operated roof windows can be powered by electric or solar power.
Some electric windows have rain sensors, so they close automatically as soon as the first spots of rain are detected.
Keep your conversion costs down by fitting your loft windows yourself. Follow our step by step guide on how to install roof windows.
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