Dormers are architectural elements that project from a sloping roof, usually featuring windows. They have been used in homes for centuries, not only to create additional space in upper stories but also to allow natural light and ventilation to enter the attic or loft areas. Dormer installations enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building, and depending on their style, they can completely transform the appearance of a home. But did you know there are various types of dormers, each with its own unique characteristics?
This blog will delve into the different types of dormers, providing a detailed explanation of their features, benefits, and the architectural styles they complement. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to add character to your roofline or an architect designing a home, understanding the types of dormers is essential for making informed decisions.
1. Gable Dormer
The gable dormer is one of the most common and traditional types of dormers. It features a triangular roof that slopes on two sides, forming a peak or “gable.” This style is widely seen in homes with pitched roofs, particularly in Colonial, Cape Cod, and Victorian architecture.
- Design and Structure: The gable dormer usually has a window centered beneath the gable, and its two sloped sides blend seamlessly with the main roof. This dormer adds both height and width to the room underneath, allowing for more usable space.
- Advantages: The gable dormer is visually appealing and adds a symmetrical, classic look to a home. It’s excellent for homes where the focus is on traditional or historic styles.
- Ideal For: Homes with steep, sloping roofs. The gable dormer works well in cold climates as its sloped design allows snow and rain to slide off easily.
2. Shed Dormer
The shed dormer is another popular choice among the various types of dormers. Unlike the gable dormer, which has two sloping sides, the shed dormer has a flat or slightly sloped roof. This dormer runs horizontally across the roof and often covers a larger area.
- Design and Structure: Shed dormers typically have a rectangular shape, and their single-pitched roof allows for a flatter, more streamlined look. They are often used to create significant headroom in attics or loft spaces.
- Advantages: Shed dormers offer more interior space than other dormer styles, making them ideal for creating larger rooms or bathrooms. They also allow for wider windows, which means more natural light.
- Ideal For: Homes with low-pitched or flat roofs, such as Bungalows or Craftsman-style houses.
3. Hip Dormer
A hip dormer is less common than the gable or shed dormers but offers a unique, elegant touch to a building. This dormer has three sloping sides, with the front usually featuring a window.
- Design and Structure: The hip dormer’s roof slopes back from the sides and front, creating a softer, more rounded appearance. Unlike the pointed gable dormer, the hip dormer has a more pyramid-like shape.
- Advantages: The design of the hip dormer makes it more resistant to strong winds and harsh weather, making it an excellent choice for homes in windy areas. Its softer look blends well with various architectural styles.
- Ideal For: Homes in areas with severe weather, as the sloped roof helps deflect strong winds. It is also great for homes with complex rooflines, like Tudor and Mediterranean-style houses.
4. Eyebrow Dormer
The eyebrow dormer is one of the most visually distinctive types of dormers. Its curved roofline gives the appearance of an “eyebrow” arching over a window, creating a soft, organic look.
- Design and Structure: Eyebrow dormers have a low, sweeping curve that flows smoothly from the main roof, without sharp angles or peaks. They are typically smaller and used for aesthetic purposes rather than functional space.
- Advantages: Eyebrow dormers add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any roof. They can soften the hard lines of a traditional roofline and create a focal point without being overly ornate.
- Ideal For: Homes with curved or soft architectural elements, such as those in the Queen Anne, Shingle, or English Cottage styles.
5. Wall Dormer
Among the types of dormers, the wall dormer is unique because it extends directly from the wall of a house, rather than emerging from the roof. It creates a vertical extension of the wall, allowing for more space and light in the attic.
- Design and Structure: The wall dormer appears as though the upper wall of the house has been pushed outward, with the dormer integrated into the structure of the house. The roof of the dormer matches the slope of the main roof.
- Advantages: Wall dormers are great for creating additional vertical space in an attic or loft area. They also allow for larger windows, which can significantly brighten up interior spaces.
- Ideal For: Homes with steeply sloped roofs, especially in Gothic or Tudor-style architecture.
6. Flat Roof Dormer
The flat roof dormer is exactly what it sounds like a dormer with a flat roof. While it may not be as visually striking as other types of dormers, it’s highly functional, offering a lot of interior space.
- Design and Structure: This dormer has a rectangular shape and features a flat roof that extends horizontally from the main roofline. It’s typically paired with large windows to maximize natural light.
- Advantages: Flat roof dormers are practical and cost-effective. They provide a large amount of interior space, making them ideal for turning attics into bedrooms or office spaces.
- Ideal For: Modern or contemporary homes, where a minimalist, functional design is desired.
7. Arched Dormer
The arched dormer, also known as a barrel dormer, is a rounded version of the gable dormer. Instead of sharp angles and straight lines, it features a gracefully curved roof.
- Design and Structure: Arched dormers have a semi-circular roof, which blends beautifully into the main roofline. These dormers often have a large, prominent window that mirrors the curve of the dormer roof.
- Advantages: The arched dormer is a beautiful architectural feature that adds elegance and charm to a home. It’s an excellent choice for homes with other curved elements, such as arched doorways or windows.
- Ideal For: Historical or classical architectural styles, such as Georgian, Baroque, or French Provincial.
8. Nantucket Dormer
The Nantucket dormer is a combination of two types of dormers—a gable dormer on each side connected by a shed dormer in the middle. It’s named after the island of Nantucket, where this style is commonly seen in traditional homes.
- Design and Structure: This dormer is essentially two small gable dormers linked by a longer shed dormer. It provides both aesthetic appeal and additional interior space, combining the benefits of the gable and shed designs.
- Advantages: The Nantucket dormer creates a significant amount of extra space in the attic while still maintaining a balanced, symmetrical appearance. It’s an excellent way to make the most of a long roofline.
- Ideal For: Large homes with expansive rooflines, particularly those in traditional styles like Colonial or Cape Cod.
9. Bonnet Dormer
A bonnet dormer, also known as a segmental dormer, features a curved, bell-shaped roof that resembles a bonnet. This dormer is another elegant option among the various types of dormers.
- Design and Structure: The bonnet dormer has a gentle, curved roof that slopes down on either side of the window. The sides of the dormer are typically integrated smoothly into the main roof.
- Advantages: The bonnet dormer adds charm and a sense of whimsy to a home’s roofline. Its curved shape can help soften the look of a steep or angular roof.
- Ideal For: Homes with Victorian or Queen Anne architectural styles, where decorative and intricate rooflines are common.
10. Pedimented Dormer
The pedimented dormer is a dormer style that draws inspiration from classical architecture. It features a triangular pediment above the window, similar to the pediments found in Greek and Roman temples.
- Design and Structure: This dormer has a triangular top, with the window framed by columns or pilasters on either side. It often includes decorative elements like moldings or carvings.
- Advantages: The pedimented dormer adds a sense of grandeur and formality to a building. It’s perfect for homes with classical architectural elements.
- Ideal For: Georgian, Neoclassical, and other historically inspired architectural styles.
11. Recessed Dormer
The recessed dormer is a dormer set back from the edge of the roof, creating a subtle, understated look. This dormer doesn’t protrude as much as others, but it still provides additional light and space.
- Design and Structure: Recessed dormers are built into the roofline, with the walls of the dormer set further back than those of a typical dormer. They often feature large windows to compensate for the reduced outward projection.
- Advantages: Recessed dormers maintain the clean lines of the roof while providing the benefits of natural light and extra space. Their subtle design is ideal for homeowners who want less
prominent architectural features on their roof.
- Ideal For: Modern or minimalist homes, where simplicity and clean lines are prioritized.
12. Blind Dormer
The blind dormer, also known as a “false dormer,” is a purely decorative architectural feature. While it looks like a traditional dormer from the outside, it does not provide any interior space or light.
- Design and Structure: A blind dormer is placed on the roof to give the appearance of a functional dormer, but it is sealed off from the interior of the home. It’s typically used for aesthetic purposes to enhance the exterior look.
- Advantages: Blind dormers add curb appeal and give a home the appearance of a more complex roofline without the expense of constructing a functional dormer.
- Ideal For: Homes where additional natural light or space isn’t needed, but visual interest on the roofline is desired.
13. Lucarne Dormer
The Lucarne dormer is a small, narrow dormer often found in Gothic or medieval-style buildings. Its name comes from the French word for skylight, and it has a distinct vertical emphasis.
- Design and Structure: Lucarne dormers have steeply pitched roofs and are typically very narrow. They usually contain a tall, narrow window and are placed on steep roofs.
- Advantages: Lucarne dormers add a dramatic, historical feel to a home’s exterior. Their steep design also makes them effective at shedding water and snow, which is useful in regions with heavy rainfall or snowfall.
- Ideal For: Gothic Revival or medieval-inspired homes, or any building with a steep, towering roofline.
14. Copper-Clad Dormer
A copper-clad dormer isn’t a type of dormer based on shape but rather on material. These dormers are clad in copper, creating a striking visual element that stands out on the roof.
- Design and Structure: Copper-clad dormers can come in various shapes, including gable, shed, or arched designs. Over time, the copper oxidizes, developing a beautiful green patina that adds character to the home.
- Advantages: Copper is incredibly durable and weather-resistant, making it a long-lasting choice for dormers. The material also adds a luxurious, high-end feel to a home’s exterior.
- Ideal For: Homes where long-lasting, low-maintenance materials are desired, and for homeowners who want to add a unique, artistic element to their roofline.
15. Combination Dormer
As the name suggests, a combination dormer incorporates multiple types of dormers into a single structure. This allows homeowners or architects to mix and match styles to create a unique roofline.
- Design and Structure: A combination dormer might feature a gable dormer flanked by two shed dormers, or it could combine a hip dormer with an eyebrow dormer. The possibilities are endless.
- Advantages: By combining different types of dormers, homeowners can create a custom look that maximizes both interior space and aesthetic appeal.
- Ideal For: Large homes with complex rooflines, or for homeowners who want to create a one-of-a-kind architectural feature.
Choosing the Right Type of Dormer for Your Home
When selecting from the various types of dormers, it’s essential to consider both function and style. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Roof Type: Some types of dormers, like the gable dormer, are better suited for steeply pitched roofs, while others, like the shed dormer, work well with flatter roofs.
- Interior Space: If your goal is to increase the usable space in your attic or loft, you’ll want to opt for larger types of dormers like the shed or flat roof dormer.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Different types of dormers have distinct visual effects on a home’s exterior. For a traditional look, consider gable or hip dormers. For something more unique, an eyebrow or arched dormer could be the right choice.
- Climate: The local climate can influence which dormer type is best for your home. For example, in areas with heavy snowfall, dormers with steeply pitched roofs, like the gable or lucarne dormer, may be better at shedding snow.