When it comes to loft conversions, you don’t have to just stick to the bog standard window. There are a whole variety of styles and shapes that can add real character and are specifically designed to complement and enhance a loft room.
That’s why we’ve taken a look at a few different designs to see how they can enhance your room, making it brighter, more spacious and a room you’ll want to spend time in.
Velux Windows
Roof lights are very common and ideal for loft conversions, with the most popular and well-known manufacturer being Velux.
They are inexpensive and easy to install, which alone makes them an attractive option, but there are also many other qualities which make Velux a great window option for loft rooms.
They may not add any extra space to your loft, but they do not protrude from the roof, like the Dormer window does, so you don’t have to worry about the exterior of your home being altered.
If you install more than one Velux window next to each other, you can bring optimum amounts of light into the room whilst making an original feature in your room at the same time.
The Velux window can also be remote controlled, so if you have high walls or ceilings that are too tall to open and close manually, you can simply press a button to operate your window. Some can even be installed with sensors so that, when it rains, they will automatically close.
Dormer Windows
Dormer windows are also a popular window option for any loft conversion. The most beneficial thing about the Dormer is how it can add more space to your current loft room – particularly headroom.
Providing the extra space can allow you the freedom to choose where you want your staircase to be – rather than being dictated by the limited space and having no choice but to have your staircase in the middle of the room, you could have the staircase to the side instead.
The Dormer will alter the appearance of your house from the outside. Unfortunately this is unavoidable; however it can be blended into the existing tiling and structure to suit the current look of your house. This way it doesn’t look like something that has just been stuck on to the roof as an afterthought.
To keep in line with the rest of the property’s appearance, you can install ‘normal’ windows at the front of the Dormer due to its flat surface.
Tip: A flat-roofed Dormer is often better suited to a more modern property, whereas the pitched-roof Dormer sits more naturally on an older property, looking more natural and part of the original design.
Ordinary Windows
If the surface is right, then ordinary flat, straight windows can be installed within the loft conversion.
There is the pivoted window that saves the most space as you don’t have to keep the surrounding area free from any furniture.
The side hung window opens outwards and can give a great view out to the garden. Similarly, so can the top hung window that also opens outwards.
So, when you’re considering which windows to have installed in your new loft conversion, consider the layout of the room and the ‘look’ you want to achieve. If it’s important that you have as much light enter the room from all angels as possible, then consider the Velux roof lights, or if you’re particularly tight on space, consider the Dormer window that can offer more room for the surrounds of your new loft!
