Think Outside the Roof with Dormer Windows

The invention of dormer windows allowed natural light and air into spaces where the installation of conventional windows wasn’t feasible due to steep vaulted ceilings. Dormers were first used in French and British architecture in the 1600s. The word "dormer" derives from the French word “dormeur,” meaning “sleeper.” At that time, it was common for people to sleep in attics and lofts. Dormer windows remain popular today for those same reasons as well as the elevated headspace and enhanced curb appeal they provide. Read on to explore common dormer window types and the homes they are frequently found on.

A dormer is a small structure that projects out from the sloped roof of a home. Many people think of it as a small window in a building’s roof. Dormer windows can stand alone or be set as a series of multiple windows. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to complement most architectural home styles. While they are found in new construction homes, dormers are especially popular in home renovations and remodels. For those wanting to finish their attic into livable square footage, dormers maximize usable space by adding headroom, natural light and airflow in these previously small and underutilized rooms. Some homeowners choose faux dormers solely as a decorative piece rather than a functional element.

While dormer and gable windows are commonly confused with one another, there are key differences between the two. Gable windows describe those that are at the end or side of a house with a steeply pitched roof. They are located on a flat wall and do not protrude from the house like a dormer would. Alternatively, dormer windows extend out from the main structure of a house and feature a separate roof. Dormer windows are known for their distinct roof shapes and styles including gabled, shed, hipped and eyebrow.

Learn the different types of dormer windows that add unique architectural depth and dimension to a home.  

Used seamlessly in a variety of architectural styles including tudor and craftsman, a gabled dormer is the most common type of dormer. Gabled dormers are triangular and have a peak at the top with a roof that slopes downward on either side. They often feature either a single window or a group of two or three along a roofline. Commonly known as an attic dormer, gabled dormers are often used on steeply pitched roofs to improve usable space at the top level of a structure.

Shed dormers feature a slightly sloped roof that extends out in one direction from the main roof. The eave line of a shed dormer window sits parallel to the main roof’s eave line. While gabled dormers are usually tall and narrow in shape, shed dormers are a popular choice for those who want a wider extension of their living space. This versatile window style can be found on craftsman bungalows, farmhouses and modern homes.  

Hipped dormers have three sloping sides that come together in a peak. While they look similar to gabled dormers which have two sloping sides, hipped dormers feature an additional sloped roof on the front. These windows offer elegant style and are common on prairie homes and shingle-style cottages where the main roof is also hipped.

Eyebrow dormers get their name from their likeness to an eye peaking over a house. The shape that rises and falls like an eyebrow first appeared on thatch-roofed cottages in medieval times, but gained popularity in the United States in the 19^th century on shingle-style homes. Today, eyebrow dormer windows can be found in many different style homes from modern beach homes to cottages and garages. Eyebrow dormers are often fixed windows and are positioned to allow more light into a room at a roofline.

Dormer windows can add architectural interest, space and natural light to your home. No matter your style, you can use dormers to further your aesthetic. Below are some homes in which dormer windows are popular additions.

Cape Cod houses are typically thought of as the classic American beach home. In places where real estate is tight and expensive, dormer windows extend upper living space without increasing a home’s footprint. Like a lighthouse, dormer windows on Cape Cod homes provide an elevated viewpoint. They can overlook dunes and grasses and allow ocean air and sea breezes to pass through the home. These traditional windows further popular East Coast architectural design. Dormer windows are so essential to Cape Cod style that some homeowners who want this look save costs by adding fake dormer windows. This is solely an aesthetic add-on to the roof, meaning the windows do not actually break through the roof or connect to the interior of the home.

On a farmhouse-style house, it’s common to find dormer windows that feature a tin roof. Next to the traditional shingles of the main roof, this choice adds design interest that draws your attention. Farmhouse windows are usually large with a simple grille pattern. Many homeowners create contrast by choosing black windows on a white home.

Expansive glass and minimalist frames are the hallmarks of modern windows. Modern dormers are similarly minimalistic in style, featuring straight lines and flat roofs. While contemporary design doesn’t require dormers for a house’s exterior, many homeowners opt to add them for the interior benefits they offer. Dormer insides are lofty and bright, furthering the sleek aesthetic of a modern home.

No matter the type of windows you like or the style of your house, dormers can be customized to further your unique aesthetic. Get in touch with a Pella expert today to discover how dormer windows can enhance your home.