There are several types of dormers, each with its own set of characteristics that contribute to the overall structure’s aesthetics. Dormers are structural elements that break up the surface of the main roofline, allowing light and space to enter the interior space beneath the roof and making it more functional.
The diversity of dormers demonstrates the versatility and creativity of architectural design, ranging from shed dormers with a modern and clean appearance to high gabled dormers with an elevated style. Exploring the various types of dormers can help anyone considering a building design or simply understand the evolution of architectural styles.
Types of Dormers
Each type of dormer has a distinct appearance and functional capabilities. Here are all of the most common dormers and their design advantages.
Shed Dormer
A shed dormer is characterized by a single sloping roof that slopes in one direction away from the main roof. This type of dormer has several stylistic and functional advantages, so it is among the most popular dormer types.
Shed dormers have a simple style that works well with a variety of building styles. They present a clean and unaffected look. Because they have a straight roof, they expand the area inside more effectively and allow in ample extra light. Shed dormers are among the most cost effective to build compared to other dormers with complex roof lines.
Gable Dormer
A gable dormer features a distinctive triangular shaped roof. This is another popular dormer style because it frequently mimics the shape of the roofline, resulting in cohesion and a traditional appearance.
Gable dormers have a classic and elegant appearance and are suitable for a variety of roof shapes. Though they do not provide as much head room as shed dormers, gable dormers increase sunlight and usable square footage in the roof space. Gable dormers are especially effective at directing water away from windows, reducing the risk of water damage and making them ideal for high moisture and snow-prone environments.
Hip Dormer
A hip dormer is one in which the roof slopes on all sides, resulting in a pyramid-shaped roof top. This type of dormer is well-known for its ability to blend in with the existing room structure. Unlike other dormer styles, which protrude prominently from the roof, hip dormers have a roof shape that blends in with the rest of the roof.
Hip dormers have a classic and traditional appearance, but they are also suitable for modern and contemporary designs. Hip dormers, like other dormers, provide more headroom and light in the roof area. Because of their sloped roof, they are effective at shedding water and snow from a roof.
Arch Dormer
The arch dormer is distinguished by its arched or curved roofline. These dormers stand out from the typical roof shape, so they are frequently used to create a focal point in a building’s architecture. Architects can adapt arch dormers to a variety of designs, making them suitable for both traditional and modern architecture. Arched dormers are especially useful for increasing headroom and sunlight in a roof area.
Eyebrow Dormer
An eyebrow dormer is a type of dormer with a long, continuous, curved roofline that resembles the curvature of an eyelid. Eyebrow dormers are similar to arched dormers but have a longer and often lower curved shape with a pointed edge on either side. This dormer shape adds visual interest to structures while also displaying an elegant and whimsical style.
While an eyebrow dormer adds less space and light than other dormer types, it does improve these benefits in a roof area. These dormers are ideal for low-pitched roofs, where the brow shape blends more gracefully into the design.
Flared Gable Dormer
A flared gable dormer is similar to a triangular gable dormer, but the roofline flares out at the bottom of the gable. This results in a broader roof surface than a standard gable dormer and adds unique architectural flair. This expanded roof area contributes to increased headspace in the interior space under the roof. Architects can customize the flare of these dormers to match the design of the home or structure.
Flat Dormer
A flat dormer is similar to a shed dormer, but it is typically found in contemporary rather than traditional architecture. Flat dormers have a flat roof that extends from a similar flat roof, unlike a shed dormer, which often has a slightly steeper pitch. They frequently include a window that runs the length of the dormer and have few other decorative elements. Flat dormers, like shed dormers, increase headspace in interior roof spaces while also providing ample sunlight.
Inset Dormer
An inset dormer, also known as a recessed dormer, is one that is partially set into the roof rather than fully projecting from it. This dormer style has a lower profile than the others because at least some of the dormer wall is recessed into the roofline. These allow for more roof continuity in the roof shape while still providing more headroom and light in the interior roof space.
Polygonal Dormer
A polygonal dormer is one characterized by its roof, which features multiple surfaces forming a polygonal shape. The most common polygonal dormer shapes are hexagons and otagons, but they also feature other multi-sided configurations. These are unique dormers, so they increase the architectural interest of the buildings they adorn.
Polygonal dormers are versatile, so architects can customize them for specific building styles or to suit a variety of purposes. They allow in ample light because the roof shape accommodates wall space for multiple windows.
Wall Dormer
A wall dormer is one where the face of the dormer shares the same horizontal plane as the surface of the wall below it. This type of dormer will break the main roofline with its roof or the face of the dormer. Wall dormers are typically more understated and have a lower profile than standard dormers. This helps to preserve the architectural flow of the exterior of the home while still expanding the under roof area.
Wall dormers work with roofs of different pitches, so they can be adapted to many roof types. Wall dormers have a classic look, but they are also versatile enough to work with modern and contemporary architecture.
Nantucket Dormer
The Nantucket dormer is a mixed dormer style that reflects New England and Cape Cod architectural influences. This dormer features two or three gable dormers connected with a shed dormer between each. This mixed dormer style has the advantage of adding ample extra space to an upstairs area. Builders can customize this dormer to fit multiple roof sizes and shapes.
Nantucket dormers are popular for their unique architectural appeal and style, which typifies this region. They are often embellished with decorative siding, trim, and molding to enhance the look of the building.
False Dormer
A false dormer, also known as a blind dormer, is one that resembles a standard dormer but lacks a window or does not create a true opening in the roof. False dormers are designed to look like other dormer types in terms of style and roofline, but they are purely decorative. They exist to improve the building’s exterior aesthetics.
False dormers were common in traditional architectural styles such as Victorian and Colonial. False dormers are still used by modern architects to add symmetry and balance to roofs. They are also a low-cost dormer option because they do not require window installation or roof modifications.
