15 Types of Dormers Compared: Find Your Perfect Fit

When finding types of dormers for your home, you’ll find a surprising variety of styles, each with its own unique character.

These rooftop additions span from simple, functional designs to dramatically decorative styles.

From space-maximizing designs to decorative accents, each dormer serves a unique purpose. Which style will transform your home?

What Is a Dormer?

A dormer is a structural addition that projects outward from a pitched roof, creating extra space inside your home. The word comes from the French term “dormeor,” which means sleeping room.

Dormers serve several important purposes: they increase usable living space, bring natural light into dark attic areas, and improve ventilation.

They’re commonly used in loft conversions to transform unused attic space into functional rooms like bedrooms or offices.

Beyond their practical benefits, dormers also add visual appeal and architectural interest to your home’s exterior.

Types of Dormers for Your Home

Dormers come in several distinct styles, each offering unique architectural features and functional benefits. Understanding the different types helps you choose the best option for your home’s design and your specific needs.

1. Gable Dormer

The most common dormer type features a triangular peaked roof with two sloping sides, resembling a traditional dog house shape. It is also known as a dog house dormer.

• Window options: Typically includes a single window, often double-hung style.
• Best for: Traditional, colonial, Cape Cod, and Tudor-style homes.
• Benefits: Versatile design that adds significant headroom and usually matches your main roof pitch.
• Visual appeal: Classic, symmetrical design that adds dimension and character to the roofline.

2. Shed Dormer

Features a single sloping roof plane that extends from the main roof at a shallower angle, creating a simple rectangular profile.

• Window options: Multiple windows possible, typically double-hung, casement, or awning styles.
• Best for: Maximizing interior space in attic conversions and contemporary home styles.
• Benefits: Most cost-effective dormer type with simple construction and maximum headroom gain.
• Visual appeal: Clean, modern lines that work well with both traditional and contemporary architecture.

3. Hip Dormer

Characterized by three sloping roof planes that converge at a ridge, with slopes on the front and both sides creating a balanced appearance.

• Window options: Typically single or paired windows, often casement or double-hung styles.
• Best for: Homes with hipped roofs and traditional architecture.
• Benefits: Weather-resistant design that blends seamlessly with the main roof and offers better wind and rain protection than gable dormers.
• Visual appeal: Balanced, symmetrical look that enhances traditional home styles.

4. Eyebrow Dormer

This dormer features a curved, wavy roofline without vertical sidewalls, forming a gentle arch that mimics an eyebrow shape. The seamless curve blends directly into the main roof surface.

• Window options: Small, curved windows or fixed glass following the arch shape.
• Best for: Cottage-style, traditional, and elegant homes seeking unique character.
• Benefits: Unique aesthetic appeal with seamless roof integration.
• Considerations: Requires skilled craftsmanship due to curved construction and provides minimal interior space; primarily decorative.

5. Flat Roof Dormer

Consists of a horizontal roof plane with straight vertical sides, though it usually has a slight slope for proper water drainage.

• Window options: Single large window or multiple windows, often fixed or casement styles.
• Best for: Contemporary and modern architectural styles, particularly urban settings.
• Benefits: Simple construction process with clean aesthetic lines.
• Popular in: Modern renovations and urban residential projects.

6. Wall Dormer

Extends vertically from the exterior wall rather than being set into the roof, appearing as a continuation of the wall above eaves level.

• Window options: Larger windows possible, including multi-pane or picture windows.
• Best for: Colonial, farmhouse, Gothic Revival, and Mission-style homes.
• Benefits: Allows larger windows and maximizes interior space while creating strong vertical lines.
• Historical context: Common feature in eclectic 19th-century architecture.

7. Flared Gable Dormer

This gable dormer features a roof that flares outward at the bottom, creating a broader base similar to flared eaves. The outward flare adds architectural interest while providing enhanced shade protection.

• Window options: Single or double windows, typically double-hung or casement styles.
• Best for: Homes in hot climates, predominantly south or west-facing installations.
• Benefits: Provides extra shade for windows and adds architectural interest.
• Practical advantage: Better sun protection than standard gable dormers.

8. Pedimented Dormer

Features a classical triangular pediment above the window with formal, symmetrical design and decorative molding elements.

• Window options: Single window, often six-over-six or nine-over-nine divided-light sash.
• Best for: Colonial, Georgian, Neoclassical, and Federal-style homes.
• Design elements: Vertical molding resembling columns.
• Benefits: Adds formal elegance and classical character.

9. Arched Top Dormer

This dormer features a curved or rounded roof that creates an elegant arch shape from the front view. The graceful curve adds refined visual appeal and distinctive character to the roofline.

• Window options: Arched or curved-top windows, often multi-pane or custom shapes.
• Best for: French-inspired homes, Victorian, and Romanesque architectural styles.
• Benefits: Creates unique interior ceiling shapes and serves as an eye-catching focal point.
• Visual impact: Draws attention to architectural craftsmanship.

10. Segmented Dormer

Features a gently rounded roof with soft curves instead of sharp angles, creating a barrel-shaped or semi-circular roofline.

1. Window options: Single curved or standard rectangular window fitting within the arch.
2. Best for: Softening rooflines and adding subtle elegance to various home styles.
3. Benefits: Compact design with visually balanced appearance.
4. Style fit: Works well with both traditional and transitional designs.

11. Recessed Dormer

Built into the roof rather than projecting outward, creating a subtle, integrated look that sits back from the main roofline.

• Window options: Single or paired windows, often fixed or awning styles.
• Best for: Contemporary homes and modern minimalist designs.
• Benefits: Less obtrusive and maintains clean roofline integrity.
• Aesthetic appeal: Streamlined, unobtrusive appearance.

12. Lucarne Dormer

A small, slender gable dormer is typically found on steep roofs, featuring a narrow, vertical design often seen on church spires.

• Window options: Small single window, often narrow casement or fixed glass.
• Best for: Gothic architecture, historic buildings, and steep-pitched roofs.
• Historical use: Originally designed for ventilation in church spires.
• Design purpose: Functions as both an ornamental feature and a functional light source.

13. Link Dormer

Connects two roof sections or spans multiple windows, creating an extended structure that joins different roof elements.

• Window options: Multiple windows across the span, often matching sets of double-hung or casement.
• Best for: Complex roof designs and large-scale renovations.
• Benefits: Unifies roof design while creating extensive interior space.
• Application: Ideal for connecting additions or bridging roof planes

14. Blind Dormer

This external-only dormer provides no interior space and serves purely as a decorative element for visual symmetry. It enhances curb appeal and balances the home’s facade without adding functional square footage.

• Window options: Non-functional decorative window or no window at all.
• Best for: Improving curb appeal and balancing facade appearance.
• Purpose: Purely aesthetic, creates architectural interest without functional interior space.
• Benefits: Cost-effective way to enhance exterior appearance.

15. Nantucket Dormer

A shed dormer spanning nearly the entire roof length, creating a very wide extension across a major portion of the roofline.

• Window options: Multiple windows across the full width, often four to six or more windows.
• Best for: Cape Cod homes and maximizing attic conversions.
• Benefits: Provides a dramatic increase in usable space and headroom.
• Design impact: Significantly changes the roofline appearance.

How to Choose the Right Dormer for Your Home?

Selecting the right dormer involves balancing style, function, budget, and structural requirements. Consider these key factors to make the best choice for your home.

• Architectural Style: Match your dormer to your home’s character: traditional homes suit gable or hip dormers, while modern homes work well with shed or flat roof styles.
• Space Needs: Shed and Nantucket dormers maximize space, gable dormers offer moderate room, while eyebrow dormers are primarily decorative.
• Budget: Gable and shed dormers are most affordable, while curved designs like eyebrow and arched types require a higher investment.
• Roof Pitch: Steep roofs accommodate most dormer types, but shallow pitches may limit your options.
• Building Codes: Always check local permit requirements, height restrictions, and HOA rules before starting construction.

Benefits of Adding Dormers

Adding dormers to your home offers both practical and aesthetic advantages. Here are the key benefits that make dormers a worthwhile investment.

• Natural Light and Ventilation: Dormers flood upper floors with sunlight and improve air circulation throughout your home.
• Increased Usable Space: Transform cramped attics into comfortable living areas with additional square footage and improved headroom.
• Enhanced Home Value: Dormers boost curb appeal and increase your property’s market value significantly.
• Functional Living Areas: Convert unused attic space into bedrooms, offices, bathrooms, or bonus rooms.
• Better Views and Character: Enjoy improved sightlines from upper floors while adding architectural interest to your home’s exterior.

Wrapping It Up

Understanding the different types of dormers helps you choose the perfect addition for your home.

Whether you prefer traditional gable styles, space-maximizing shed dormers, or decorative eyebrow designs, each option offers unique benefits.

The right dormer changes your attic while boosting curb appeal. Consult a qualified contractor to find your perfect style today.