10 Modern Rooms And Houses With Dormer Window Design

The architectural term “dormer” derives from dormitorium, Latin for “sleeping room” or dormir, French for “to sleep.”

It is defined by the upright window situated in a sloped roof. A dormer window often lights and ventilates attics and make them habitable sleeping rooms, and if properly planned increases the usable interior space.

The French architect Mansart, in the 17th century, introduced the very first dormer which was called the Mansard style dormer. However, dormers can have many different shapes that vary from big to small and from simple to sophisticated. Some of the dormer types are: Flat, Shed, Gabled, Hipped, Deck, Arched, Oval, Eyebrow, Inset, …etc. Two or more of these types, if joined together, for what is called a Composite dormer.

While serving their primary purpose of bringing sufficient light and air inside, dormers add sophistication and ornamentation to facades.
Here’s a selection of  Rooms And Houses With Dormer Window Designs.

1. Shed Dormers

This contemporary house features two wide shed dormers, one with three short glazed openings, and the other with three double-casement windows. A shed dormer is a dormer that has a downward-sloping flat roof.

2. Gable Dormer

A gable fronted dormer tops this eclectic one-story house. A gable fronted dormer is by definition a flat front plane that has a pointed top. It is also called a dog-house dormer.

3. The Interior of a Flat Roof Dormer

The flat roof dormer is equally elegant from the inside. This bedroom receives fresh air and indirect sunlight through this dormer which transforms the roof room from a useless to a healthy living space.

4.   Complex Dormer Interior

This photo demonstrates the complexity of a dormer’s interior. Although all white, the different planes formed by the sloping roof and the  dormer provide multiple shades that are in themselves the interior decoration. BUT, ergonomics, ergonomics, ergonomics! How can a person stand up with these sharp roof slopes?

5.   Arched Dormer from Inside

The arched dormer provides  an interesting interior space: a defined deep-set area that can be designed for many different functions. In this case, the owners chose to put two armchairs. It would be a good idea as well to install an upholstered-top storage bench with cushions on top.

6.   Skylight-Dormer

The dormer here is also a skylight. This  bedroom does not abide by the ergonomic standards. The roof is too steep, creating a small height that obstructs comfortable circulation. When designing your roof and dormers, always remember to refer to ergonomics.

7.   Entrance Flat Roof Dormer

An eye-catching entrance is formed by the flat roof dormer that is positioned above the entrance bearing the same width, and thus creating a virtual tall, glazed main façade.

8.   Wide Entrance Shed Dormer

The wide shed dormer accentuates the house’s entrance in this symmetrical structure.

9. Eyebrow Dormer

This traditional house features  a fixed glass Eyebrow dormer, that is of course used as a source of light. An eyebrow dormer, also called eyelid dormer, is by definition, a low dormer whose roof is a wavy extension of the main roof while the bottom is flat

10. Bonnete.d Dormers

Another traditional house, but this time featuring bonneted dormers. This type of dormer has a rounded arch roof with a flat bottom. The dormers animate the façade and act as ornaments of light at night.

Dormers transform roof attics from inhabitable useless spaces of the house to very attractive rooms, taking into consideration ergonomic standards.