Understanding Dormer
Dormers have been a defining feature of residential architecture since 16th-century France, where they first appeared on the rooftops of Paris. The word comes from the French "dormir" (to sleep), because dormers were originally added to attic sleeping quarters. There are several types: gable dormers (the most common, with a peaked triangular roof), shed dormers (a single sloping roof that creates maximum interior space), hipped dormers (a three-sided roof that looks more refined), eyebrow dormers (curved, giving a whimsical appearance), and wall dormers (extending from the wall plane below the roofline). Each type changes the roofline profile differently. Structurally, dormers interrupt the roof plane, which requires careful flashing and waterproofing at the junction to prevent leaks.
Dormer in Interior Design
Inside the home, dormers create charming architectural features. The window alcove created by a dormer is perfect for a reading nook with a built-in window seat, a small desk area, or a cozy bed placement in a bedroom. Dormers solve the biggest challenge of attic conversions — limited headroom along the sloped sides — by pushing out vertical wall space where you need it most. Designers often use the dormer niche to create focal points with contrasting paint, built-in bookshelves, or a cushioned bench. In bathrooms, a dormer window above a freestanding tub brings natural light into what might otherwise be a dark space. From the exterior, dormers add visual interest, break up large roof planes, and contribute to cottage, farmhouse, Cape Cod, and traditional architectural styles.
