Dormers Add Architectural Interest & Personality to Exterior Home Design
Dormers are great features that add architectural interest and personality to your home’s exterior. One definition of a dormer is a simple protrusion that juts out from a sloped roof and has a roof of its own. Dormers often are seen above windows on classic style homes and add beauty and dimension on the outside, while offering additional headroom and space on the inside.
The most common types of dormers include gable dormers, hipped dormers and shed dormers. Gable dormers are what most people think of when they think of this architectural feature. Gable dormers are associated with American Colonial, Federal, Georgian, Queen Anne and English Tudor style homes. Hipped dormers are associated with Shingle, Prairie and French Eclectic style homes. And shed dormers suit English Tudor, Arts and Crafts, Bungalow and Dutch Colonial style homes.
There are many more styles of dormers used in particular architectural settings. Arch-top, eyebrow and segmented dormers are a few of these types. Here are some examples of dormers incorporated into the architecture of several different types of homes:
Traditional gable dormers were used on this eco-friendly farmhouse by TMS Architects in Boston.
Design by TMS Architects
The exterior of this traditional style home in Minneapolis features a shed dormer with cedar shingles that match the rest of the roof. The wide dormer makes way for a bank of windows, offering views, natural light and additional headroom indoors.
Eyebrow or eyelid dormers were popular in late 19th century architecture and have low curved roofs with no distinct vertical sides. They are still used today to add unexpected flair to home exteriors.
This beach style home has some unique curved eyebrow dormers that help break up the harsh lines seen on the rest of the exterior. The detail also allows a couple extra windows to be added.
Another one of TMS Architects’ projects features eyebrow dormers that appear to pop out of the roof.
Find additional architectural inspiration for your home on our blog. And when you’re ready to begin a new build or renovation project, contact TMS Architects in Portsmouth.
