Shed Dormer Design Trends for Your Home

Shed dormers are a fantastic way to add some extra space and style to your home. They can be a bit tricky to design, but don't worry, we've got you covered.

A shed dormer is a type of roof extension that projects out from the slope of a pitched roof, typically at a 90-degree angle. This design allows for a larger window or door opening, which can bring in plenty of natural light and fresh air.

One of the benefits of a shed dormer is that it can be designed to fit any style of home. From modern to traditional, there's a shed dormer design to suit your taste.

A shed dormer can enhance the roofline of a home, adding visual interest and creating a focal point.

This is especially true for ranch homes, where a shed dormer can draw the eye to the front door and increase natural light in the entry and dining area.

Shed dormers can also break up a steep roofline, making a home feel more spacious and inviting.

For example, a Tudor-style home with a steep roofline can benefit from a shed dormer, which adds windows and usable floor space to the upper level.

Even the coziest cottages can feel larger and taller with a shed dormer, which can add visual height to a home's upper level.

By adding a shed dormer, homeowners can create a cozy window seat that beckons them to enjoy a book in a sunny space.

A shed dormer can also add attic light, making it easier to convert an unused attic into a functional space.

In fact, one homeowner used a shed dormer idea from their detached garage to add light and interest to their attic guest room.

Shed dormers can also help maximize attic space, making it feel larger and more spacious.

For example, stretched double shed dormers can be added across a roof to create a sense of height and make a home look larger.

By matching the siding on the dormers to the rest of the house, homeowners can create a unified look that draws the eye upward.

In addition, shed dormers can add dimension to a home's roof, creating a more interesting and attractive exterior.

For example, triple shed dormers can be built to match windows below, adding architectural interest and visual appeal.

You can choose from two styles for your shed dormer: an extension of the wall below or bumped up from the roof plane. The most important consideration is the head height of the window in relation to the eave height of the house.

A wall dormer might be a better option if you want to see out the window but don't want the dormer to look oddly placed. This style can be a great solution for certain roof designs.

To add visual interest, you can use triple shed dormers, like in the Craftsman-style home that features window grids painted in the same style as those below.

When deciding between a wall and roof dormer, consider the head height of the window in relation to the eave height of the house. A roof dormer can be a good option, but it may need to be brought forward to the edge of the building to allow for a clear view, which can look oddly placed.

A wall dormer, on the other hand, can be a better choice if you want a more subtle look. It can be an extension of the wall below, creating a seamless appearance.

Here are some key differences between wall and roof dormers:

Our roof design options are incredibly versatile, and one of the benefits is that they can be easily paired with other roof shapes.

A gable roof, for example, can be combined with a shed roof to create a unique and functional design.

A hip roof, on the other hand, can be paired with a flat roof to create a modern and sleek look.

This versatility is perfect for homeowners who want to add some visual interest to their homes without breaking the bank.

A gambrel roof can be combined with a gable roof to create a charming and rustic design that's perfect for country homes.

This design combination can also help to add more living space to your home by creating additional storage areas or even a loft.

A shed dormer can be an extension of the wall below or it can be bumped up from the roof plane.

The most important consideration when deciding between a wall and roof dormer is the head height of the window in relation to the eave height of the house.

Size doesn't matter when it comes to designing a shed dormer, but there are some key considerations to keep in mind.

The height of the windowsill is crucial, typically not wanting to set it higher than 30 in. above the floor, especially if the dormer holds an egress window for a bedroom.

Local building codes will dictate the height of the windowsill, so be sure to check those first. You don't want to design a dormer that's too small for the room inside.

Designing a dormer that spans nearly the entire roof can look overstuffed and awkward, so hold it back several feet from the gable ends.

If the dormer is wider than one third of the house's width, set it back at least a foot from the face of the wall below. This will create a more balanced look and prevent the dormer from overwhelming the space.

A two-story addition can be a great way to expand your living space and master suite. This type of addition was initially planned to add extra living space and to expand the master suite.

A shed dormer can be added above a sunroom to give visual interest and height. The homeowners in this example opted for a shed dormer above a sunroom for visual interest and height to break up the bare sloping roof.

A fresh viewpoint: Shed Dormer Addition

The dormer shed wall can be designed to be flush with the exterior wall, making it look original to the structure. The dormer shed wall, flush with the exterior wall, makes it look original to the structure.

Detailing on the overhang can be connected with touches found elsewhere on the home. Detailing on the overhang connects with touches found elsewhere on the home.

For more insights, see: Shed with Overhang Roof

When installing shed dormers, it's essential to consider the roof-framing basics. This includes understanding how the dormer will interact with the existing roof structure.

Shed dormers can be either an extension of the wall below or an object set in the roof. Roof dormers, in particular, can be stretched across the width of the house, holding several ganged windows.

To ensure a watertight seal, it's crucial to add sheathing and waterproofing to the newly framed exterior. This is especially important when building a large shed dormer that covers a significant portion of the roof.

Framing for the skylights is typically done on the interior, while the roof is removed only when the skylights arrive. This helps prevent damage to the skylights during the construction process.

In terms of insulation, adding an extra inch or so can make a big difference in retaining heat in winter and keeping the upper level cool during the summer months. This can be achieved by adding additional framing along the existing rafters.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when installing shed dormers:

By considering these factors and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a successful shed dormer installation that adds value and functionality to your home.

Shed dormers are a popular choice for homeowners looking to add some extra space and style to their homes. They're especially great for small houses or apartments where a full dormer might be overwhelming.

One of the most popular styles for shed dormers is the modern gable, which features a flat roof and a simple, clean design. This style works well with a variety of architectural styles, from traditional to contemporary.

In terms of trends, shed dormers are often used to create a cozy reading nook or a home office, taking advantage of the natural light that pours in through the window.

The Nantucket style is a unique and charming architectural design that's perfect for adding some visual interest to your home's exterior. A low shed dormer flanked by gables on either end is a key characteristic of this style.

This design element breaks up the monotony of a larger shed, allowing for more aesthetically pleasing rooflines and inviting interior rooms. It provides a means to achieve similar living space, making it a great option for those looking to maximize their home's potential.

Rumor has it that the Nantucket style originated on Nantucket island, although local historians dispute this claim. No matter its true origin, the Nantucket dormer is a beautiful addition to any home, adding a touch of charm and character to its facade.

Shed dormers have become a staple in Twin Cities home renovations, particularly for story-and-a-half homes.

They're perfect for adding extra space without sacrificing the home's original charm.

The Twin Cities are filled with story-and-a-half homes that are ideal for shed dormer additions.

This type of addition is a great way to increase natural light and ventilation in a home.

Shed dormers can be customized to fit the unique style of a home, making them a popular choice among homeowners.

A shed dormer addition can add significant value to a home, making it an attractive option for homeowners looking to upgrade their property.

The Twin Cities' love for shed dormers is a testament to the versatility and practicality of this type of addition.

Discover more: Shed Roof Addition to House