Roof Types and Styles That Instantly Boost Curb Appeal (According to Designers)
- Beril Yilmaz
- 9 hours ago
- 6 min read
When it comes to designing your dream home, the roof plays a far greater role than most people realise. It’s not just about protection from the elements — it’s a defining architectural feature that shapes your home’s entire aesthetic and character.
Whether you love clean modern lines or a more traditional profile, understanding roof types and styles helps you make informed design decisions that are both practical and beautiful.
From sleek flat roofs on contemporary builds to classic pitched designs with gables or dormers, this guide explores the most popular roof types and styles in modern home design — including how each performs, looks, and complements your property’s exterior.
At a Glance
• Explore 10 popular roof types and styles for every architectural design
• Learn which roof shapes suit your home’s proportions and setting
• Understand material and maintenance considerations for each style
• Discover design inspiration for both modern and classic exteriors
• Find out how to choose the right roof for your lifestyle and location
1. Roof Types and Styles: Gable Roof
A gable roof is one of the most timeless and recognisable roof designs, characterised by two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge, forming a triangular end wall (the “gable”).
This roof type is versatile, cost-effective, and ideal for areas that experience heavy rain or snow, as the steep pitch allows for excellent water drainage. Gable roofs complement a wide range of architectural styles — from traditional cottages to modern farmhouses — and pair beautifully with brick, wood, and stone exteriors.
If you want a roof that feels classic yet adaptable, a gable roof remains a top designer recommendation for both function and aesthetics.
2. Roof Types and Styles: Hip Roof
A hip roof features four sloping sides that meet at a single peak or ridge, creating a low, elegant silhouette. This roof design offers exceptional stability and performs well in high-wind regions.
Hip roofs are common in both contemporary and traditional architecture, adding softness and balance to exterior lines. Their symmetrical look makes them particularly effective for bungalows, ranch homes, or properties with wide façades.
To elevate the design, consider adding dormer windows or skylights for natural light and architectural interest.
3. Roof Types and Styles: Flat Roof
A flat roof is a favourite in modern and minimalist architecture. While technically not completely flat (it has a slight slope for drainage), this style offers a sleek and streamlined appearance.
Flat roofs are ideal for contemporary homes, extensions, and commercial spaces. They can also be used creatively — think rooftop terraces, solar panels, or green roof gardens that extend your outdoor living space.
The key to longevity is using high-quality waterproofing materials and ensuring proper maintenance.
Whether you’re feeling inspired to redo your roof or just want to visualise a new paint colour, our designers can help you see your home’s potential before the work begins. Discover how our full-service exterior design packages can transform your home’s appearance and value.
4. Roof Types and Styles: Mansard Roof
The mansard roof — also known as a French roof — is a four-sided design with two slopes on each side, where the lower slope is much steeper than the upper.
It’s an iconic architectural choice for period homes and luxury builds, adding both elegance and practicality. The steep lower slope creates additional living space inside, often used for attic conversions or loft rooms.
Mansard roofs look especially striking on Georgian or European-inspired architecture but can also be adapted for modern homes seeking that touch of grandeur.
5. Roof Types and Styles: Butterfly Roof
A butterfly roof features two downward-sloping panels that meet in the middle, resembling the wings of a butterfly. It’s a bold, sculptural choice associated with mid-century and eco-modern architecture.
This roof type excels at rainwater collection and solar panel installation, making it a favourite for sustainable builds. The inward shape also allows for large clerestory windows, flooding interiors with natural light.
It’s an eye-catching design for homeowners who value sustainability and architectural uniqueness.
6. Roof Types and Styles: Gambrel Roof
A gambrel roof is often seen in barns or farmhouse-style homes, with two slopes on each side — the upper one shallow and the lower one steeper. This creates a charming, traditional silhouette with generous attic space.
Today, gambrel roofs are popular in coastal or country properties, offering a warm, nostalgic look that pairs perfectly with shiplap or board-and-batten cladding.
Their rustic character can be elevated with contemporary materials like standing-seam metal or slate for a fresh, updated feel.
From the rooftop to the landscaping around your home, our designers have you covered — literally. Whether you have simple aspirations or more ambitious goals in mind, our design team will help you bring your vision to life. From exteriors to full remodels, we’ll guide you at every step.
7. Roof Types and Styles: Shed Roof
Also known as a skillion or lean-to roof, the shed roof features a single sloping surface — simple, clean, and highly efficient.
This modern design is ideal for extensions or minimalist homes, offering strong architectural lines and easy water runoff. It also works beautifully for solar panel placement, given its angled surface.
When paired with full-height windows or mixed materials like wood and concrete, shed roofs create dynamic, light-filled spaces with strong design presence.
8. Roof Types and Styles: Dutch Gable Roof
The Dutch gable roof combines two beloved classics — the gable and the hip roof. It features a gable on top of a hip structure, adding height and visual interest.
This hybrid style provides the stability of a hip roof with the additional space and ventilation of a gable. It’s a versatile choice that works beautifully on both contemporary and traditional homes, particularly where you want a little more architectural drama.
9. Roof Types and Styles: Curved Roof
A curved roof is both innovative and expressive. Its smooth, sweeping lines soften architectural edges and create a distinctive, high-end look.
Popular in modern eco-homes and coastal properties, curved roofs shed rain effectively while reducing wind resistance. They also allow for creative interior ceiling designs, adding flow and movement to your home’s architecture.
This type of roof requires precision engineering but delivers unforgettable design results.
10. Roof Types and Styles: Combination Roof
Sometimes the best design is a blend of multiple roof types and styles. A combination roof merges elements like gables, hips, and flat sections to suit complex floor plans or multi-level homes.
This flexibility allows you to highlight different parts of your property, such as porches, extensions, or garage structures, while maintaining visual cohesion.
Combination roofs are ideal for bespoke architectural projects where creativity and function come together seamlessly.
Conclusion
Your roof is more than a finishing touch — it’s an essential design element that defines your home’s character, balance, and visual impact.
Whether you prefer the clean geometry of a flat roof, the timeless charm of a gable roof, or the boldness of a butterfly roof, each style brings its own personality to your architecture. Understanding roof types and styles allows you to choose one that complements your aesthetic goals, enhances durability, and harmonises with your surroundings.
And if you’re still unsure which direction to take, our design experts can help you visualise every option before making your final choice — from roof to render and beyond.
FAQ
1. What is the most common roof type in the UK?
The gable roof is the most common in the UK because it suits both traditional and modern homes, offers excellent water drainage, and is cost-effective to build.
2. Which roof type lasts the longest?
Slate and metal roofs tend to last the longest — up to 100 years or more — depending on installation quality and maintenance.
3. What is the best roof for modern homes?
Flat, butterfly, and shed roofs are popular for modern architecture due to their clean lines, efficient drainage, and compatibility with solar panels.
4. How do I choose the right roof for my home?
Consider your home’s architectural style, location, climate, and desired aesthetic. Consulting a designer ensures your roof complements your overall exterior vision.
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Author Bio
Written by Beril Yilmaz, founder of BY Design And Viz — a UK-based interior and exterior designer known for creating timeless, layered homes with modern organic detail. Beril helps clients bring harmony, balance, and sophistication to their spaces through bespoke online design services.
