Dormer windows first appeared in residential roofs in 16th Century Britain, where they were used to direct natural light into attic sleeping areas. The word “dormer” comes from the French “dormeor,” which means “sleeping room.”

Where did dormers originate?

The first dormers are attributed to architect Francois Mansart of France(1598-1666). He created the Mansard style roof, a four-sided and double-pitched with a lower, steep slope. The rooflines gave high attic spaces that gave additional living space without surpassing Parisian height restrictions.

Do Victorian houses have dormers?

Towers, turrets and dormers: During this time, builders began experimenting with asymmetrical architectural designs. As a result, round or octagonal towers and turrets became a prominent feature of Victorian homes, as did dormers with windows that extended out of the homes' sloped roofs.