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Luxury roof terrace design ideas: High-end finishes for urban lifestyles

Luxury roof terrace design ideas: High-end finishes for urban lifestyles

August 2025

In the heart of the city, where space is at a premium and every square foot counts, a luxury roof terrace offers the ultimate urban escape. More than just an outdoor area, a roof terrace is a statement of style, sophistication and thoughtful design. Whether you are entertaining guests under the skyline or unwinding in an exclusive retreat above the city streets, a well-designed terrace transforms unused rooftop space into an elevated lifestyle experience.

In this article, we explore the essential elements of luxury roof terrace design, from high-end materials and contemporary styling to smart features and privacy solutions, all designed to inspire your next roof terrace transformation. Discover how Raaft can help you create an extraordinary outdoor space that enhances both value and lifestyle.

Why choose a luxury roof terrace for urban living?

In urban environments where outdoor space is limited, making a well-designed roof terrace can be a powerful asset for commercial properties. Whether it is a hotel rooftop bar, a landscaped terrace for office tenants or a communal space for high-end residential developments, a luxury rooftop can significantly enhance the value, appeal and usability of a building.

Investing in a high-end roof terrace creates a unique selling point that sets a building apart in a competitive market. These spaces offer tenants and guests an elevated experience, providing areas to relax, entertain, work or dine while enjoying city views.

At Raaft, we specialise in creating durable, flexible roof terrace systems that support premium roof terrace design for commercial applications, helping clients transform underutilised rooftops into standout spaces.

Key elements of high-end roof terrace design

A truly successful luxury roof terrace isn’t just about aesthetics, it is a careful balance of design, durability and functionality. Whether for a rooftop bar, a shared amenity or a premium breakout space for office tenants, high-end terraces require strategic planning and quality materials from the ground up.

Here are the key elements that define exceptional roof terrace design in commercial settings:

1. Structural integrity and support systems

Commercial rooftops demand support solutions that can handle heavy foot traffic, furniture loads and environmental stressors. A robust substructure, like Raaft’s adjustable pedestal system, ensures level surfaces, long-term stability and easy access for maintenance without compromising on design.

2. Premium surface finishes

Porcelain, whether it is a tile or decking, is one of the most effective surface materials for commercial terraces. They provide a sleek, modern look with outstanding durability. Resistant to stains, fading and water ingress, they are ideal for rooftop restaurants, bars and multi-use spaces.

3. Zoning and spatial flow

Luxury roof terraces should be thoughtfully zoned to accommodate different uses, from casual seating and dining areas to greenery and circulation space. Smart layout planning enhances the user experience while maximising the functional value.

Top luxury finishes for roof terraces

Creating a luxury roof terrace starts with selecting finishes that combine beauty, durability and practicality, especially in settings where performance is as important as style. The right finishes ensure your rooftop not only looks stunning but stands up to weather, foot traffic and maintenance demands over time.

Our high-performance, practical and functional porcelain tiles come in a range of finishes to suit your roof terrace. Popular choices for luxury roof terraces include:

  • Grey: Both light and dark grey are popular for luxury roof terraces due to their sleek, contemporary aesthetic. These versatile shades provide a neutral backdrop that pairs well with modern furniture, metal accents and minimalist landscaping.
  • Beige and sand tones: These warmer colours create an inviting, natural atmosphere that blends beautifully with greenery and natural wood elements. Perfect for terraces aiming to evoke a tranquil, resort-like vibe.
  • Terracotta and rust: Rich, earthy hues like terracotta and rust bring warmth and rustic charm to rooftop spaces. They add depth and character that work well in hospitality venues or boutique residential projects.

By choosing from these refined options, commercial roof terraces can achieve timeless elegance that enhances the overall experience while ensuring long-term value and resilience.

Furniture and décor: Balancing luxury and functionality

Furniture and décor play a central role in defining how a rooftop space is used and perceived. In commercial settings, every element should strike the right balance between high-end aesthetics and practical durability. Luxury doesn’t mean delicate, it means well-crafted, thoughtful and fit for purpose.

Opt for modular, weather-resistant furniture that reflects the overall design language of the building, from clean lined loungers in modern office terraces to plush, hospitality grade seating in rooftop bars and hotels.

Add touches of character through integrated planters and textiles to elevate the atmosphere while maintaining a cohesive, high-end look.

Creating privacy in an urban roof space

In urban environments, privacy is key to transforming a roof terrace into a useable, comfortable space year-round. For commercial rooftops, this means thoughtful screening, zoning and protection from the elements, without sacrificing style.

Planters are an ideal way to add both visual interest and privacy between zones. When filled with tall grasses, shrubs or small trees, they create natural partitions that soften the space and provide a sense of seclusion. Integrated into the terrace design, they can help define seating areas, walkways or quiet corners, all while introducing greenery that enhances wellbeing and softens the hardscape.

Tranquil roof terrace at Royal Mint Gardens

One example of a luxury roof terrace design in a residential urban setting in the rooftop at Royal Mint Gardens, a prestigious apartment development located moments from the Tower of London.

Raaft worked with the project team to help transform the roof space into a serene, elevated garden, bringing structure, style and natural elements to create a peaceful escape above the city. Designed for high-end living, the terrace offers residents a sense of calm and connection to nature, right in the heart of London.

The project showcases many of the core principles of high-end roof terrace design:

  1. Premium finishes: Durable, stylish porcelain tiles were used to create a clean, contemporary surface that is both slip-resistant and easy to maintain.
  2. Integrated greenery: Raised planters soften the hardscape with lush vegetation, offering natural screening, visual interest and a boost to resident wellbeing.
  3. Zoning for relaxation: The terrace layout includes distinct areas for lounging, walking and quiet reflection, ideal for luxury residential developments looking to maximise the lifestyle appeal of their roofs.

Whether you are designing a private rooftop garden or a shared residential space, Royal Mint Gardens shows how even in dense urban settings, rooftops can become beautifully curated outdoor sanctuaries.