Both are fantastic ways to add space, both are filled with natural light and both offer a way to enjoy your garden without actually braving the elements, but which is right for you? Time to compare orangery vs conservatory.
For all their similarities, orangeries and conservatories have some key differences which can mean one will be more suitable than the other for certain types of property, as well as when it comes to their intended use.
If you are unsure what sets the two apart or are having trouble deciding whether an orangery or a conservatory will be best for your needs and home, our guide is here to help. We explain how they are different, what each can offer and what to expect in terms of cost.
Article continues belowWhat is the difference between a conservatory and an orangery?
Before looking into the pros and cons of conservatories and orangeries, it is important that you understand how they are different. Only in this way will you know whether an orangery extension or a conservatory will make the most sense for you.
"Many people want to know the main difference between an orangery and a conservatory," picks up Claire Long, marketing director at Sherbourne Windows. "Both of these bring more light into your home, but they are built in different ways. A conservatory is made mostly of glass. More than 75% of its roof and 50% of its walls are made with glass panels. This lets you feel close to the garden.
"An orangery is different because it is more like a traditional extension," continues Claire. "It uses solid walls with large windows. The roof is solid and flat, but it has a glass lantern in the middle."
Claire Long started Sherborne Windows with her husband Chris in the early 1990s, opening their first showroom in Farnborough, Hampshire, which displays windows and doors. A second showroom in Windlesham followed, dedicated to glazed extensions, then another two. The other faces behind Sherborne are Claire’s two brother-in- laws, Andy and Tim Long. With their combined expertise and dedication Sherborne has grown to become a trusted name in the industry delivering quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service to homes across the region.
What are the pros and cons of conservatories?
A familiar sight up and down the UK, conservatories have long been a popular way to add extra space without carrying out a full-blown extension – plus conservatory building regulations approval is not usually required. That said, they have suffered a bad rep in the past thanks to poor construction techniques and sub-standard materials.
"A conservatory traditionally features a higher proportion of glass than an orangery, particularly in the roof," says Michael Arrowsmith, manager at Etheridge Windows. "The structure is designed to maximise natural light and garden views. Their main advantage is the feeling of openness. A well-designed conservatory brings in huge amounts of daylight and creates a very strong connection with the outdoors. They can also be quicker and more cost-effective to install than other types of extensions."
And the drawbacks?
"The downside is that conservatories rely heavily on glass, which historically meant they could struggle with temperature control (overheating in the summer, too cold in the winter)," says Michael. "Modern glazing technology has improved this significantly, but the structure is still more 'glass-led' than other extension styles and still has a poor reputation."
Conservatory pros:
- Quick to construct
- Cheaper than an orangery or extension
- Offer great connection to the garden
- Full of natural light
- Offer a quiet spot that feels distinct from the house
- Building regs approval not usually required
Conservatory cons:
- Can be prone to overheating
- May feel cold in winter if heating and insulation isn't addressed
- Require cleaning and maintenance to stay looking good and performing well
- Can be noisy in high winds and heavy rainfall
Michael is manager at Etheridge Windows, a family-run business established in 2019. They specialise in doors, windows and conservatories and aim to make the whole process of choosing new windows and doors stress-free.
What are the pros and cons of orangeries?
Orangeries are much more substantial structures than conservatories and, while they might have been around since the 17th century in Britain, orangery ideas have recently become really popular again – and it isn't hard to see why.
"An orangery sits somewhere between a conservatory and a traditional brick extension," explains Michael Arrowsmith. "It usually has more solid elements such as brick pillars and a partial solid roof rather than a fully glazed roof. Because of that construction, an orangery often feels more like a permanent room in the house while still bringing in a lot of light from the lantern and large windows – whereas a conservatory can sometimes feel like an extension of the garden.
"The main advantage of orangeries is that they tend to feel more substantial and integrated with the rest of the property," continues Michael. "The additional brickwork provides better insulation and more wall space for furniture, lighting and heating. Many homeowners choose an orangery when they want a year-round living room, kitchen extension ideas or dining space that feels closer to a traditional extension."
"The biggest benefits are that you can use an orangery all year," adds Claire Long. "It also adds to your property value. The downside is that orangeries cost more at first than a conservatory."
Orangery pros:
- Easier to insulate
- More solid walls for furniture placement
- Less prone to overheating due to less glazing
- Feel and look more like an extension
- Less prone to heat loss
- Multiple uses, for example as a kitchen orangery extension
Orangery cons:
- More expensive than conservatories
- Building regulations approval is likely to be required
- More lengthy and complex construction process
- Less glass means less natural light than a conservatory
How do orangery and conservatory costs compare?
One of the main things people will want to look at when choosing between a conservatory and orangery is how they compare in terms of cost.
"Cost is usually one of the biggest differences between the two," says up Michael Arrowsmith. "In most cases, orangery costs will be more expensive than conservatory costs because they involves more structural work, more materials and often deeper foundations."
"When you think about the usual costs for an orangery, you need to remember a few things," picks up Claire Long. "You are paying for a top-quality, long-lasting structure. At first, you spend more money than you would for a standard conservatory. But in the long run, this is a good investment. It can add to your property value. You can use it all year.
"The biggest thing that affects the cost is the kind of materials you pick," continues Claire. "For example, aluminium frames can cost more at first than uPVC, but they last longer and look more modern and stylish. Also, base set-up, the type of doors you pick, and how you finish the inside will all change how much you spend in the end. A small and simple design will be cheaper. A larger, special orangery with the newest features will cost more."
Does a conservatory or orangery add more value to a house?
Alongside looking at how much both of these structures cost to construct, it makes sense to get an idea of the value they are likely to add to your home.
"When it comes to property value, both can add appeal if they are well designed and properly integrated with the house," says Michael Arrowsmith. "However, an orangery often contributes slightly more perceived value because it feels more like a permanent extension rather than an add-on. Buyers tend to view it as an additional room that can be used all year round. That said, modern conservatory ideas with high-quality glazing and insulation can also be a strong selling point, particularly if they create a bright, usable living space overlooking the garden."
"An orangery is seen as something more lasting and fancy than a conservatory," points out Claire Long. "Some people say it can add as much value as building a full extension – 5% to 15% more, in fact."
FAQs
Is a conservatory or orangery better for me?
If you are still undecided which is better for you it makes sense to look at what you want from your new room. If you want a relatively simple, affordable way to gain extra space without the need for building regulations approval, a conservatory is a great option. If, however, you want a more solid structure with greater design flexibility and are happy to spend a little more to get it, an orangery makes a beautiful addition.
"Ultimately the decision usually comes down to how the homeowner wants to use the space," agrees Michael Arrowsmith. "If the goal is a bright garden room that maximises views and light, a conservatory is often the right choice. If the aim is a more solid extension that feels like a natural continuation of the house, an orangery may be the better fit. Both can work beautifully when designed with the property and lifestyle in mind."
Before making your final decision, spend some time looking at all your options in terms of adding space to your home – in particular, looking at whether an extension or conservatory will make more sense in the long-term can be useful.
