When it comes to expanding your home and bringing in more natural light, few additions are as sought after as conservatories and orangeries. Both offer extra living space with a strong connection to the outdoors, and both can add value and charm to your property. But while they share some similarities, they’re distinctly different in design, atmosphere and how they’re used day to day.

Choosing between a conservatory and an orangery isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how you live. Your lifestyle, the purpose of the space, your home’s style and your budget all play a part in deciding which option will best suit your needs.

Understanding the Key Differences

A conservatory is typically a glazed structure with a higher proportion of glass to frame. It’s usually built with a pitched glass or polycarbonate roof, large windows, and minimal brickwork. This design maximises natural light, creating a bright and airy feel that’s ideal for enjoying garden views and making the most of daylight.

An orangery, on the other hand, features more substantial brickwork, often including solid walls or pillars, and a flat roof with a central roof lantern. This design creates a more enclosed and structured space that feels like a seamless extension of the home rather than a separate garden room. It still brings in lots of light, but the balance between solid and glazed surfaces gives it a more permanent and insulated feel.

The Appeal of a Traditional Conservatory

If your ideal home addition is a bright, nature-filled space to enjoy during sunny mornings and relaxing afternoons, a conservatory might be the right fit. Its glass-heavy design allows for panoramic garden views and a close connection to the outdoors, which many homeowners find uplifting and calming.

Conservatories are often quicker to build and more budget-friendly than orangeries. They suit a wide range of property styles and can be adapted to fit smaller spaces. For homes with limited room for a full extension, a conservatory offers a light-filled solution without the scale or cost of a traditional build.

They’re often used as sitting rooms, dining areas, reading spaces or hobby rooms. With modern glazing, heating and roof upgrades, today’s conservatories are far more energy efficient and can be used comfortably all year round.

The Substance and Style of an Orangery

Orangeries provide a more enclosed feel that many people associate with traditional home extensions. With their combination of solid walls and large windows, they strike a balance between the openness of a conservatory and the structure of a brick-built room. This makes them ideal for those who want to use the space as a functional part of everyday living.

Whether used as a kitchen extension, formal dining room, home office or family lounge, orangeries offer a sense of permanence. They integrate more easily with existing interiors, especially when designed to match brickwork, flooring and window styles.

The roof lantern is a signature feature that adds architectural interest while still allowing light to flood in from above. Orangeries often appeal to those looking for a space that can serve multiple roles throughout the day without feeling like a separate or seasonal room.

Thinking About Comfort and Use All Year Round

A key factor in deciding between a conservatory and an orangery is how you plan to use the space throughout the year. Orangeries tend to retain heat better due to their more insulated design. The combination of solid roofing and brick pillars helps create a stable internal temperature, even in winter.

While conservatories are more exposed to changes in weather, modern options now include thermally efficient glass, underfloor heating and tiled roof conversions that significantly improve comfort. If you’re opting for a more traditional glazed conservatory, consider how you’ll heat and cool the space depending on the seasons.

For occasional use or garden-facing relaxation, a conservatory may be ideal. For more structured use—like daily dining, working or family time—an orangery may provide better comfort and practicality.

Aesthetic Considerations

When thinking about which option suits your lifestyle, the style of your home also plays a part. Conservatories often complement older or more traditional houses with their ornate rooflines and classic glazing bars, but they also work well with newer properties when kept minimal and modern in design.

Orangeries tend to suit larger or more formal properties, but with the right materials and proportions, they can work beautifully on almost any home. The key is integration—matching rooflines, window styles, and brickwork so the addition feels like a natural part of the property.

Budget and Planning Factors

In general, conservatories are more affordable and less complex to install. Their lightweight construction often falls within permitted development rights, making planning permission less likely to be needed in many cases—though it’s always important to check local regulations.

Orangeries, due to their structural elements and bespoke design, usually come at a higher cost and may take longer to build. They may also require planning permission or building regulations approval depending on their size and placement. However, this added investment often pays off in the form of increased property value and long-term versatility.

Lifestyle Match: Which One’s for You?

If you enjoy spending time in the garden, want a sunny retreat to relax in, or need an elegant, seasonal space for reading, hosting or occasional use, a conservatory is a fantastic choice. It brings the outdoors in and can serve as a bright, uplifting corner of the home.

If your goal is to add a year-round room that functions like any other part of your house—with structure, privacy and integration—an orangery might be more aligned with your needs. It can be tailored to suit daily living and offers a slightly more formal feel.

Choosing What Feels Right for Your Home

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s part of the appeal. Both conservatories and orangeries have their strengths, and with the wide range of materials, finishes and layouts available today, it’s possible to tailor either one to suit your personal style and how you want to live.

The decision often comes down to your routine, your aspirations for your home, and the feeling you want to create. Whether it’s the open, breezy charm of a conservatory or the solid elegance of an orangery, the right choice is the one that fits naturally into your lifestyle.