Orangeries and Conservatories – What are the Differences?

Orangeries, conservatories and garden rooms; these three very different types of extensions all have their own distinct qualities. It can be confusing to know which is which, let alone deciding which one is right for your home, so we’ve made it easy with our expert guide.

Orangeries, conservatories and garden rooms: these three distinct types of glazed extension all have their own qualities. It can be confusing to know which is which, let alone deciding which one is right for your home. This guide makes it straightforward.

The purpose of a glazed extension is to bring the outside into your home, transforming the space by creating a bright and airy interior and establishing a coherent connection between house and garden. But what is the difference between a conservatory and an orangery, and how does an orangery differ from a garden room? Essentially, they can all be classed as ‘garden room extensions’, but they are ultimately defined by the proportions of glazing, timber, and masonry materials used in the architectural design.

For those asking ‘what’s an orangery?’ or looking for a clear orangery definition, UK homeowners can rely on: an orangery is a part-glazed, part-masonry extension with a solid or semi-solid roof, typically featuring a central roof lantern. It bridges the gap between a conservatory and a traditional extension. The orangery and conservatory difference, or orangery conservatory difference, essentially comes down to the ratio of glazing to brickwork and the roof construction. Understanding what an orangery is in its original sense, and what an orangery room or orangery garden room is today, helps clarify which type of extension best suits a home.

The orangery’s meaning has evolved over centuries: from a grand orangerie built to house citrus trees on aristocratic estates to the architecturally led orangery we know today. In its modern form, an orangery room is a part-glazed, part-masonry extension that sits between a conservatory and a traditional extension in terms of glazing, insulation and character. Understanding the meaning of orangeries in this context helps clarify which extension type best suits a home.
Let’s explore each in more detail.

What is a conservatory?

So, what’s a conservatory? Conservatories were a hugely popular type of glazed extension during the 1980s. Commonly associated with uPVC construction materials and rattan furniture, they will typically have fully glazed walls and a glazed roof set on a brick foundation. Homeowners loved the idea of easily adding additional space to their properties: a bright, spacious lounge or dining room with close-up views of the garden.

Where a conservatory is predominantly glazed, it allows the extended space to be filled with as much natural light as possible. Unfortunately, traditional conservatories earned a reputation for feeling hot and stuffy in the summer and cold in the winter. The uPVC also had a tendency to date and turn yellow, which is not an enduring look. As people realised that their conservatories could only be used comfortably for part of the year, they began to fall out of favour.

This is a shame, as a well-crafted timber garden conservatory can be a refined addition to any home. There are certainly ways to address common temperature issues: roof vents to improve circulation, underfloor heating, and solar-control glazing to limit heat build-up from the sun.

What is an orangery?

To define an orangery more precisely: an orangery is a building or room with a glazed roof and many glazed windows and doors, typically constructed from brick or stone. The roof is often solid with a central lantern or skylight to allow in natural light, which historically made them ideal for growing citrus trees or other plants sensitive to cold weather.

Orangeries were first built in 17th-century Europe, where they were a symbol of wealth and prestige among the elite, reaching their height of popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries. Often located in the grounds of a large house, they were admired for their elegant architectural lines and timeless proportions.

The conservatory’s decline in popularity in recent years has led to a significant rise in homeowners opting for contemporary orangeries instead. Combining balanced design with enduring functionality, a garden room or orangery extension remains a highly considered addition to a home.

What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?

The difference between a conservatory and an orangery comes down primarily to the roof and the percentage of glazing. An orangery typically has a solid roof, which helps to insulate the space, with a glazed parapet, while a conservatory has a fully glazed roof. In addition, an orangery will often feature a dwarf wall or columns that provide insulation, whereas a conservatory has less insulation and more glazing.
This means orangeries are typically warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
When comparing an orangery vs a conservatory vs an extension, the orangery sits comfortably in the middle. It offers more light and connection to the garden than a traditional extension, while providing significantly better thermal performance and a more architectural finish than a standard conservatory.

Both are popular choices for homeowners who want to add an extension filled with natural light, suitable for relaxing, entertaining or even growing plants. In the conservatory vs orangery debate, the orangery consistently comes out ahead for year-round usability: a key consideration for any homeowner investing in a long-term addition to their property.

What is a garden room?

A garden room is similar to an orangery, with semi-glazed walls, but with a tiled roof rather than a roof lantern. A garden room is more likely to look like a natural part of the building it adjoins, with matching tiles, brickwork and considered detailing, rather than an additional add-on.

Garden rooms typically feature a high roofline and a glazed gable, filling the space with natural light and making a strong architectural statement.

No matter which style suits your home, a well-designed garden room extension should be an investment that adds to a property’s value and changes the way the space within the home is used. Quality is essential to ensure it holds its character for years to come. The key to building a long-lasting extension is to choose a product that has been designed and built with genuine craftsmanship, not to a budget, but to a standard.