From the outside, and sometimes even from the inside, a conservatory and an orangery can look very similar. But while they share many similarities, there are some key differences between them.  The biggest difference between a conservatory and an orangery is the roof. While both have glazed roofs, a conservatory roof will be over 75% glazed and 50% of the walls will also be glazed but an orangery will have a roof that is less than 75% glazed with a lot more brick work.

Design

The whole design of a conservatory and an orangery can be very different. Conservatories are designed to feel like a natural extension of your home with a big focus of their appeal being the ability to look out onto your garden and the nature outside, bringing the outdoors into your home. Having the ability to enjoy the outdoor temperature without going outside and having a way for light to enter is a big part of their design and appeal.

Orangeries on the other hand, have a stronger focus on luxury, elegance and privacy. They were originally designed to be places where wealthy people could grow citrus trees without risk of the cold damaging them. Over time, oranges and other citrus fruits became available through cheaper means so orangeries gradually turned into more luxurious home extensions.

Some people do still use orangeries to grow exotic plant life and shrubs and while conservatories can still be used to help plants grow, both these home extensions are now more about having a place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Conservatory Benefits

Conservatories are a popular home extension to add more room into a home, while increasing the long-term value. Though great for growing plants due to their excellent lighting conditions, more people use a conservatory as a place to relax, as an additional lounge or dining area. Benefits include;

• They are the more cost-effective option
• They are designed to be natural extension of your home
• They are great for growing plants and gives you a place to relax in natural sunlight
• They give you plenty of extra space and will add value to your property

Orangery Benefits

Orangeries might have a steeper price tag than the majority of conservatories but they offer you a more luxurious place to relax and unwind. They may be similar but orangeries are much more versatile. Benefits include;

• They can follow any theme or design you want
• They can be placed anywhere on your land, they don’t have to be attached to your home
• They still maintain the best conditions for growing exotic plants
• An orangery will also add value to your property
• Gives you plenty of space to relax and is more private than a conservatory

Whether you decide on a conservatory or an orangery for your property, have you considered the benefits of a solid roof? Glass or polycarbonate roofing may look appealing but is actually an avenue for heat to escape making the space inhabitable in particularly warm or cold conditions.

With an orangery or conservatory roof replacement, you can still add natural light with the addition of Velux windows and sun tunnels to create an airy space that stays warm! For more information, call us on 01249 658514 or fill in our contact form for more information.