Orangeries vs Conservatories - How To Decide

Our orangeries and conservatories have been lighting up the London area for years. However, homeowners regularly ask us which of these glazed extensions is better. Both are exceptionally eco-friendly, long-lasting and thermally efficient. The differences lie in their appearance and their functions. Therefore, the question isn’t ‘which is better?’, but ‘which is right for the unique style of your home?’. In this blog, we’ll help you to determine which of these fantastic home improvements you should opt for.

But first things first…

What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?

A conservatory will typically have more glass compared to an orangery. Traditionally speaking, a conservatory will consist of mostly glass and its frames. Orangeries, however, are usually solid brick structures, featuring large windows and a roof lantern. They owe their origins to 17th-century Europe, where they were originally used as spaces to grow citrus fruits, including (you guessed it) oranges. For homeowners in 2022, they’re ideal for kitchens, studies, or larger social spaces. An orangery, essentially, is intended to blend the aesthetics and benefits of a conservatory and a permanent extension.

Both types of glazed extensions help to flood the home with natural light and open up new possibilities for socialising. Both are also fully customisable, and can be installed with sets of French or bifold doors.

Reasons to choose an orangery

There are several reasons why you may opt for an orangery over a conservatory. Some of these include:

Greater feeling of permanence

An orangery is ideal for homeowners who want something that’s more than a conservatory, but less than a full-blown extension. The brick structure helps to create this feeling of permanence that seamlessly blends into the house’s existing structure.

More adventurous social spaces

Orangeries are typically associated with slightly grander projects. They could house a new dining area, a new games room, and even a swimming pool. If your home is on the more discerning, architectural end of the scale, an orangery may be more in your interest.

Adds value to your property

An orangery is most likely a greater investment than a conservatory, but the amount of value it could add to your property will repay this investment in the long term.

Reasons to choose a conservatory

For homeowners who want to achieve outstanding aesthetics on a more limited budget, there are several reasons why a conservatory is the way to go.

More natural light

As the structure is made mostly of glass, a conservatory will let more natural sunlight into your home. And with A++ energy ratings, it will maintain an ideal temperature all year round.

Versatile conservatory designs

There are an incredibly vast array of conservatory styles to choose from, including Victorian, Gable and our own exclusive Combination style. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to read, a garden room, or a large space for hosting family gatherings, there’s a conservatory style for every type of London home.

Cost-effective home improvement

A conservatory is usually cheaper than an orangery in the short term. It’s a quality home improvement that is accessible to all homeowners.

Quality uPVC conservatories and orangeries across the South East

If you live in or near London and have more questions about which extension is right for you, Unique Glazing are on hand to answer any questions. For more information on our products or installation process, please feel free to contact us.