When homeowners are considering having an extension added to the downstairs of their home, the most common options are either an orangery or a conservatory. While there is confusion as most people struggle to differentiate between the two, there are variations in each option that each have their own appeal to homeowners. Both offer great additional living space, but what exactly is the difference between a conservatory and orangeries?

By Definition:

Perhaps unknown to most people, but the main difference between conservatories and orangeries is the amount of glass used in each structure. Typically, an orangery is a home extension that has a glass roof which covers less than 75% of the roof, and the remaining walls are covered with 50% glass. Additionally, an orangery is a brick structure, that emphasises its large roof and flat room. It also has a glass lantern as the central focus. A slightly different is a conservatory- which is glass structure that has a brick base. It also has a pitched glazed roof and were primarily used to help people tender plants all year round.

Which Is Better?

When deciding which one is better, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish on the structure of your home. Investing in an orangery is a great choice, and to know what to envision- think of bridging the gap between a conservatory and extension. The brick walls ensure it is the same temperature as the other rooms in your house, and some key features to look out for include large, tall windows on one side- which is typically south-facing, wooden shutters to retain heat and stone or brick build.

Throughout the 1800s, conservatories were used to house rare plants and animals. This fascination with glass structures popularised the notion of conservatories, and throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the building of glass structures resumed, and the notion of a sunroom came into play. From this, the conservatory gained its typical uPVC framework, and other defining features such as a low brick base, a standalone heating source which is usually separate from the main house.

Most people prefer an orangery when it comes to heating, as it undertakes the insulation of an extension in the home. Traditionally, an orangery is ever so slightly warmer than a conservatory, as in the past, the conservatories predominant glass structure has meant that it is susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, as time has gone on, more people believe that orangeries add more value to your property, especially if they are completed to a high standard by a specialist team. An orangery can add anywhere from 5% to 12% to your property, however this ultimately depends on the location of your property and the type of home you have.

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