Conservatory Or Orangery – Which Should You Extend Your House With?

Normally at this time of the year our fitters are busy completing a host of home extensions for customers who are eager to grow their properties ahead of the summer. At the moment that isn’t possible, but that’s not to say you cannot begin planning a home extension – you can!

We’re holding lots of virtual appointments with customers with that exact idea in mind and you could be doing the same. 

On a virtual appointment, we can collectively create home extension designs online and give you a look inside your proposed new living space. 

What form of extension are you thinking about, a conservatory or an orangery?

It’s hard to have a preference of one over the other, but you might find it easier if you know more about them both. 

Conservatory

How do you tell apart a conservatory from an orangery? Look at the roof. If it’s sloped or angled and over 75% of it is glazed, it’s definitely a conservatory. 

Most conservatories also have fully glazed sides, which is why they’re so bright inside, and either a dwarf wall or sole solid wall, as well as a glass or polycarbonate roof. Nowadays, the vast majority of new conservatories feature solid roofing systems, a lightweight covering consisting of very realistic tiles or slates. 

If money is an overriding factor for you, conservatories do cost less than orangeries, largely because they don’t rely on so much brickwork and they have a less expansive roof. 

Orangery

Orangeries actually date back further than conservatories, having first been developed in Italy in the 17th Century. Notoriously enclosed spaces, they often have a central roof lantern, which will be less than 75% glazed. 

Structurally supported by a series of columns and mostly either square or rectangular shaped, they’re reminiscent of many 18th Century buildings, including how the roof is shallow pitched, plus they possess pilasters.

When inside an orangery, you will see that there is a pelmet running around the ceiling perimeter which is where downlighters and spotlights will often sit. Orangery interiors are always beautifully plastered too. 

Some are of the opinion that orangeries make for a more natural looking extension than conservatories. 

Truth be told, a conservatory or orangery would both be worthy of your money and your home, so you can’t make a wrong choice. Book a Virtual Appointment with Bon Accord Glass to start work on getting whichever takes your fancy.