What’s the Difference between a Conservatory and an Orangery?
If you’re considering adding an extension to your home, you might be wondering what the difference is between a conservatory and an orangery, and which is the best choice for you!
There are many basic similarities between a conservatory and an orangery, both are small, cost effective extensions to the home, that rarely require any planning permission. Both conservatories and orangeries are constructed from a mixture of brick and glazing, however, the main difference between them is the style of roof used.
A conservatory’s roof is traditionally completely glass, whereas an orangery traditionally features a solid roof with some glazing, usually in the middle of the roof. Additionally, you might find that the base of an orangery tends to be constructed from more brick than a conservatory, which traditionally features more glazing in the base.
Making the best choice for your home
The biggest factor to consider when choosing between a conservatory and an orangery, is how you plan on using your extension.
Generally speaking, conservatories are much more suited for use as ‘sunrooms’. They make for a beautiful place to sit and take in a view, or a perfectly manicured garden on a summer day. However, when it comes to their practicality, it’s much more difficult to maintain a consistent temperature in a conservatory. The amount of glass used in their construction can make a conservatory too cold in the winter, and too hot in the summer, without a lot of work to control the temperature.
On the other hand, it’s much easier to maintain the temperature in a traditional orangery, due to the solid roof and additional brick used in its construction. Consequently, if you’re looking for a practical room that you can easily use all year round, an orangery will probably be the better option. However, if the primary use of your extension will be to enjoy the view outside your home, then a conservatory will probably work better, as the additional brickwork used for an orangery would likely obscure your view somewhat.
Whether you choose a conservatory or an orangery, when you choose Conservatories and Windows Direct you’ll be joining hundreds of happy customers across the midlands who have already benefited from our extensive experience within the home improvement industry.
If you’re considering any home extension, feel free to contact us, and speak to a member of our expert team to discuss your requirements.