What is the difference between orangery vs a conservatory?

This question gets asked by people who are extending their homes, so let’s explain.

Let’s explore the difference between orangery vs a conservatory?

As both are similar in many ways and different in others.

We will start by giving you a little bit of background to both forms of home extension.

Orangeries.

The very first orangeries were developed back in the 15th Century and they began to rise in popularity across the continent amongst the aristocracy in the 17th Century when their primary purpose was to help fruit trees grow.

Sometimes an orangery would be built as an entirely separate structure away from a main residence, but not so much nowadays. Much of the light that passes through an orangery comes via the lantern roof, though it is possible to supply an orangery with a full glass roof.

Glass and glazing units today are greatly advanced from just a few years ago with the introduction of Argon and coated glass to greatly improve the thermal efficiencies, keeping both warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. So when it comes to glass used the difference between orangery vs a conservatory is nil.

See all our Orangeries.

Lantern Roof Orangery
Key Orangeries features - orangery vs a conservatory,

So, to look at the difference between orangery vs a conservatory –  Lets look at the Key Orangeries features –

  • Solid brick pillars
  • Large glazed windows
  • A solid brick, hup! or stone base
  • A large, plastered flat roof with a roof lantern
  • More expensive size for size than a conservatory
Modern Orangery
Modern Grey Orangery with Bi-Fold Doors
Orangery Living Space

Conservatories.

The 17th Century also saw the conservatory find favour with many Europeans due to its resemblance to a traditional glass house and useful ability to help exotic and tropical vegetation grow.

Advances made in insulated glazing resulted in conservatories becoming more popular with domestic homeowners in the 1970’s and led to the creation of the numerous conservatory styles available today.

See all our Conservatories.

T Shaped Conservatory
Conservatories Key features - orangery vs a conservatory

So, to look at the difference between an Orangery vs a Conservatory –  Lets look at the Conservatories Key features

  • High volume of glass throughout
  • Large glass roof and mainly glass walls
  • Can have a dwarf wall, a hup! wall or traditional brick wall
  • Less expensive, size for size, than an Orangery
Small Black UPVC Conservatory

Universally agreed difference - orangery vs a conservatory

Now you have an understanding of what an orangery vs a conservatory both are, here is what is universally agreed to be the difference between an Orangery vs a Conservatory:

  • An orangery uses more brickwork than a conservatory
  • A conservatory uses more glass than an orangery
  • Some consider an orangery to be a more natural and beautiful looking extension of the home
  • The styling of a conservatory is thought to be more complementary to a property
Grey Conservatory with Bi-Fold Doors
Key similarities - Conservatory V Orangery.

To balance the difference between orangery vs a conservatory here is the key similarities between the two:

  • Both can be provided in UPVC, aluminium or timber
  • Either can be free standing or built of the house
  • Both can be open to the adjoining rooms, subject to permissions
  • Each are as ecstatically pleasing as their design
  • Orangeries cost more than conservatories, size for size

5 Star are FENSA approved Installers.

This conservatory has a Living Spaces guarantee Conservatory
Home Office Conservatory.
Replacement Glass Roofs come in every style and size, this example is white with blue solar glass panels

Beyond the Basics: A Deeper Dive -

While the primary difference lies in their construction – brickwork versus glass – the distinction between an vs a conservatory goes deeper.

Thermal Performance:

  • Orangeries generally offer superior insulation due to the greater amount of brickwork, making them more comfortable year-round. They tend to stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems.
  • Conservatories, with their predominantly glass structure, can experience significant temperature fluctuations. However, advancements in glazing technology have significantly improved their thermal performance in recent years.
Replacement conservatory rooms come in a multitude of styles, this is an internal view of a white framed roof with a full lighting pelmet.
Aesthetics & Style -
  • Orangeries: Often considered more elegant and traditional, orangeries seamlessly integrate with the existing architecture of your home, adding a touch of timeless sophistication.
  • Conservatories: Offer a more contemporary and open feel, maximizing natural light and creating a strong connection to the garden.

Lifestyle Considerations:

  • Orangeries tend to be more suitable for year-round use as living spaces, offering a more comfortable and adaptable environment.
  • Conservatories are ideal for those who prioritise maximum light and a strong connection to the outdoors, but may require more careful consideration of temperature control.
Loggia Conservatory
The glass in an Orangery vs a Conservatory is the same.

Glass and glazing units today are also greatly improved with the ability to reduce noise and increase security with specialist glass units. So in terms of the glass, the difference between an Orangery vs a Conservatory is nil.

Solid Tiled Roof Conservatory
Full Size Orangeries vs Conservatories on Display...

Undoubtedly the best way to assess the “difference between an orangery vs a conservatory and decide which you like the most is to visit either of our showrooms. Both extensions will supply you with 5 Star living of the very highest order.

5 Star are an Ultraframe Ultra Installer ID: UI22092…you will not find a better or more knowledgeable company that understands the difference between an orangery vs a conservatory!

Worcester Showroom with three visitors looking around
orangery vs a conservatory - 5 Star have even more options...

The difference between an orangery vs a Conservatory can be confused further with modern twists including hup! from Ultraframe, Skyrooms from Atlas and Lemonaries, a hybrid option explored often at 5 Star.

A brown hup! extension with a 380 glass and tiled roof, bi-folding doors. Front corner brick effect pillars and full height glass windows.

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Ross, one of the Senior Designers at 5 Star
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Service Receptionist taking customer call

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