What is the difference between a conservatory and an orangery?

The main difference between a conservatory and an orangery is the amount of glass used. Traditionally, conservatories are fully glass structures (with a low brick base). On the other hand, the structure of an orangery is usually made from brick or stone, with large, tall windows to let lots of light in.

Nowadays, the line between conservatories and orangeries is becoming blurred as fully-glazed extensions have entered the scene.

However, there are still some key characteristics that can help you to determine the difference between a conservatory and an orangery:

• Walls. A conservatory has glazed walls that are at least 50% glass. In contrast, an orangery has large, tall windows that take up less than 50% of the wall space. Traditionally, these are only on the south-facing wall.
• Roof. Conservatories usually have pitched glazed roofs, which are at least 75% glass. Orangeries, on the other hand, tend to have flat roofs with a single glass lantern in the centre – making the roof less than 75% glass.
• Separation. Conservatories are built against the wall of the original house, with a door separating the two spaces. Orangeries can also be built against the wall of the house, or they can be standalone structures.

As you can see, there’s not much to differentiate the two. And you’ll often find exceptions to the rules – for instance, a common conservatory refurbishment project is to replace the glass conservatory roof with a solid one.

Perhaps the best way to think of the difference is that an orangery stands somewhere between a conservatory and a fully-fledged single-storey extension.

Its brick walls mean it’s generally more energy-efficient than a conservatory, while its large quantities of glass mean it’ll still let in plenty of light and give you the feeling of bringing the outside in. An orangery could be a cost-effective addition to your home that might give you the best of both worlds.

Read our guide to orangery costs for ballpark prices.

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