Distinguishing Orangeries from Conservatories

Published: 19/04/2011

Most conservatory companies can provide both bespoke conservatories and orangeries but many customers are unaware of the differences between them.

Orangeries originated in Holland in the seventeenth century and they soon came to the United Kingdom where they were embraced by the upper classes who used the structures to signify their wealth.

The extensions were used as greenhouses to encourage the development of exotic plants that could not be grown in the temperate British climate such as oranges, pineapples and bananas.

Only the most lavish buildings like Kensington Palace and Margam Country Park had orangeries as extensions because they were artificially heated and were very expensive to maintain.

As access to glass become easier in the nineteenth century, conservatories began to grow in popularity in the Victorian period to the detriment of orangeries which were deemed too expensive to run.

Victorian conservatories were available to both the upper classes and the middle classes as materials became more affordable and the extensions were usually heated by sunlight alone.

Nowadays both conservatories and orangeries are thought of as affordable extensions which add elegance and style to any property as well as acting as an extra room for relaxing or entertaining.

Conservatories are more prevalent than their more exotic counterparts as research has revealed that as many as one in four British houses has the extension but orangeries are growing in popularity as more homeowners become aware of their benefits.

The modern orangery is no longer designed to house peculiar plants but is now seen as a more permanent extension compared to conservatories which are perceived as more temporary structures.

Orangeries are not entirely made of glass so they are a more natural transition between the interior of a home to the exterior garden as it will blend easier with a property and the outdoors.

It is advisable to choose panelling that matches the style of your home to avoid it appearing like an unnatural addition and there are numerous contemporary orangery designs that can act like seamless extensions.

The majority of orangeries are installed with bifold doors which are perfect for the summer months as they generate generous lighting and spacing options that are ideal for barbeques.

Like bespoke conservatories, orangeries are designed to stay warm in the winter making them great extensions which create space and warmth all year round.

Contact your nearest conservatory company to check whether you will have the planning permission to build an orangery on your property.