Conservatory vs Orangery: Which Is Right for You?

The conservatory vs orangery question comes down to how solid you want the room to feel, how much you want to spend and how you plan to use the space. Both add light-filled living space to your home, but they are built differently and suit different needs. This guide breaks down the real differences so you can decide which fits your home and budget.

The simple difference

A conservatory is mostly glass. It has a glazed roof and large glazed walls, often on a low brick base, so it feels bright and airy and connects closely with the garden.

An orangery is more solid. It has proper brick or stone pillars, a flat perimeter roof with a glazed lantern in the centre, and larger areas of wall. The result feels much more like a permanent extension of the house than a glass room bolted on the back.

Neither is better in the abstract. The right choice depends on the look you want and how you will use the room.

Roof and structure

This is where the two really part ways.

• Conservatory: a fully glazed roof, either pitched or lean-to, giving maximum light and a lighter, more open feel.
• Orangery: a solid flat roof around the edges with a central glazed lantern, so light pours in from above while the structure stays well insulated.

Because an orangery has more solid roof and wall, it holds temperature better and feels more enclosed, which many people prefer for a room they use daily. A conservatory feels closer to being outdoors. If you love the lantern effect, our roof lanterns and rooflights are the piece that gives an orangery its bright centre.

Brickwork and how it looks

An orangery uses substantial brick or stone pillars that usually match the house, so it reads as part of the building. A conservatory has slimmer frames and more glass, so it looks lighter and more distinct from the main house. On a period property an orangery can blend in more sympathetically, while a conservatory can be the brighter, more garden-facing choice. Both can be designed to suit your home; our conservatories and orangeries page shows the styles we build around York.

Year-round comfort

Older glass conservatories had a reputation for baking in summer and freezing in winter. Modern glazing has closed a lot of that gap, but the general rule still holds: an orangery, with its solid roof and thicker walls, holds a comfortable temperature more easily and is the more reliable year-round room. A well-specified conservatory with energy-efficient and solar control glass can be comfortable across the seasons too, so glazing choice matters as much as the label.

Cost

An orangery costs more than a conservatory of the same size, because there is more brickwork, a more complex roof and more structural work involved. As a rough 2026 guide, a conservatory often starts in the low thousands and rises with size and spec, while an orangery typically starts higher and climbs from there. These are broad ranges, not quotes, so ask for a price based on your plans and your home.

Which should you choose?

• Choose a conservatory if you want maximum light, a closer link to the garden, a lighter look and a lower budget.
• Choose an orangery if you want a room that feels like a true extension, better year-round comfort, more solid looks and are happy to spend more.

Think about how the room will be used day to day. A bright garden room for spring to autumn leans conservatory; an everyday dining or family room leans orangery.

A word on rules

Some conservatories and orangeries fall under permitted development and are exempt from certain Building Regulations, but this depends on size, use and your property, and the rules change over time. Always check the current requirements with your local authority before you build, especially in a conservation area.

FAQs

What is the main difference between a conservatory and an orangery?

A conservatory is mostly glass with a fully glazed roof, so it feels bright and airy. An orangery has solid brick pillars and a flat roof with a central glazed lantern, so it feels more like a permanent extension and holds heat better.

Is an orangery warmer than a conservatory?

Generally, yes. An orangery has more solid roof and wall, so it holds a steady temperature more easily and is more comfortable year-round. A modern conservatory with good glazing can still be comfortable, but it takes more careful specification.

Is an orangery more expensive than a conservatory?

Usually, yes. An orangery involves more brickwork, a more complex roof and more structural work, so it costs more than a conservatory of the same size. The extra buys a more solid, room-like space.

Do I need planning permission for either?

Often not, as many fall under permitted development, but it depends on size, your property and whether you are in a conservation area. The rules change, so check the current position with your local authority before starting.

Not sure which suits your home? Download our latest brochure to compare styles, or request a free quote and we will help you weigh it up.