Orangery vs Conservatory in 2025: Which Is Right for You?

Looking to extend your home with a light-filled space? Orangeries and conservatories both offer charm and functionality, but they’re not the same. In 2025, choosing between them means weighing design, cost, practicality, and even planning rules. A conservatory might cost £5,000-£30,000 with its glass-heavy build, while an orangery, blending solid structure with elegance, often starts at £15,000 and climbs higher. This guide breaks down the differences—style, price, usage, and more—so you can pick the perfect addition for your home.

What’s the Difference?

At their core, conservatories and orangeries serve similar purposes—extra living space with natural light—but their construction sets them apart. Conservatories are mostly glass (at least 50% roof, 75% walls), lightweight, and often cheaper. Orangeries feel more like a traditional extension, with solid walls, a partial solid roof (often with a lantern), and less glass (typically under 50% roof). Think of a conservatory as a garden room, and an orangery as a hybrid between a house and a greenhouse.

Design and Aesthetics

Conservatories shine with transparency—Victorian, Edwardian, or lean-to styles flood your home with light, ideal for plant lovers or airy vibes. Materials like uPVC or aluminum keep them modern and low-maintenance. Orangeries, with brick pillars, timber or aluminum frames, and a flat roof with a glazed lantern, exude sophistication. They suit period homes or those wanting a seamless blend with existing architecture, though they sacrifice some of that all-glass openness.

Cost Comparison

Price is a big decider. A 15m² conservatory might range from £9,000 (lean-to, polycarbonate roof) to £20,000 (Victorian, tiled roof), while a similar-sized orangery starts at £15,000 and can hit £35,000+ with premium finishes. Orangeries cost more due to solid construction, groundwork, and complex roofing—think £1,000-£2,000/m² vs. £600-£1,200/m² for conservatories. Installation for both varies by region, but orangeries often need more labor.

Feature	Conservatory	Orangery
Average Cost (15m²)	£9,000-£20,000	£15,000-£35,000
Roof Type	Mostly glass/polycarbonate	Solid with lantern
Wall Materials	75%+ glass	Brick/solid + windows
Construction Complexity	Simpler, lighter	More structural work

Practicality and Year-Round Use

Conservatories can be too hot in summer or cold in winter unless upgraded with insulated glass or tiled roofs (adding £4,000-£8,000). Orangeries, with solid walls and better insulation (U-value as low as 0.18 W/m²K vs. 1.6-2.5 W/m²K for conservatory glass), are naturally more comfortable year-round. They’re ideal for dining rooms or offices, while conservatories suit casual lounges or plant rooms—unless you invest in climate control.

Planning Permissions and Regulations

In 2025, conservatories often fall under permitted development (PD) rights—up to 3m (semi-detached) or 4m (detached) rear extensions, under 4m high, and less than 50% garden coverage. Orangeries, with more solid structure, sometimes blur the line between extensions and PD, often requiring full planning permission (£258 fee) or building regulation approval (£400-£800). In conservation areas or listed buildings, both face stricter rules, but orangeries may need extra scrutiny due to their footprint.

Installation Time and Disruption

Conservatories install faster—2-6 weeks—thanks to prefab frames and simpler foundations. Orangeries take 6-12 weeks, with brickwork, deeper foundations, and custom roofing slowing things down. Expect more disruption with an orangery—dust, noise, and site prep—though the result feels more permanent.

Resale Value and Appeal

Both boost property value, but orangeries often win. A £20,000 conservatory might add £15,000-£20,000 to your home, while a £30,000 orangery could lift it by £25,000-£40,000, thanks to its integrated, premium feel. Buyers in 2025 value usable, insulated space—orangery territory—though a well-designed conservatory still appeals to garden lovers.

Final Thoughts on Orangery vs Conservatory

In 2025, conservatories offer affordability and light at £5,000-£30,000, perfect for casual, budget-friendly extensions. Orangeries, starting at £15,000 and up, deliver elegance, insulation, and permanence—ideal for upscale, year-round living. Your choice hinges on budget, style, and how you’ll use the space. Need a quick, bright room? Go conservatory. Want a luxurious, lasting addition? Pick an orangery. Compare quotes and visualize both to decide—start exploring today.