What’s an Orangery? A Complete Guide to This Elegant Home Extension

If you’ve ever searched for means of extending your home by light, space, and character, the term orangery has very likely surfaced. But what is an orangery anyway, and how does it compare to a conservatory or extension? We’ve got the whole shebang covered for you within this guide from history and design characteristics through to contemporary applications and advantages.

What Exactly Is an Orangery?

An orangery is a home extension that offers the lightness of a conservatory and the solidity of a brick-built extension. Historically, orangeries used to be beautiful buildings that originated in the 17th and early 18th centuries for the cultivation of citrus trees (thus the term). Now, orangeries are fashionable living areas that admit natural light yet also feel secluded and warm.

While conservatories are constructed almost exclusively from glass, an orangery has the following characteristics:

Stone or brick pilasters for a stronger appearance.
Large windows or full-height glass panels.
Flat roof and central lantern for maximum lighting of the room.

Orangery vs Conservatory: What’s the Difference?

Most home-owners confuse orangeries and conservatories. The main differences are:

Walls & Structure – Conservatories are nearly all glass, and orangeries are built with more bricks.
Roof – The Orangeries will generally have a lantern and flat roof, whereas conservatories are pitched or polycarbonate/glass roofing.
Style – The orangery will almost feel like a natural extension of the house and will complement the style perfectly.

If a light, modern space that’s part of the home is preferred, an orangery may be more practical.

Modern Uses for Orangeries

Homeowners today are utilising orangeries for much more than planting. Some of the popular uses for orangeries are:

Kitchen extensions – Top choice for a kitchen and dining open-plan space.
Dining Rooms – A light-filled room for family dining and entertaining.
Home offices – Do it in an inspiring well-lit room.
Garden Rooms – Balance home and garden perfectly.

Why Choose an Orangery?

There are a variety of reasons why orangeries have gained popularity:

Natural lighting – The roof lantern offers natural lighting from the top.
Energy efficiency – Current glazing and insulation keep the space comfortable all year.
Added value – An orangerie can provide resale value for a home.
Elegance & style – They possess a classic appearance that would complement new and old houses.

Orangery Designs Ideas

If considering having an orangery for your home, here are some ideas for inspiration:

High-end orangery with bi-fold doors for a seamless garden transition.
Conventional orangery with sash-type windows for classic constructions.
Slim orangery design with glass frames for a modern look.

Is an Orangery Right for You?

If you ask yourself “What’s an orangery, and is it for me and my home?”, it’s a matter of what you desire from your new room. If you enjoy the feeling of a built-in extension and lots of natural light but increased privacy that a conservatory offers, an orangery could be the perfect solution.

For more information on our orangery range, call us today on 01744 611203 or book a free consultation on our contact form.