Orangery vs conservatory: What’s the difference and which adds more value?

• June 23, 2026
• |Conservatories

Orangeries and conservatories are both extensions, but they have several differences which will likely make one a far better choice for your property than the other.

Firstly touching on orangeries (we’ll explore both in far more detail below), they feel more substantial than conservatories. They feature more brickwork, typically with a square or rectangular footprint and a flat roof, with a lantern on top tasked with filling the space with natural light.

Conservatories on the other hand feature a lot more glass than orangeries do, and they can be curved or square in shape depending on the style you choose (popular options include Victorian and Edwardian). If the orangery vs conservatory cost is a key factor in your decision, orangeries typically come in at a higher price point, but the best way to be sure is to get a free, no-obligation quote.

Both are good choices, but the right one for you will depend entirely on your priorities. Looking for a cost-effective way to add extra living space? We’d recommend a conservatory (especially a lean-to). Thermal performance your top priority? You can’t go wrong with an orangery. We’ll compare the two in more depth below.

What is an orangery?

Orangeries date back to the 17th century, when wealthy European landowners built them to protect their treasured citrus trees from cold winters. These grand structures featured tall windows, thick brick walls and enough natural light to keep tropical plants thriving. They were very much a symbol of status.

Modern orangeries have retained that sense of elegance while becoming far more practical. A contemporary orangery sits somewhere between a conservatory and a full brick extension, typically featuring:

• Brick pillars and solid walls for a permanent, house-like feel
• A central roof lantern that draws light in from above
• A partially glazed roof rather than a fully glazed roof
• Large windows between the solid sections

Because of their solid construction, they feel just like any other room in the house. This points towards their elite thermal performance, meaning they need little heating in the winter to feel comfortable.

What is a conservatory?

Conservatories became popular in Victorian Britain, when glass as a material was becoming far more practical technically, but also when the glass tax was abolished, meaning glazed extensions were financially viable.

Just like orangeries, conservatories started out as places to grow exotic plants, before they evolved into the versatile living spaces we know today.

A conservatory is a predominantly glazed structure featuring glass walls, either a tiled, hybrid or fully glazed roof, and a wide choice of styles, from the ornate Victorian to the sleek lean-to. They’re bright, flexible spaces that work brilliantly as a dining area, home office or relaxed sitting room with garden views. You no longer need to worry about the issues with temperature swings and condensation that older polycarbonate conservatories experienced, thanks to modern materials such as uPVC.

Orangery vs conservatory: What’s the difference?

Here’s a side-by-side look at the key differences.

Construction

Conservatories: Built primarily from glass and a frame material such as uPVC or aluminium. They involve less building work and often don’t require planning permission thanks to permitted development rights.

Orangeries: More substantial in build, with brick walls or super-insulated columns, solid sections and a partially glazed roof. They involve more construction work, but in the vast majority of cases, do not require planning permission either.

Thermal performance

Conservatories: Modern conservatories perform well year round. Glass roofs are no longer prone to overheating, though tiled roofs remain the best choice if lower bills and a consistent temperature are the absolute priorities.

Orangeries: Their solid construction and insulated internal pelmet deliver bets-in-class thermal performance. Some Ultraframe components achieve U-values as low as 0.17 W/m²K on solid wall sections, well beyond standard building regulations. (A U-value measures how well a material prevents heat from escaping, the lower the number, the better.)

Aesthetics

Conservatories: Light and airy, with styles ranging from the ornate Victorian to the clean and contemporary. Maximum light is a key feature. Ours are installed fully bespoke, so you have control over the frame colour, style, size etc.

Orangeries: More architectural in appearance. The combination of brickwork, large windows and a central glass lantern gives them a refined, traditional extension feel. They’re also made bespoke.

Price

Conservatories: Generally the more affordable option, particularly for lean-to styles.

Orangeries: The orangery cost tends to be higher due to greater design complexity, more materials and additional labour costs, but they often add more perceived value to your home in the long run.

At a glance

Does an orangery add more value than a conservatory?

Both do increase the value of your home when installed well, but orangeries tend to add more, reflective of the price you will pay for one.

Choose a conservatory if…

• You’re working with a lower budget and want an affordable route to extra space
• You want maximum natural light through glass walls and a glass roof
• You’d like a wide choice of styles, Victorian, Edwardian, lean-to or gable end
• Your home has a lower roofline or limited space where a lean-to would suit perfectly
• You want a quicker installation with less building work involved

Choose an orangery if…

• You want a space that is more like an extension of your current living area
• Thermal performance is a priority, you want a room usable in every season
• You’re looking to add significant value to your home
• You prefer a more architectural/old school look with a central roof lantern and brick pillars
• You have a larger budget and want a build that makes a real statement

Orangery vs conservatory cost

Based on national Checkatrade data, here is a concise look at average supply-only kit costs (excluding groundworks and installation):

Conservatory Typical Supply Costs (3.5m x 3.5m, uPVC)

• Lean-to: £10,250 average (ranges £9,000 – £11,500)
• Edwardian: £11,250 average (ranges £10,500 – £12,000)
• Victorian: £12,750 average (ranges £12,000 – £13,500)

Orangery Typical Supply Costs

• Small (4m x 4m): £5,000 – £11,500
• Medium (6m x 6m): £12,000 – £30,000
• Large (7m x 7m): £18,000 – £100,000

Please Note: These figures are standard industry benchmarks and should not be taken as a definitive price. Actual costs vary significantly based on your region, material choice, site conditions, and specific design specs. For an accurate price tailored to your project, it is always best to get a personalised quote.

Conservatories and orangeries from Yorkshire Conservatories

We supply and install a wide range of conservatories and orangeries built to suit all kinds of Yorkshire homes. Here’s a look at what’s available.

Conservatory styles

• Victorian: A classic multi-faceted design with an ornate pitched roof and panoramic garden views. The most popular in the UK.
• Edwardian: A flat-fronted, square footprint that makes excellent use of floor space, ideal for an additional living room.
• Lean-to: Clean, simple and cost-effective, this contemporary style suits bungalows and homes with lower rooflines perfectly.
• Gable end: Features a dramatic high vertical front wall for impressive internal height and maximum natural light.

Conservatory roofs

Choosing the right roof is just as important as choosing the right style. We offer:

• Supalite tiled roof: A lightweight, highly insulated solid roof achieving an exceptional U-value of 0.18 W/m²K. Reduces rain noise and transforms your conservatory into a room that feels like a solid part of your home
• Ultraframe Livinroof: A hybrid roof combining insulated solid panels with glazed sections, achieving 0.16 W/m²K on solid elements. The best of both worlds: natural light where you want it and a cosy, solid ceiling feel
• Glass roof: For the classic conservatory look. The U-Values are good, so you can comfortably enjoy them whatever the weather, although they aren’t quite as thermally efficient as the two options above. Though they are elite for natural light intake, stargazing and feeling at one with the world around you.

Orangeries

Our orangeries are bespoke, so they can be built around your existing space perfectly. Roof lanterns are recommended to attract light from all angles, and you can choose from a range of beautiful frame finishes. The brickwork can match your existing home too.

Who are Yorkshire Conservatories?

We’re a local team based in Barnsley, and we’ve been helping homeowners across Yorkshire improve their homes for over 30 years. We offer a friendly, no-pressure approach, flexible finance options and long-term guarantees, 10 years on products and two years on installation.

We’re proud to manufacture our own uPVC windows and doors in-house, which gives us full control over quality. Unlike other companies, there will be no middleman, reducing costs and lead times. Every product is independently tested for durability and performance before leaving our site.

And as a Bronze Business Sponsor of Leeds United, we’re proud to be at the heart of our community.

You’re more than welcome to visit us at our Barnsley showroom: 85b Towngate, Mapplewell, Barnsley, S75 6AS Open Monday-Friday 10:00-17:00 and Saturday 10:00-16:00

If you are unsure on anything, would like some advice, or would like to get a free quote, call us on 01226 210063 or email sales@yorkshireconservatories.co.uk. Quotes can also be obtained here.

Thanks for reading.