Popular Accessories for a Traditional Orangery

The accessories worth planning before your orangery is built are lighting, heating, ventilation, blinds and smart controls, followed by joinery details and built-in storage. Wiring, pipework and fixings for all of these go in during the build, so deciding early saves cost and disruption later. Below are the orangery and conservatory accessories we most often fit to a bespoke orangery, and what each one does.

1. Lighting

Most traditional orangeries feature a roof lantern. To make the most of it after dark, we install integrated lighting. You can opt for downlights set into the pelmet or pendant lighting that hangs from the centre. It’s a great way to highlight the height and shape of the roof.

Wall lights, ceiling lights, floor sockets and feature switches should be planned at the same time, because they are installed during the build. Traditional brass or black metal finishes work well with painted hardwood. As always, it’s best to avoid last-minute changes.

If your orangery will have multiple uses, for example a kitchen and sitting area, we suggest splitting the lighting into zones. This lets you control each area separately, and dimmable fittings on smart controls mean you always have the right atmosphere.

2. Heating

Underfloor heating keeps your orangery warm without the need for visible radiators. It’s especially useful under stone or tiled flooring. We recommend this in most projects, as it keeps the room usable all year round and helps maintain a clean look.

If underfloor heating isn’t your preference, you can still choose from a wide range of radiator styles, from column cast-iron radiators to slimline vertical units. We often paint or match them to the joinery. Radiators suit orangeries where the floor is not being replaced. A stove is possible too, and the rules for a log burner in a conservatory apply equally to an orangery.

Compared to a traditional brick extension, orangeries can feel cooler without proper heating, so this addition makes a real difference.

3. Ventilation Systems

Many clients forget about ventilation, but it’s essential for comfort. We offer roof vents, automatic openers, and trickle vents built into window frames. These allow for good airflow without compromising the look of the structure.

Ventilation works hand in hand with the type of glass you choose. In a traditional orangery, we typically use solar control glazing to manage temperature without losing light.

4. Bespoke Blinds or Curtains

Shading helps with both privacy and temperature control, from lantern blinds to blinds on side windows and even bi-fold doors. Lantern blinds are the ones most people wish they had planned for: they cut glare and summer heat gain directly under the roof glazing, and motorised versions are the practical choice at that height. Our guide to orangery window blinds covers the options.

We also advise on fabric and colour, especially if you’re aiming for a soft, period-style finish.

5. Smart Home Integration

More homeowners are asking for smart controls. These include remote heating, lighting, shading, and even music. We work with electricians to build these features into the walls and ceiling, so there’s no visible wiring.

This approach adds function without disrupting the classic look of a timber-framed orangery.

6. Internal Joinery, Window Furniture and Decorative Features

Handles, hinges, and latches are all part of the finished feel. We offer a selection of window and door furniture in styles that suit traditional homes. These include aged brass, pewter, and hand-forged iron.

We also design internal joinery details like architraves and cornices to suit your architectural style. For listed or period properties, we can add internal pilasters, timber panelling, ceiling roses and bespoke cornicing, and externally incorporate crestings, finials and traditional roof detailing.

7. Built-in Storage and Seating

In some of our more compact orangeries, we include custom bench seating, corner units, or shelving to make the most of the space. These features are designed during the initial layout stage, so they feel like part of the build, not an afterthought.

They’re particularly useful in side-return orangeries and small garden rooms, where a window seat or a run of low cupboards under the glazing keeps the floor clear and gives the room a finished, furnished look.

A Quick Note on Planning and Cost

Accessories like these can usually be included without affecting planning permission, though we still advise checking early in the process. Fit-out extras such as heating, lighting, blinds and joinery add to the overall cost, depending on how many you choose and the specification. Our guide to orangery costs explains what drives the overall budget.

Compared to a conservatory or winter garden, an orangery also supports heavier fittings thanks to its solid roof and walls.

Whatever your style, talk to our design team about the accessories that would suit your orangery.