What is the difference between a Winter Garden, Conservatory and an Orangery?

Whilst the current trend in home renovations is to add a bespoke Winter Garden, most people are confused as to what is the difference between a Winter Garden conservatory, traditional orangery and hardwood conservatory.

Often people like to wrongly label their conservatory an orangery to make it sound grander like in "Coronation" Street! But there are distinct differences, a modern Winter Garden creates a bio-climatic environment - a natural space cooled in summer by air flow, shaded by stunning in-built canopies, and warmed in winter by the sun’s rays. These stunning glass and aluminium designs certainly add the wow factor and suit all styles of home, whether it’s a modern or period property.

A Winter Garden Conservatory wrapping around the corner of this modern home, with bifolding doors that opens all the living spaces to the garden

Different Features

The difference between orangeries, winter gardens and hardwood conservatories can be identified by their features.

Orangery Features

Whereas a true orangery has intermittent columns or pilasters punctuating the window

sashes, period orangeries tend to be more complex than a conservatory as they have an inset lantern style roof and a flat roof section all around. They also have a deep fascia with mouldings called an entablature which needs steel support for the inset lantern or laminated beams. The name derives from the ornate stone, iron, and glass structures built at stately homes in the 18th and 19th centuries to winter exotic fruits. Orangeries can be found at places like Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, Kew Gardens in Richmond and Sion Park in Brentford.

An elegantly proportioned period orangery with raised lantern is the perfect addition to the courtyard of this town house

Hardwood Conservatory Features

In comparison, a conservatory is traditionally made in hardwood and is a more streamlined version of an orangery, with less columns. They’re easier to manufacture and are therefore more commercial. Conservatories became very popular over the past century due to more home ownership and extensions being carried out.

Winter Garden Features

A Winter Garden is a modern alternative to traditional glazed extensions. These structures are typically made from slimline aluminium frames and feature a fully glazed roof with large sliding or bi-folding doors. Designed as a bio-climatic environment, they create a comfortable space all year round by using solar gain in winter and integrated shading in summer. Winter Gardens often include clean architectural lines, built-in spotlights, and automatic roof vents for ventilation. They’re popular with contemporary homes for their minimalist design, open feel, and strong connection between inside and out.

Comparing the Costs

While all three structures can add long-term value to your home, their costs can differ quite a bit depending on materials, glazing, and complexity of design.

Winter Garden Costs

Aluminium Winter Gardens pricing typically ranges from £2,500/m² to £3,500/m², depending on whether you choose a simple roof and frame or a fully glazed structure with sliding or bi-folding doors.

Hardwood Conservatories Costs

Traditional hardwood conservatories are often similarly priced to Winter Gardens but tend to use timber rather than aluminium, and include more classic detailing. These usually fall within the same range of £2,500/m² to £3,500/m², excluding internal finishes and foundations.

Traditional Orangeries Costs

On the other hand, hardwood orangergenerally have the highest costs of the three. With their ornate columns, structural roof lanterns and detailed joinery, they typically cost between £3,000/m² and £3,750/m². This reflects the additional materials and labour involved in achieving their distinctive architectural features.

A conservatory doesn't have to be attached to the house, this simple yet charming conservatory make a delightful garden room

All of our wintergardens, orangeries and conservatories can be used all year round whatever the temperature. Our unique designs offer additional features including, electric windows and roof vents, built-in LED lighting and electric awnings. You can also choose to have supersize slim frame sliding doors which don’t get in the way of your view, or bi-fold doors that open up the space completely. The glass designs can also act as a link-way to different parts of your home, providing a light and airy room which can be used for any purpose, as a kitchen extension which we all know is now the hub of the home, a separate office space, or an entertainment room for the whole family.

If you need help to decide on which is the best solution for you and to meet your budget contact us and speak to one of our experts who would love to help you out.