Replacing a conservatory with an orangery: 5 key considerations
Thinking of replacing your conservatory? Discover the key differences, costs and benefits of upgrading to a stylish, energy-efficient orangery.
For many homeowners, a conservatory starts life as a dream space. An airy space filled with light. A bridge between the house and the garden.
But whether it's due to poor materials or inadequate installation, things don't always go to plan. Maybe the conservatory is too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Or perhaps it ends up being used for storage more often than for relaxation.
Don't give up just yet. If you've fallen out of love with your conservatory, you've got options.
You could upgrade your conservatory with a heat-conserving tiled roof. You could switch it for a modern, energy-efficient model. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you could replace it with a sturdy, elegant orangery.
An orangery offers the same light and garden connection people love in their homes, but with the comfort and reliability of a brick-built extension.
Thinking about making the switch? Here are five things to think about before you get started.
1. Understanding the difference: conservatory vs orangery
Before diving into the planning stages, let's clarify what separates an orangery from a conservatory and find out if it's the right choice for you.
A conservatory is typically dominated by glass. We all know how they look – think glazed walls, glazed roof and minimal solid structure. This is what gives them that bright, airy feel. However, it can also be the reason some older conservatories struggle with temperature control.
By contrast, an orangery is more solid by design. It usually features brick or rendered walls, large windows or doors, and a partially solid roof with a central glazed roof lantern or skylight. That balance makes a huge difference to how the space performs.
To sum up:
- A conservatory prioritises light
- An orangery balances light and livability
Looking to implement a space that genuinely feels like a natural part of the home rather than an add-on? An orangery is often the more practical long-term choice.
2. Comfort and year-round use
One of the biggest motivations for replacing a conservatory is a simple one: comfort.
Old or low-quality conservatories can feel like a greenhouse in summer and a fridge in the winter. Even with blinds, heaters or fans, they sometimes end up being pleasant to use only for a few months of the year.
Orangeries are designed to solve this problem. With solid walls, insulated roofing sections and modern glazing, they retain heat effectively in winter while staying cooler in the warmer months.
That improved thermal performance means your orangery can be used and enjoyed all year round. Many homeowners use them as dining spaces, family rooms, home offices, or simply somewhere to relax without needing to adjust the thermostat first.
3. Planning permission and building regulations
One of the more practical considerations is paperwork.
In many cases, replacing a conservatory with an orangery can fall under permitted development, meaning planning permission isn't required. However, this can all depend on factors like size, height and proximity to boundaries.
Building regulations are more likely to apply to orangeries than conservatories, particularly because orangeries are classed as more permanent structures. This is no bad thing – it simply ensures the space meets standards for insulation, structural integrity and safety.
A good installer will follow building regulations to the letter. With planning permission, however, it's your responsibility to check whether it's required and make the proper enquiries. A little homework goes a long way.
4. Cost and long-term value
There's no getting around this part: upfront, an orangery does tend to cost a little more than a conservatory.
However, it's well worth looking at the bigger picture when considering your options for upgrading.
While the initial investment will likely be higher, orangeries can offer better long-term value. They're often more durable, more energy efficient and more likely to be used daily rather than seasonally. They can also enhance the overall appearance and layout of your home, both inside and out.
From a property perspective, an orangery can feel more like a "true" extension. Potential buyers may perceive it as a genuine expanded living space rather than an extra room they might be unsure what to do with.
Does your conservatory currently sit unused for half the year? Upgrading the space to an orangery can turn that wasted square footage into one of the most valuable rooms in your home.
5. Design, light and how the space will feel
One of the most common concerns when moving away from a conservatory is losing all that lovely light. But a well-designed orangery won't feel dark or closed in – quite the opposite, in fact.
Roof lanterns and glazed sections are designed to draw light deep into the space, while large windows and doors keep the garden feeling close by. The added structure also allows for features like atmospheric lighting, ceiling speakers and integrated heating – details that make the space feel intentional, warm and complete.
Design-wise, orangeries are very versatile. They can complement traditional homes with classic detailing or give them a contemporary lift, as well as suit modern properties with clean lines and minimal finishes. The key is designing the space to feel like a natural extension of your existing home, rather than a bolt-on.
So, is an orangery right for you?
Replacing a conservatory with an orangery is more than just a cosmetic upgrade – it's a real lifestyle glow-up.
Are you looking for a space that's comfortable all year round, visually cohesive with your home and genuinely enjoyable to use day to day? An orangery might be the better choice. It offers light without the glare, structure without heaviness and flexibility that adapts as your needs change.
As a trusted orangery supplier, we work closely with you to assess whether an orangery is the right solution. And with years of experience in supplying and constructing extensions, we design spaces that feel considered, comfortable and built to last.
So, if you're in Yorkshire and have a conservatory that no longer works the way you'd hoped, get in touch to discuss your options. Replacing it with an orangery could be the change that finally unlocks the full potential of your space.
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