What's the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?

Orangeries feature brick pillars and flat roofs with glazed lanterns in the centre, creating more substantial, room-like spaces with better insulation. Conservatories feature mostly glazed walls and roofs, maximising light but providing less insulation and feeling more like glazed additions. Orangeries cost more but add greater property value and feel more like traditional extensions.

Do orangeries require planning permission?

It depends on size, location, and whether permitted development rights apply. Many orangeries fall under permitted development and don’t require planning permission, but restrictions apply to listed buildings, conservation areas, and properties where permitted development rights have been removed. We assess your situation and advise on planning requirements.

Will orangeries be too hot in summer or too cold in winter?

Properly designed orangeries with appropriate glazing, ventilation, and heating maintain comfortable temperatures year-round. Solar control glass prevents overheating. Insulated roofs and brick construction provide better temperature stability than conservatories. Underfloor heating creates even warmth in winter without temperature extremes.

Can orangeries be used as kitchens or primary living spaces?

Yes, orangeries are ideal for kitchens, dining rooms, family rooms, and home offices. Superior insulation compared to conservatories makes them suitable for year-round primary living spaces.

Can orangeries be added to period properties?

Yes, orangeries work particularly well on period properties. Traditional brickwork and architectural detailing can match existing building styles, making orangeries appropriate for Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian properties. In conservation areas and on listed buildings, orangeries often gain approval more readily than modern conservatories due to traditional construction methods.

Orangeries - True Window & Glass Centre

Orangeries: The Perfect Blend of Extension and Conservatory

Orangeries combine the substantial structure of a traditional extension with the light and views of a conservatory, featuring brick pillars, flat roofs with glazed lanterns, and large windows. At True Window & Glass Centre, we design, supply, and install high-quality orangeries for projects where clients want additional living space that feels more like a permanent room than a conservatory.

From period properties and substantial family homes to prestige residential developments and commercial hospitality venues, our orangeries deliver architectural presence with year-round comfort. Designed and installed by our experienced team across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and the Midlands.

Colour Options

Brick pillars typically match existing property brickwork for architectural consistency. Window and roof lantern frames are available in a variety of woodgrain effects and contemporary colours, including Anthracite Grey and Black for modern orangeries. Internal finishes coordinate with interior décor whilst external colours complement building aesthetics.

Find Out More

Glazing Options

Roof lanterns typically feature clean glass for maximum light. Side windows can include glazing bars where traditional appearances are required for period properties or conservation area approval. Solar control glazing is available for south-facing orangeries to prevent overheating, and toughened safety glass is standard for roof lanterns to meet building regulations.

Find Out More

Why Add an Orangery?

Orangeries sit between conservatories and traditional extensions. They are more substantial than conservatories, but more light-filled than brick extensions. This unique position makes them ideal for projects where traditional extensions feel too solid and conservatories feel too lightweight.

Key Advantages:

More Room-Like Than Conservatories
Brick pillars and solid roof perimeters create a substantial, permanent feel that conservatories cannot match. Orangeries feel like proper rooms rather than glazed additions.
Superior Thermal Performance
Partial solid construction provides better insulation than fully-glazed conservatories. Brick pillars and insulated roof perimeters reduce heat loss, making orangeries comfortable year-round without the temperature extremes that can affect conservatories.
Architectural Presence
Orangeries add substantial visual presence and property value. The combination of brickwork, glazed lanterns, and large windows creates architectural features that enhance property aesthetics far more than standard conservatories. For period properties, substantial homes, and prestige developments, orangeries provide the architectural weight that justifies investment.
Excellent Natural Light
Large windows and glazed roof lanterns flood interiors with natural light significantly more than traditional brick extensions with limited windows. Orangeries deliver light levels approaching conservatories whilst maintaining the structure and thermal performance of proper extensions.
Adds Significant Property Value
Orangeries typically add more property value than conservatories due to their substantial construction and room-like quality. For property developers, homeowners investing in long-term improvements, and prestige residential projects, orangeries justify higher initial costs through enhanced property value.

40+ Years of Expertise

Since 1983, we’ve been serving Lincolnshire and the surrounding counties with honest, reliable glazing services. Our longevity speaks to our commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.

With over 2,000 happy clients across the region, we’re proud to be Lincolnshire’s first choice for windows, doors, and conservatories.