Orangery vs Conservatory: What sets them apart?
A sunroom is the perfect way to bring the sunshine indoors, but with so many options to choose from, where do you start? Well, it all depends on what you’re looking for. Orangeries and conservatories are two popular sunroom styles, but they have different designs, histories, and strengths. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between orangeries and conservatories to help you decide which one is right for your home.
What is an orangery?
An orangery is a sunroom that dates back to the 17th century in Europe. It was designed as a place to grow citrus trees and other exotic plants during the winter months. Orangeries typically have brick or stone walls, a flat roof, and large windows. They’re more solid in construction than a conservatory and often have a lantern roof.
Examples of orangeries
Here are a few examples of orangeries:
– The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, has an incredible orangery that was built in 1761. It is one of the few surviving orangeries from the Georgian era.
– The Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire, England, has a stunning orangery that was built in 1851. It’s over 180 feet long and has a multicolored glass roof.
– The Powis Castle in Powys, Wales, has a unique orangery with a curved roof and a slate floor.
Uses of orangeries
Orangeries are perfect for those who want to combine the warmth and security of a traditional extension with the light and views of a sunroom. They’re ideal for use as a dining area, home office, or additional living space.
What is a conservatory?
A conservatory is a sunroom that originated in England in the 19th century. It was originally used for growing plants like orange trees, but it became a popular space for relaxation and socializing. Conservatories typically have glass walls and roof, making them very light and airy.
Examples of conservatories
Here are a few examples of conservatories:
– The Crystal Palace in London was originally built in 1851 for the Great Exhibition. It was moved to a new location and rebuilt in 1854, but the conservatory remained largely unchanged. It’s the world’s largest glasshouse and a Grade II listed building.
– The Winter Garden at the Landmark Hotel in London is a beautiful conservatory that is used as a restaurant. It has a glass roof, marble floors, and is filled with plants.
– The Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, Canada, has a conservatory that was built in 1914. It’s an octagonal-shaped room with a glass roof and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Uses of conservatories
Conservatories are perfect for those who want to bring the outdoors in and enjoy the sunlight without having to leave their home. They’re often used as a family room, sunroom, or a place to relax and read.
Orangery vs Conservatory: Differences
Here’s a table showing the main differences between orangeries and conservatories:
| Difference Area | Orangery | Conservatory |
|---|---|---|
| History | Dates back to the 17th century | Originated in England in the 19th century |
| Construction | More solid construction with brick or stone walls | Mostly constructed with glass walls |
| Roof | Flat roof with a lantern roof | Sloping roof with a glass roof |
| Purpose | Originally used to grow citrus trees and other exotic plants | Used for relaxation and socializing as well as growing plants |
| Lighting | Less natural light due to solid walls and flat roof | More natural light due to glass walls and roof |
| Cost | More expensive due to solid walls and lantern roof | Less expensive due to glass walls and roof |
| Heat | Warmer in winter due to better insulation | Colder in winter due to less insulation |
| Maintenance | Easier to maintain due to more solid walls and roof | Requires more maintenance due to glass walls and roof |
| Noise | Quieter due to solid walls and roof | Louder due to glass walls and roof |
| Use | Ideal for use as a dining room, home office, or additional living space | Ideal for use as a sunroom, family room, or place to relax and read |
Conclusion: Which one is right for you?
Both orangeries and conservatories have their strengths and weaknesses, and which one you choose ultimately depends on your individual preferences and needs. Orangeries are ideal for those who want a more solid construction, better insulation, and a lantern roof. They’re perfect for use as a dining room, home office, or additional living space. Conservatories, on the other hand, are perfect for those who want a lighter and airier space, more natural light, and a view of the outdoors. They’re ideal for use as a sunroom, family room, or place to relax and read.
Knowledge Check: Test your knowledge
1. Which sunroom style dates back to the 17th century?
2. Which sunroom style is mostly constructed with glass walls?
3. Which sunroom style has a flat roof with a lantern roof?
4. Which sunroom style has a sloping roof with a glass roof?
5. Which sunroom style is warmer in winter due to better insulation?
6. Which sunroom style requires more maintenance due to glass walls and roof?
7. Which sunroom style is ideal for use as a dining room, home office, or additional living space?
8. Which sunroom style is ideal for use as a sunroom, family room, or place to relax and read?
9. Which sunroom style is more expensive due to solid walls and lantern roof?
10. Which sunroom style is quieter due to solid walls and roof?
Answers:
1. Orangery
2. Conservatory
3. Orangery
4. Conservatory
5. Orangery
6. Conservatory
7. Orangery
8. Conservatory
9. Orangery
10. Orangery
Related Topics
– Choosing the right sunroom for your home
– Different types of roofing materials for sunrooms
– How to decorate your sunroom
– Pros and cons of different sunroom styles
– Adding value to your home with a sunroom
