A lot of homeowners have a conservatory. Far fewer have an orangery. If you’re honest, you might not be entirely sure what the difference between a conservatory and an orangery actually is.
This guide covers exactly that: the structural differences, how they compare on style, warmth, and value, and, the question most people actually want answered, which is cheaper, a conservatory or an orangery.
Orangery Vs Conservatory: Styles You Can Choose From
Both conservatories and orangeries come in a handful of shared architectural styles, so the choice between conservatory or orangery doesn’t have to mean giving up on a look you like:
- Edwardian: a simple, budget-friendly rectangular design, well suited to smaller spaces. Edwardian orangeries often add bold touches like fan lights, decorative finishes, and large doors.
- Georgian: also based on a square or rectangular footprint, but with a higher, more steeply sloped roof that lets in more natural light than the Edwardian style, plus the classic “six over six” window pane layout.
- Victorian: the most popular style for both conservatories and orangeries, largely because it suits both period and contemporary homes without looking out of place on either.
- Elizabethan: a simple, uncomplicated design that keeps costs down while still adding a traditional feel to a modern home.
You can read more in our guide to which conservatory style you should choose.
Orangery Vs Conservatory Cost
Price is where the orangery vs conservatory cost comparison gets interesting, since the two aren’t actually all that far apart at the smaller end.
How Much Do Orangeries Cost?
The price of an orangery varies depending on size, style, and the materials used in construction, but a bespoke orangery typically starts from around £5,000 at the lower end.
| Orangery Type | Materials Used | Approx Cost |
| Basic Orangery | uPVC and pine wood | £5,000 + |
| 3 x 3 metre | Variety of timber | £10,000+ |
| 4 x 3 metre | uPVC and timber | £17,500+ |
| 4 x 4 metre and above | uPVC and timber | £20,000-£50,000+ |
Although the starting price can be affordable for a smaller orangery, the price increases substantially as the size of the installation grows.
How Much Do Conservatories Cost?
Below are estimated prices for a conservatory at a range of sizes, for both polycarbonate and glass roofs:
| Size | Polycarbonate Approx Price | Glass Approx Price |
| 3500mm x 2000mm | £7,500-£8,500 | £8,000-£9,000 |
| 3500mm x 2000mm | £8,750-£9,750 | £9,250-£10,250 |
| 4000mm x 2000mm | £8,750-£9,750 | £8,750-£9,750 |
| 4000mm x 2500mm | £9,500-£10,500 | £10,250-£11,250 |
For a wider range of styles and sizes, our conservatory prices by size guide breaks costs down further.
How Much Space Do You Need For An Orangery?
This depends on how much space you have available in your garden. Many homeowners opt for a smaller orangery to preserve as much of the remaining garden as possible.
If space is a genuine concern, it’s worth talking to an installer about which styles work well within a smaller footprint. Most orangeries are bespoke designs, so comparing quotes is really the only reliable way to get an accurate sense of what’s achievable and what it will cost for your particular space.
Get A Quote For A Conservatory Or Orangery
If you’re weighing up a conservatory or orangery for your home and would appreciate some guidance along the way, our free quote comparison service can help.
Just share a few details about the project, and we’ll connect you with 3-4 vetted local installers, with no obligation to accept any quote.
To get started, compare conservatory and orangery quotes with us today, or take a look at our guide to buying a new conservatory if you’re still deciding between the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a conservatory and an orangery?
The main difference is how much glass is used. A conservatory is typically more than 75% glass across the roof and walls, giving it a light, outdoor-room feel, while an orangery uses noticeably less glass, built with more brick or rendered wall and a flatter, part-glazed roof, giving it a look and feel closer to a conventional room in the house.
Is an orangery more expensive than a conservatory?
Generally yes, once you’re comparing similar sizes, since an orangery’s extra brickwork, structural steel, and insulated roof add cost that a mostly-glazed conservatory doesn’t carry. At the smallest, most basic end, though, the price gap between the two can be fairly narrow.
Which adds more value: a conservatory or an orangery?
Both typically add around 5% to a home’s value, so there isn’t a big difference between them on that measure alone. An orangery’s more house-like appearance may appeal to a slightly wider range of buyers, but the return depends heavily on the quality of the build and how well it suits the property.
Is an orangery warmer than a conservatory?
Usually, yes. An orangery’s greater proportion of solid, insulated wall and roof means it holds heat better and avoids extreme temperature swings more easily than a typical conservatory, though a well-specified modern conservatory with good glazing and a solid roof can narrow that gap.
Which is better for year-round use, a conservatory or an orangery?
An orangery tends to be better suited to year-round use out of the box, thanks to its more solid construction. A conservatory can work just as well year-round, but it depends more on getting the glazing, roof material, and ventilation right.
Can you convert a conservatory into an orangery?
Yes. It typically involves replacing some glazed wall sections with brick or rendered pillars and adding an insulated roof with a central glazed lantern, rather than starting again from scratch. It’s still a structural project, so it’s worth getting quotes and checking building regulations before you commit.
