If you’re thinking about adding more space to your home and want something that’s bright, stylish, and genuinely useful all year round, an orangery is a fantastic option. Whether it’s a peaceful place to relax, a home office with a view, or a spot for family dinners, the right orangery can make a real difference.
So, What Exactly Is an Orangery?
It’s somewhere between a conservatory and a full extension. You get the natural light from large windows or a glass roof, but it feels more solid and permanent—thanks to brickwork or plastered walls. Done right, it blends in with your home and feels like it’s always been there.
We’ve seen customers turn them into all sorts—reading nooks, dining rooms, even home gyms. However you use it, it’s a smart way to open up your living space.
Step 1: What Do You Want It to Be?
Before jumping into designs, think about what you’ll actually use it for:
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Working from home? You’ll want good lighting, space for a desk, and maybe a bit of soundproofing.
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Hosting guests? You might need space for a table, plus easy access to the kitchen or garden.
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Just a place to unwind? Sofas, calming colours, and a nice view of your garden can turn it into your favourite room in the house.
Once you know the purpose, it’s easier to figure out the layout, size, and everything else.
Step 2: Pick the Right Size and Shape
Not too big, not too small—just right for your home and how you plan to use it.
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Don’t go too big: You still want the rest of your garden to feel open.
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Think about flow: The orangery should feel like a natural part of your home, not like it’s been plonked on.
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Choose a shape that suits your space: Square, rectangular, or something a bit more bespoke—we’ll help you find what works best.
Step 3: Make the Most of Natural Light
One of the best things about an orangery is how much light it lets in—so let’s use it to your advantage:
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Large windows or doors: The more glass, the more light. Simple.
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Skylights or a lantern roof: These are brilliant for letting in daylight, especially when the sun’s not quite shining.
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Ventilation matters too: Opening windows, roof vents, or even bi-fold doors will help keep things cool in summer.
Step 4: Choose Materials That Match Your Home
Your orangery should feel like a proper extension of your house, not an add-on that looks out of place.
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Walls: Most people match the brickwork to their home, but we can chat through options if you want something more modern.
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Windows & doors: We only use high-quality glazing that keeps heat in during the winter and doesn’t let you roast in summer.
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Roofing: Fancy a traditional lantern roof? Or maybe something flatter and more modern with skylights? We’ve got options.
Step 5: Keep It Comfy All Year Round
You don’t want a room that’s too cold in winter or too hot in summer. We build orangeries to be used every single day—not just in spring.
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Proper insulation: Keeps the heat in and cuts energy bills down.
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Underfloor heating: No bulky radiators needed, and your feet stay toasty.
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Air con or ceiling fans: Great for hot summer days and keeping things fresh.
Step 6: Flooring That Works for You
Choose something that suits the room and your lifestyle:
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Tiles or stone: Hard-wearing and easy to clean—great for high-traffic areas or dining spaces.
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Wooden flooring: Gives a warmer, cosier feel (we’ll make sure it’s treated properly to handle temperature changes).
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Underfloor heating compatibility: Most of what we fit works well with heating, but we’ll guide you through it.
Step 7: Add Smart Touches
A few extra details can make your orangery even more useful and comfortable:
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Smart lighting: Adjust the brightness to suit the time of day or mood.
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Built-in storage: Helps keep the space tidy—especially if it’s a work or family zone.
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Furniture: Choose comfy, practical pieces that suit the way you’ll use the space.
Step 8: Don’t Forget the Outside
Your orangery will connect your home and garden—so a bit of outdoor planning goes a long way:
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Decking or patio outside the doors: Makes the transition from inside to outside feel seamless.
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Outdoor lighting: Looks great and makes the garden more usable in the evening.
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Planters or flower beds: Tie the whole space together.
Step 9: Make It Yours
Now for the fun part—styling it.
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Colour scheme: Lighter tones make the space feel bigger, but don’t be afraid of a bold feature wall either.
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Soft furnishings: Rugs, cushions, curtains—all the cosy extras that turn a structure into a real living space.
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Plants: A few well-placed plants make the orangery feel more connected to the garden and bring life to the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?
An orangery has more brickwork and a solid feel, blending better with your home, while a conservatory is mostly glass.
2. Do I need planning permission for an orangery?
Most orangeries fall under permitted development, but we’ll check your local council guidelines to be sure.
3. Can I use my orangery all year round?
Yes! With proper insulation, glazing, and optional underfloor heating, it’ll stay warm in winter and cool in summer.
4. How long does it take to build an orangery?
It depends on the size and design, but most orangeries take 4–6 weeks from groundwork to finish.
5. Can an orangery add value to my home?
Absolutely—when built well, it adds extra living space and boosts kerb appeal.
6. What materials do you use for the build?
We use high-quality bricks, energy-efficient double glazing, and strong roofing options tailored to match your home.
7. Can I choose the windows, doors, and roof style?
Yes, everything is made to suit your taste—from roof lanterns to bi-fold doors and glazing style.
8. Will it be too hot in summer or too cold in winter?
Not with the right design. We build with insulation and temperature control in mind for all-season comfort.
9. Do orangeries require much maintenance?
Not really—just occasional cleaning of the glazing and a check of seals and gutters now and then.
10. Can I customise the interior layout and lighting?
Of course! We’ll work with you to plan the layout, lighting, and finishes to suit how you’ll use the space.
Final Thoughts
A well-planned orangery is more than just extra space—it’s a room you’ll want to spend time in every single day. At Perfect Conservatories and Windows, we’re here to guide you through the whole process—from the first sketch to the final finish.
If you’re thinking about adding an orangery to your home, give us a shout. We’ll listen to what you need, take care of the details, and build something you’ll be proud of.
