Traditional and contemporary orangeries: Choosing styles that suit your home

Adding a high-quality glazed extension is one of the most rewarding ways to transform your property. Whether you are looking for a sun-drenched dining area or a quiet sanctuary from which to enjoy your garden, orangeries provide a structural permanence that feels like a natural part of your home’s architecture. 

At Renaissance Conservatories, we are a family-run business with years of experience in creating bespoke living spaces. We understand that a new orangery is a significant investment. That is why we use in-house CAD designs, allowing you to see exactly how a choice of traditional and contemporary orangeries will look before the first brick is laid. 

With homeowners increasingly looking for ways to blend indoor and outdoor living, choosing the right style is the first step in ensuring your new extension adds both functional value and aesthetic appeal to your property. In this blog we’ll take a look at some of the options available.  

What is the difference between orangeries and conservatories?

Before deciding on a style, it is helpful to understand what sets an orangery apart. While both structures invite natural light into your home, their construction differs significantly. 

• Conservatories: These are typically made with a higher proportion of glass, often featuring a fully glazed roof and large glass panes that sit directly on a dwarf wall or the ground. 

• Orangeries: These are best described as a hybrid between a traditional brick extension and a conservatory. They feature substantial brick pillars and a perimeter roof that houses a central glass roof lantern. 

This brickwork provides a more private, permanent feel, making orangery extensions a popular choice for dining and living spaces that require more wall area for furniture. 

Traditional orangeries: Timeless elegance for your home

Traditional orangeries are designed to mirror the grand garden rooms of the 17th and 18th centuries. If you live in a period property or a classic red-brick home, this style is often the most sympathetic choice. 

Key Characteristics: 

• Detailed Masonry: Expect to see decorative brickwork, pilasters, and ornate cornices that match the existing architecture of your home. 

• Classical Proportions: These designs often feature vertical sliding sash windows or elegant French doors to maintain a heritage look. 

• Roof Lanterns: A raised timber or uPVC lantern is the focal point, flooding the open space with light from above while maintaining a solid perimeter for insulation. 

This style of orangery creates a sense of luxury and permanence, making it feel as though it was built as part of the original house rather than added later. 

Contemporary orangeries: Modern style for the 21st century

For modern homes or those looking to add a striking contrast to an older building, contemporary orangeries offer a minimalist, architectural edge. These designs prioritise clean lines and expansive glass to create a bright, new space. 

Key Characteristics: 

• Slim Profiles: Modern designs often use aluminium frames, which are much stronger than uPVC, allowing for thinner frames and more glass. 

• Bold Colours: Anthracite grey is an exceptionally popular choice for modern orangeries, providing a sophisticated, industrial-inspired finish. 

• Bifold Doors: Rather than traditional doors, many homeowners opt for bifolds that allow an entire wall to be pulled back, merging the indoors and outdoors into one open space. 

A contemporary orangery acts as a sleek, light-filled bridge between your interior and your garden, perfect for a modern lifestyle that values flow and connectivity. 

What customisation options are available?

At Renaissance Conservatories, we pride ourselves on a tailored approach. Your orangery design should be as unique as your home. Because we handle CAD designs in-house, we can experiment with various customisation options available to suit your vision. If you’re after some inspiration, take a look at our gallery to see some of the orangeries we’ve installed recently.  

• Glazing Options: You can choose from self-cleaning glass, solar-control glass to prevent overheating in summer, or acoustic glass if you live near a busy road. 

• Internal Lighting: The internal perimeter ceiling of an orangery is the perfect place for recessed spotlights or integrated speakers, turning the extension into a fully functional evening room. 

• Roof Finishes: While the roof lantern is the most common feature, the solid parts of the roof can be tiled outside to match your home’s aesthetic. 

Will I need planning permission for a new orangery?

One of the most common questions we hear is whether home extensions of this type of orangery require a green light from the local council. 

Most orangery extensions fall under “Permitted Development” (PD), meaning you won’t need full planning permission as long as they meet specific criteria regarding height and proximity to boundaries. However, rules are stricter for listed buildings or homes in conservation areas. 

We work closely with local authorities to ensure that all our projects follow building regulations and planning permissions correctly. As members of the Consumer Protection Association (CPA), we ensure that every stage of the process is transparent and legally compliant, giving you total peace of mind. 

How do orangeries perform for thermal efficiency?

Gone are the days when a glazed room was too hot in August and too cold in January. Modern thermal efficiency standards mean that your new space can be used 365 days a year. 

Orangeries are naturally more efficient than conservatories because they have more brickwork, which provides better insulation. When combined with high-performance double glazing and insulated roof pelmets, an orangery can achieve U-values that rival a standard house extension. This helps keep your heating bills low and ensures the room remains a comfortable living space throughout the Devon winters. 

Why choose Renaissance Conservatories?

Choosing between traditional and contemporary orangeries is a big decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. Our friendly and helpful team is here to work with you through every stage. We understand that home improvements can be stressful, which is why we focus on completing jobs on time to reduce disruption to your life. 

From the first CAD drawing to the final brick, our goal is to ensure you are 100% happy with the end result.  Ready to explore how a new orangery could transform your property? Whether you are dreaming of a classic heritage look or a bold modern style, we are here to bring your vision to life. 

Call us on 01626 333 393 or send us a message online and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.