Compare Conservatories

If you're considering extending your living space in 2024, SpotDif’s guide to conservatories offers an insightful overview of your design and material options. Whether you're looking to add a sunroom at home, enhance your property value, or just want to understand the different styles of conservatories available, this guide is designed to help you compare conservatory installers, and make an informed decision.

In this guide, we will explore the various styles of conservatories available in the UK, including Victorian, Edwardian, and modern designs. Each style has unique features and benefits to suit different homes and preferences. We’ll delve into how these conservatories are constructed, the benefits they offer, and the key factors you should consider before making your investment.

From understanding the basics of their architecture to comparing costs and materials, our comprehensive overview will equip you with all the information you need. Let’s dive in and discover which conservatory could be the perfect addition to your home.

Not all conservatories are designed with the same purpose or aesthetic in mind. Some aim to maximise light and space with minimalistic frames, while others might focus on complimenting a historical property's architecture. It’s crucial to understand your home's architectural style and your personal needs before choosing a conservatory style, to ensure it harmoniously enhances your living space!

Here are the different types of conservatories available, each offering unique features and benefits suited to various homes and lifestyles. Below are the main conservatory types you can compare in the UK market.

Victorian conservatories are characterised by their ornate design, featuring a faceted front that gives a rounded appearance, reminiscent of the Victorian era's architectural style.

These conservatories are versatile and visually appealing, fitting well with more traditional homes. The intricacy of their design often includes more detailed ridge crests and finials, adding a touch of elegance.

Edwardian conservatories offer a more geometric style, with a flat front and a square or rectangular footprint, making them ideal for maximising the usable space inside.

Their simplicity and clean lines appeal to homeowners looking for a timeless design that blends seamlessly with both traditional and contemporary homes. They often feature a sloping roof which helps to maximise the amount of natural light entering the conservatory.

A lean-to conservatory is a simple and cost-effective design that features a sloping roof. It's ideal for homes with limited space or height restrictions. A lean-to conservatory can fit seamlessly against your existing home’s structure. With a slanted roof made of glass, you can also make the most of the natural light.

As the name suggests, a P-shaped conservatory resembles the letter ‘P’. This conservatory style combines the features of a lean-to and Victorian or Edwardian design, creating a versatile and spacious structure. P-shaped conservatories are extremely unique, and very stylish as they offer more space for you to decorate your conservatory in whichever way you wish. For instance, you could have separate areas with different functions and aesthetic designs.

Orangeries are a hybrid between a conservatory and an extension. They typically feature brick pillars and a lantern-style roof. Orangeries exude luxury and elegance, and they provide a seamless transition from the indoor to the outdoor area of your home.

When selecting a conservatory in the UK, important factors such as ease of installation, functionality, and cost must be considered.

Here's how these aspects vary among the popular Edwardian, Victorian, and modern styles.

Edwardian conservatories: Typically simpler to install than Victorian conservatories due to their rectangular shape and less intricate detailing. Their straightforward design allows for quicker assembly and potentially lower installation costs.

Victorian conservatories: These conservatories are more complex to install due to their ornate design and the classic faceted front, which creates a rounded appearance. The complexity of design requires more precise construction, which can increase installation time and cost.

Lean-to conservatories: Known for their simple and efficient design, lean-to conservatories are typically the easiest and quickest to install. Their single-sloped roof and straightforward structure make them an ideal choice for tight spaces or smaller budgets.

P-shaped conservatories: Combining the styles of Victorian and lean-to, P-shaped conservatories are more complex to install than single-style designs. The complexity arises from the combination of two distinct styles needing precise alignment and integration.

Orangery conservatories: Orangeries are more like traditional building extensions with masonry and large windows, making their installation more akin to construction projects than typical conservatory builds, hence often requiring more time and expertise.

Edwardian conservatories: Known for their practical, spacious layout thanks to a square or rectangular footprint. This makes them highly versatile for a variety of uses, from dining rooms to lounges or greenhouses.

Victorian conservatories: Their segmented layout and rounded shape provide a classic aesthetic but may offer slightly less usable space than Edwardian conservatories. They are ideal for traditional garden rooms or to enhance the period character of a home.

Lean-to conservatories: Offer straightforward functionality with a basic single-sloped roof that can fit against most types of houses, making them particularly suited for bungalows or houses with low eaves.

P-shaped conservatories: Provide a versatile space by combining two different styles, typically a mix of Victorian and lean-to, which allows for distinct zones within the same conservatory, such as a seating area and a dining or gardening space.

Orangery conservatories: Offer a robust structure with more brickwork and fewer windows than glass conservatories, providing better insulation and a more permanent room-like feel, suitable for year-round use.

Edwardian conservatories: Cost-effective due to their simple and functional design, Edwardian conservatories typically start around £10,000 and can go up to £20,000 depending on size, materials, and additional features such as heating or bespoke glazing. They typically range in size from 3m x 3m, to 5m x 5m.

Victorian conservatories: These are generally more expensive due to their ornate design and the need for custom elements such as curved glass. Prices usually range from £11,000 to £25,000, influenced by the complexity of the design and the quality of materials used. Victorian conservatories typically measure between 3.5m x 3.5m to 6m x 6m.

Lean-to conservatories: Known as the most economical option, lean-to conservatories can cost between £8,000 and £15,000, making them an attractive choice for those on a tighter budget or with less space. They are typically smaller in size, ranging from 2.5m x 2.5m, 4m x 4m.

P-shaped conservatories: These conservatories combine elements of Victorian and lean-to designs and are larger and more complex, leading to higher costs. Expect to pay between £20,000 and £30,000, depending on the specifications and custom requirements. P-shaped conservatories typically measure between 4m x 4m, to 6m x 6m.

Orangery conservatories: Orangeries are the most luxurious and structurally substantial, often featuring brick walls and more elaborate roofing. Costs typically start around £20,000 and can exceed £40,000, depending on the use of premium materials and custom architectural details. Orangery conservatories are usually larger, ranging from 4m x 4m, to 8m x 8m.

Each style of conservatory offers distinct benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs. 

Selecting the perfect conservatory for your home involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your aesthetic preferences, functional needs, and budget constraints. Here’s a step-by-step guide of our recommendations to help you make an informed decision.

1. Assess your space and home style

Start by evaluating the available space you have for your conservatory. The size and shape of the area will directly influence the type of conservatory you can install. Additionally, we’d suggest considering the architectural style of your home. You’ll want a conservatory that complements your existing building, whether it's a traditional Victorian home, a modern new-build, or something in between.

2. Determine the purpose

Think about what you want to achieve with your conservatory. Are you looking for extra living space, a sunny spot for relaxation, or a green area for plants? Your intended use will not only determine the design but also influence the materials and features you may wish to add. For example, a dining area might require different flooring and temperature control compared to a plant nursery.