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What is a conservatory?

Author Jo-ann BowlesSales DirectorWritten 01/07/2026
Brick home with white-framed conservatory featuring a glass roof, surrounded by hanging baskets and potted plants in a neat garden.

Most people would recognise a conservatory as a room attached to a house that has a high proportion of glass. Conservatories offer a bright, inviting space and can function as a family room, play area, or space for entertaining. 

Conservatories, orangeries, and extensions all provide ways to expand and add space to a home, but they do differ in design, structure, and purpose - so making the right choice is crucial to optimise the use of a new living space.

White conservatory with glazed roof and tall glass doors, set on a patio with potted plants and lawn beyond.

What is a conservatory?

A conservatory is typically built with extensive glazing, usually including the walls and roof, with doors separating it from the main structure of the house. It creates a bright, airy space that feels connected to the garden. It’s ideal for dining and relaxing, making the most of natural light. It is a great choice when looking for a home upgrade.

  • “To make your conservatory the right temperature all year round, you should think about choosing blinds that are great for spaces where temperatures reach extreme highs and lows. It’s also worth considering electric and smart options as some windows in your conservatory may not be easily accessible.”

    Lisa Cooper, Head of Product, Hillarys

Brick-built orangery with dark-framed glazing and a hipped roof, opening onto a paved terrace beside a fenced lawn.

What is an orangery?

Orangeries first appeared in Renaissance Italy and were originally grand buildings designed to protect citrus trees from harsh winter climates. Modern orangeries commonly feature brick walls, large windows and a partially glazed roof, sometimes incorporating a roof lantern. This gives it a more substantial feel while still allowing in plenty of light – the best of both worlds. Orangeries are well suited to dining areas, or family entertainment spaces.

Bright open-plan interior with large roof windows and full-height glazing, flooding the dining and living space with natural light.

What is a home extension?

An extension blends perfectly with your existing property and offers the best year-round usability. Extensions create extra living space in your home, and are ideal for larger kitchens, living rooms or entertainment areas. They can feature large glass windows and skylights to flood the area with light, and doors to create a natural flow naturally into the garden.

Light-filled garden room with black-framed roof lantern and floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an airy dining space overlooking greenery.

What makes a conservatory worthwhile?

There are three key benefits to conservatories that make them a popular home improvement:

  • Embracing natural light: Modern glazing and conservatory blinds maximize daylight while reducing glare and filtering UV rays to protect interiors and furnishing.
  • Energy efficiency: High-performance glass and thermal blinds improve insulation, keeping the space warm in winter and cool in summer for year-round comfort.
  • Making the most of the garden: A conservatory creates a seamless connection to the outdoors, enhancing views and allowing you to enjoy your garden throughout the year.

Choosing the right style for your home

Homeowners looking to add extra space typically choose between conservatories, orangeries, and home extensions, which offer different benefits depending on the intended use. Though living spaces may look relatively similar, they are all individual and unique in their own way and have their own benefits that will be personalised to your home. Whatever you like to call your project, a new living space can be custom-designed and made to suit your needs.

There's so much more to see

We’ve got lots more inspiration for styling your home