Conservatory Ideas and Designs
What conservatory style should I choose?
A lean to conservatory is the most straight-forward garden room structure with a slanted roof that appears to lean on the original house wall. If you’re looking for a small conservatory then the simple rectangular design of lean to conservatories makes them ideal for bungalows and properties with small gardens.
The Victorian conservatory is the most common style, with an elegant shape which features a rounded end wall. An Edwardian conservatory is built similarly, but with a rectangular shape that is perhaps more space-efficient. L or P-shaped conservatories combine the styles of both Victorian and Edwardian garden rooms, and offer a versatile space that can be split into separate areas.
Contemporary garden rooms with large glass walls are fantastic additions to modern homes or extensions and can create stunning exteriors. However, designs like these do use a lot of space and could require special planning permission. If you don’t have space for a large, contemporary garden room and you aren’t a fan of the uPVC conservatory, orangeries or sunrooms may appeal more; the structure is sympathetically designed to appear consistent with the style of the house.
What is an orangery?
They are both glass-walled and -roofed structures, but what is the difference between a conservatory and an orangery? The traditional orangery has a longer history ‐ it became popular in the 17th Century when homeowners wanted a place to grow citrus plants (e.g. orange trees, hence ‘orangery’) and so built structures, either stand alone or incorporated into their homes, with glass walls and roofs, similar to greenhouses.
The conservatory is actually believed to have developed from the orangery after the fashion for growing citrus plants died down. However, homeowners still wanted a place to grow other tropical, herb or shrub plants that would allow sun and warmth into the house in summer and allow the plants to survive in winter.
Today, the real difference is in the construction. Orangeries are considered traditional extensions with masonry walls and more standard Victorian structures, whereas modern conservatories can be more varied and made of a range of materials, including timber, uPVC or aluminium.
What type of conservatory furniture do I need?
Chances are your conservatory furniture will see a high amount of direct sunlight. Keep this in mind when choosing pieces, since some fabrics and materials can quickly fade or become uncomfortably hot. Outdoor furniture will generally stand up well to the heat and light exposure of sunrooms and orangeries, but don’t be afraid to mix and match with indoor pieces as well. Wicker, seagrass and rattan furniture items are good options, while you might want to steer away from metal and leather pieces which will get hot in the sunlight. Installing conservatory blinds or shades that can be drawn when the room isn't in use is a smart way to prolong the life of your sunroom furniture when the space is not in use.
Whether you want inspiration for planning a conservatory renovation or are building a designer conservatory from scratch, Houzz has 45,925 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including FiSHER iD and Anglian Home Improvements. Look through conservatory photos in different colours and styles and when you find a conservatory design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful conservatory ideas photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.
This is an example of a classic conservatory in Other with light hardwood flooring, a glass ceiling and brown floors.
Love the rug and sofa colour combos - amanda_hartley51
Home improvements specialist QKS have extensive experience in dealing with heritage sites and Grade I and II Listed Buildings. The owner of this listed property approached them to carry out a garden room/kitchen extension with the emphasis on filling the space with natural light. The old kitchen had been starved of daylight and the client wanted a social living/eating space that connected to the garden.
8 x Clement 3 Conservation Rooflights were specified in a slate profile to bring light into the extension. These were not only in keeping with the exterior of the property but also look fabulous inside too.
Windows - webuser_242617677
Alex Wilson
Design ideas for a traditional conservatory in London with a glass ceiling.
Fab styling in this conservatory. Colours and flooring. - webuser_184994033
Inspiration for a classic conservatory in London with no fireplace, a glass ceiling and grey floors.
Luke White
This is an example of a medium sized traditional conservatory in London.
Deliver on the details
This whitewashed courtyard has a Mediterranean feel that’s sure to lure visitors outdoors. A wide built-in bench feels extra luxe, lending itself to a lie-down in the sun. The planting palette is beautifully restrained, with repeated olive trees and agapanthus providing symmetry and rhythm. - francetetreault
This is the perfect relaxing environment for sitting down in the evening perhaps to read, or enjoy a cup of coffee or drinks with friends or family. Surrounded by natural Hardwood, therefore being close to nature, captures the perfect ambiance of this room.
Helen likes how the sofas seem to integrate with the wall - jamespollock
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This beautiful orangery helps take up unused space in the garden while extending existing living space. That means more room for hosting and a spot to enjoy the outdoors all year round.
fence gate
white doors n skylight - svrao32
Inspiration for a traditional conservatory in London with no fireplace, a standard ceiling and beige floors.
possible ceiling - maybe if we use cedar wood and paint would that be cheaper than oak?? - webuser_243517773
Christopher Cornwell
Classic conservatory in Other.
Hello Charles, we manufacture everything ourselves in our purpose built factory. Please call 01278 764444 if you would like further information or a brochure - caffepi
Emma Lewis Photography
Contemporary conservatory in London with dark hardwood flooring, a glass ceiling and grey floors.
Could extend in glass on one story - fionamccreadie
Interior design by Jamie Hempsall Ltd.
Photo of a large traditional conservatory in Other with a standard ceiling.
Christmas Dinner Table Decorations - namenia
This is an example of a medium sized traditional conservatory in London with a glass ceiling.
Like how a small section of this rear elevation is glass - broken up by large windows - nerina2012
Photo of a classic conservatory in London with a glass ceiling.
Table/bench thing as coffee table - becky_wood51
Culmax Corner Window, Clerestory Glazing, Skylight and Maxlight Doors
Image David Butler
Design ideas for a modern conservatory in London.
Like the outdoor decor - diannamd
Working closely with the client and Architect this modern glass extension creates a dramatic statement.
The brief was to create a space that connected with the garden after a long tour he could relax and enjoy his garden
Structural glass beams connect the glass with 10mm joints so producing a double height seamless glass structure with no need for a frame.
Glasspace infiniti fineline sliders allow the front to open up onto the patio.
Conservatory - njdesign10
Anna Butcher
Design ideas for a bohemian conservatory in Surrey with a glass ceiling.
Helen says “amazing space, really cool” - jamespollock
Inspiration for a medium sized modern conservatory in London with concrete flooring, no fireplace, a glass ceiling and grey floors.