Conservatories are a great addition to any home, but they are also a big investment and one that should be considered carefully. They offer a bright, airy connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing you to create a new, cosy retreat, an additional dining room, or an extended living space.
These historical structures date back to the 17th century and were originally designed as orangeries. The spaces were used mainly to protect plants from the cold British weather. Their warm interiors were perfect for growing citrus trees. As the years passed, these structures became extensions of living spaces.
Choosing the right conservatory style to fit your purpose is essential. With the wide range of conservatory types available in the UK, it’s important to understand which design will complement your home, meet your needs, and enhance your lifestyle.
We take a look at the most popular conservatory styles, the benefits they offer, and the best roofing options to ensure comfort and energy efficiency.
Why choose a conservatory?
Adding a conservatory to your home is an exciting prospect. Building a space to relax in the sun or an extra room for family gatherings can open up new opportunities for the way you use your home. Conservatories are great extra spaces and offer many benefits:
- Increased property value: A well-designed conservatory can add up to 5% to your home’s value, making it an excellent investment.
- Connection to nature: A conservatory blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, allowing you to enjoy your garden year-round.
- Customisable design: From traditional Victorian styles to sleek, modern lean-tos, conservatories come in various shapes and sizes to suit your home’s architecture and your personal taste.
- Year-round use: With the right roofing and insulation, such as CosyPanels®, your conservatory can be enjoyed throughout the seasons, giving you a cosy and comfortable environment even in the coldest months.
To make the most of your investment, it’s important to choose a conservatory style that matches your home’s architecture and your lifestyle needs. Let’s explore the most popular conservatory styles in detail.
What are the different types of conservatory?
What is a gable-end conservatory?
The gable-end conservatory is an imposing and stylish choice. It features a high, steep roof that meets with a front gable, giving the room an open, grand feel. The design allows for maximum natural light, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to create a bright, airy space.
Gable-end design
Gable-end conservatories often suit period homes, adding a sense of grandeur that complements traditional architecture. The large windows and high roof allow for panoramic views of your garden, making the space feel connected to the outdoors.
Best use for a gable-end conservatory
Gable-end conservatories are adaptable and can serve as living rooms, dining spaces, or even home offices. The open design and high ceilings create a sense of space, making it perfect for entertaining or relaxing. If you love the idea of a conservatory that feels like an extension of your garden, this is a great choice.
For more ideas on how to take care of your conservatory space, check out our article on 5 Ways to Stop Condensation in Your Conservatory to ensure a dry, and comfortable environment all year-round.
What is a Victorian conservatory?
The Victorian Conservatory is one of the most iconic and favourite designs. With its curved bay front, steep roof, and decorative ridge, it exudes classic British charm. This style is perfect for homeowners looking for a timeless, elegant addition to their home.
Architectural charm
The Victorian Conservatory is characterised by its multi-faceted bay design, typically featuring three to five sides. This curved structure not only adds visual beauty but also improves natural light, making the space feel warm and inviting. The steep roof helps with drainage, keeping your conservatory dry and comfortable even during heavy rain. Because of their timeless design, they blend beautifully with both modern homes and period properties, making them an ever-popular choice among homeowners.
Cosy, versatile space
Victorian conservatories are ideal for small, cosy spaces like reading nooks, sunrooms, or indoor gardens. The curved design may limit your floor space somewhat, but with clever furniture arrangements, you can create a functional, comfortable area. This style is perfect for those who appreciate traditional elegance and want to enhance their home with a touch of old-world charm.
What is a Lean-to Conservatory?
The Lean-to Conservatory, also known as a sunroom or garden room, is a simple and modern design. It features a flat, sloping roof that “leans” against the house, making it ideal for homes with limited space or those looking for a more minimalist design.
Modern and minimalistic
The lean-to conservatory is often favoured for its straightforward, rectangular design. It’s a perfect match for contemporary homes with clean lines, offering a sleek, understated aesthetic. This design is also highly adaptable, making it suitable for various uses, such as a kitchen extension, home office, or utility room.
Cost-effective solution
One of the major benefits of the lean-to conservatory is its affordability. It’s one of the most budget-friendly options available, offering a great balance between style and function. Because of its simple design, it’s also less likely to require planning permission, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking to add extra space without too much hassle.
What is an Edwardian Conservatory?
The Edwardian Conservatory combines classic style with practical functionality. Its square or rectangular shape maximises floor space, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a large, open-plan living area.
Balanced and functional
Edwardian conservatories feature clean lines and a symmetrical design, making them suitable for both modern and period properties. The high roof and large windows allow natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
Adaptable design
Because of its spacious, square layout, an Edwardian Conservatory can be used for various purposes. It’s ideal for a living room, dining area, or even a playroom. The open design makes it easy to furnish and adapt to changing needs, making it a flexible choice for growing families.
For more on conservatory insulation, check out 17 Benefits of Conservatory Insulation to make sure that your Edwardian Conservatory stays comfortable and energy-efficient all year long.
What is a P-Shape Conservatory?
The P-shape conservatory combines two different styles, usually a Victorian and a lean-to, to create a large, open space. This design is perfect for larger properties, offering multiple areas that can be used for different functions.
Elegant and spacious
A P-shape conservatory creates a distinctive L-shaped layout, providing two separate zones that can be used for various purposes. This makes it ideal for homeowners who want to use their conservatory for both relaxation and entertaining. The Victorian section adds a touch of elegance, while the lean-to area provides practical, functional space.
Best for large gardens
The P-shape conservatory is best suited to larger homes with ample garden space. The dual areas can be used for different functions simultaneously, such as a dining area and a living room. This makes it an excellent option for families or homeowners who like to entertain guests.
What is a T-Shape Conservatory?
The T-shape Conservatory is one of the largest designs available, perfect for homeowners with expansive gardens. It typically features a combination of an Edwardian or Victorian front with a central gable, creating a grand, impressive extension.
Grand and majestic
A T-shape conservatory is designed to make a bold architectural statement. The central gable creates a dramatic focal point, while the spacious layout allows for a variety of uses. This design is perfect for those who want a large, open-plan living space that can serve multiple purposes.
Ideal for entertaining
The T-shape conservatory’s size makes it ideal for homeowners who enjoy hosting family gatherings or social events. It’s perfect for creating an expansive dining area, living room, or even a home gym. The large floor plan provides ample space for furniture, making it a highly flexible design.
For more tips on maintaining your conservatory, check out 5 Ways to Stop Condensation in Your Conservatory to keep your T-shape conservatory in pristine condition.
How to choose a style that complements your home
When choosing a conservatory, it’s important to match the style with your home’s existing architecture and your lifestyle needs.
Determining the style of your home
Consider the architectural style of your home, whether it’s modern, traditional, or a period property. For instance, Victorian or Edwardian conservatories work well with classic homes, while a lean-to conservatory is better suited for modern properties with clean lines.
Picking out the key features
Look at your home’s key features, such as roof pitch, brickwork, and window style, to allow your conservatory to blend seamlessly with the existing structure.
Deciding which conservatory will suit your lifestyle
Think about how you plan to use the space. If you need a flexible area for dining and relaxing, a P-shape or T-shape conservatory might be ideal. For a cosy reading nook or compact garden room, a lean-to design could be the perfect fit.
A functional, generously sized lean-to conservatory with CosyPanels installed
Types of conservatory roof
The type of roof you choose for your conservatory is just as important as the design. Your roof will determine how comfortable and energy-efficient the space is throughout the year. Here are the most popular roofing options:
CosyPanels®
CosyPanels® offer an innovative solution to traditional conservatory roofing issues.
These insulated panels are designed to replace glass or polycarbonate roofs, providing superior thermal insulation and soundproofing. CosyPanels ensure that your conservatory remains comfortable all year round, helping to regulate temperature and prevent heat loss in the winter or excessive heat in the summer.
- Energy efficiency and comfort: CosyPanels are built with high-density foam insulation, which significantly improves the U-value of your conservatory roof. This means better energy efficiency, lower heating costs, and a more comfortable living environment. If you’re concerned about the energy efficiency of your conservatory, learn more in our guide to U-value and Energy Efficiency.
- Long-lasting and low maintenance: CosyPanels are durable and require little maintenance once fitted. The panels are manufactured to fit your existing framework. They are made from a lightweight composition, and they contain up to 50mm of high-density foam insulation. The panels minimise the dirt and debris visible that usually accumulates on glass, and it prevents condensation from building up, that can cause mould.
- Soundproofing: The panels provide excellent soundproofing, making your conservatory a peaceful space even during bad weather.
Glazing
Glass roofing remains a popular choice for conservatories thanks to its ability to flood the space with natural light. However, advancements in glazing technology have improved the performance of glass roofs in terms of insulation and ease of maintenance.
Self-cleaning glass
Pleasingly, self-cleaning conservatory glass is designed to reduce the need for regular maintenance. It features a special coating that breaks down and loosens dirt when exposed to sunlight and rain. This low-maintenance glass aims to keep your conservatory clean and inviting without requiring excessive work. As with all types of glass, it can be susceptible to condensation if not properly ventilated or insulated.
Solar control glass
Solar control conservatory glass is specifically designed to manage temperature and glare within your conservatory. It offers thermal efficiency, preventing overheating in the summer months and maintaining a comfortable interior temperature. Although it is effective for its purpose, the main issue is the cost of solar control glass.
When comparing the cost of a standard unit and a solar glass unit, the cost of solar is almost three times more. Considering the amount of glass in a conservatory, this price difference will quickly amount to a large sum. It can, therefore, become a less attractive option.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate roofing is a more budget-friendly alternative to glass. Polycarbonate roofing is lightweight and cost-effective. While it may not offer the same clarity and insulation as glass, it remains a popular choice for many conservatory owners because of its price point. It is important, however, to consider the long-term costs that may be incurred as a result of having a polycarbonate roof.
The panels have a relatively short life span compared to the other options, lasting only between 10-20 years. The price of replacing the panels more frequently should be factored into the long-term cost. These types of panels also have poor heat and sound insulation. Providing little insulation will mean that the house heating may need to be used to warm the space – this will add further costs in the future.
Choosing the best conservatory for your needs
Ultimately, the best conservatory for your home will depend on your space, budget, and how you plan to use the room. Here’s a quick recap of which style might suit you:
- Gable-End Conservatory: Ideal for period properties or homes with ample space, offering a dramatic, airy feel.
- Victorian conservatory: Perfect for both modern and traditional homes, offering a versatile and elegant design.
- Lean-To conservatory: Best for smaller spaces or modern homes, providing a cost-effective and sleek solution.
- Edwardian conservatory: A practical and spacious design for a wide variety of homes and uses.
- P-Shape and T-Shape conservatories: Ideal for large properties, offering a multifunctional space that’s perfect for entertaining or family life.
Once you have settled on your type of conservatory, it is then time to make your choice of roofing materials. These can significantly affect your conservatory’s comfort and efficiency. Remember to take into account the long-term investment and how you will be using the space.
For more design inspiration and expert advice on selecting the right conservatory, follow the Cosy Panels blog. To make sure your conservatory remains comfortable all year-round, take a look at our range of innovative CosyPanel roofing solutions. You can also book a free consultation today!
Explore more at CosyPanels or alternatively, for further insights and information, call us on 0800 75 66 882 or email us: info@cosypanels.co.uk and book a free quote.
