A conservatory is one of the best ways to extend your home. It creates a light-filled, stylish, and practical space that you can enjoy all year round. Whether you prefer a traditional or modern design, a conservatory helps you connect with your garden while adding valuable living space.
Why Choose a Conservatory?
More natural light – A glazed roof and large glass walls make the space feel bright and airy.
Quick installation – Minimal construction work is needed beyond the foundations, making it one of the easiest ways to extend your home.
Perfect for any property – Whether you own a period or contemporary home, conservatories can be designed to match your style.
Fully customisable – Choose from different frame materials, colours, and decorative details to create a unique space that complements your home
Find Inspiration for Your Conservatory Extension
Thinking about adding a conservatory? Explore our stunning customer projects to see how others have transformed their homes.
Large Open Plan Gable-Ended Conservatory Extension with Additional Utility Room.
Traditional Lean-To Grey Painted Timber Conservatory on a Country Home
Quaint Country Chic Cream Timber Lean-To Conservatory on a Cottage
Modern Grey uPVC Conservatory with Contrasting White Internal Frames and Bi-Fold Doors
Round Timber Conservatory Extension with Panoramic Views of The Garden and Harbour
Large Modern Timber-Framed Conservatory Lounge and Dining Room
If you are thinking about extending your home, you may be comparing different options.
There are many choices, from a traditional extension to a fully glass design.
Two popular options are the conservatory and the garden room. But what is the difference between them?
Definitions
What is the Definition of a Conservatory and a Garden Room?
Conservatory A room with a glass roof and walls. It is attached to your home and is often used as a sun lounge.
Garden Room A room in your garden with a door or window. It usually has a solid or tiled roof and can be a separate building.
Conservatory Design
A conservatory is mostly made of glass. Its full glass roof lets in plenty of natural light. This design dates back to when conservatories were used to grow plants. The modern glass technology available now makes the room temperature comfortable, keeping the heat in winter and reducing the heat during the summer. Not all glass is equal, so it is important to choose high-quality glass within your budget. Conservatories can be built with full-height glass or a mix of glass and walls. They come in many styles, such as lean-to or gabled roofs, and use materials like uPVC, timber, oak, or aluminium.
A conservatory is always attached to your home. Many people choose to remove part of the wall to create an open-plan space. However, this may require building regulations approval and extra work on insulation and heating.
Conservatory Benefits:
Extends your home’s floor plan
Easy access from the main house
Bright and airy space
Minimal construction required
Can add value to your home
Ideal for dining or relaxing
Open-plan design possible
Bi-fold or French doors open to the garden
Provides a good view of the garden
Garden Room Design
A garden room can be attached to your home or built as a separate structure. It has a tiled or flat roof instead of a full glass roof. Some designs add skylights or a glass gable to let in extra light. A tiled roof offers better insulation and can lower the cost per square metre. Garden rooms offer more privacy and are ideal for guest accommodation, a home office, or a studio. There are various options for frame and wall materials, such as oak or timber, to match your home’s style.
Garden Room Benefits:
Can serve as an extension or a standalone structure
Less construction than a traditional extension
Can mimic the look of a traditional extension
Adds value to your home
Better insulation from a solid roof
Lower investment due to less glass
More privacy
Ideal for a guest room, studio, or office
French or bi-fold doors open fully to the garden
Let Us Help You Decide
Still not sure which option to choose? Our specialists are here to help. We can discuss your requirements, answer your questions, and provide a no-obligation quote. We can also share design examples for inspiration
Top 5 Benefits of Conservatories & Glass Extensions
Conservatories have enhanced UK homes for decades. Today’s modern conservatory provides a light, airy space to relax, dine, and enjoy nature. It brings the outdoors closer, no matter the weather. There are many advantages beyond extra space. In this blog, we explore the top 5 benefits of a conservatory.
What is a Conservatory Extension?
A conservatory is a popular property extension option. It is built mainly from glass. Often, it includes dwarf brick walls, French double doors, or bi-fold doors with a full glass roof. You can choose frame materials like hardwood timber, uPVC, aluminium, oak, or even opt for a frameless design. Conservatories come in many styles to suit your property and taste. They are typically added to the back or side of your home. This creates extra space or extends an existing room by removing external doors to form a large open-plan area. In many cases, you can build one without applying for Planning Permission under Permitted Development Rights.
Top 5 Benefits of a Conservatory & Glass Extension
Here are the benefits of a conservatory that make it a valuable addition to your home:
1. Additional space
Extra Room: Conservatories add a new room or extend an existing one.
Flexible Use: Use the space for dining, entertaining, relaxing, working, or play.
Bespoke White Timber Lean-To Conservatory Extension on a Quintessential Country Cottage
We had the pleasure of designing a timber lean-to conservatory as a relaxing space for our customers to enjoy while staying connected to their beautiful cottage garden. This elegant glass extension enhances the overall country aesthetic of the original property while maintaining a simple and understated charm.
Seamless Integration with the Cottage
The conservatory connects to the home through a timber-painted door on the back wall for easy access. At the front, fully retracting double doors lead to a stone step that descends onto a white gravel path, winding through manicured lawns. Painted in an off-white shade to match the cottage window frames, the structure blends harmoniously with the existing property.
Thoughtful Design and Practical Features
This timber lean-to conservatory utilises an existing extension wall at the back of the home and the property’s side wall. Only the front and left side feature full-height glass with hardwood timber frames and panelling.
For ventilation, the side wall includes three smaller opening windows, allowing fresh air in when the weather isn’t warm enough to keep the doors open. The sloping glass roof, which angles down toward the double doors, adds a stylish beam effect inside.
Year-Round Comfort with Advanced Glass Technology
All glazing is fitted with our New Generation Glass, offering superior temperature and light control. This advanced glass reduces glare and excess heat in summer while retaining warmth in the colder months. It also provides UV protection, safeguarding both the customer and their furniture from sun damage.
Light and Airy Interior Styling
Inside, the conservatory is decorated in fresh, neutral tones to create an airy and inviting atmosphere. The customer has chosen elegant country-style furniture, floral accessories, and delicate finishing touches to enhance the cottage aesthetic. Sunlight floods the space, creating a warm and welcoming feel.
On warm days, the fully opened patio doors invite in fresh air and a gentle breeze, seamlessly connecting the indoors with the surrounding garden. The white stone floor tiles complement the décor while offering practical benefits, making it easy to clean any muddy paw prints from pets.
A Peaceful Haven for Relaxation
This timber lean-to conservatory provides a sunlit retreat, perfect for reading, enjoying a pot of tea, or simply relaxing while listening to birdsong. With its stunning views of the garden, this conservatory is a peaceful sanctuary designed for comfort and style.
If you’re considering a bespoke timber lean-to conservatory, contact us today to explore how we can create a beautiful and functional extension for your home.
What Is the Difference Between a Conservatory, Orangery, Glass Box, and Extension?
We love spending time in our homes and gardens in the UK. With more people choosing to improve rather than move, adding a glass or solid extension is a fantastic way to create extra space, add style, and increase your home’s value.
There are four main options to consider:
Conservatory
Orangery
Frameless Glass Box
Traditional Extension
Each has its own unique style and benefits. But what is the difference between a conservatory and orangery, and which one is right for you?
Glass Extension Options
What is the difference Between a Conservatory and an Orangery?
The main difference between an orangey and a conservatory is the roof. A conservatory has at least 75% of the structure covered in a glass roof, but more usually the entire roof is made of glass. An orangery traditionally has a flat solid roof with a glass lantern in the centre to let in light. Although there are other features that distinguish between the two types, the roof is the deciding factor when categorising glass extensions. A traditional extension will have a solid roof, sometimes with skylight windows included to lighten the room.
What Is a Conservatory?
A conservatoryis a popular choice for homeowners looking to create an extra Room Outside. It typically features glass walls and a glass roof, connecting seamlessly to the back or side of your home.
Best for: Creating a light-filled space to dine, relax, and enjoy the garden.
Modern comfort: Older conservatories were too hot in summer and too cold in winter, but temperature-controlled glass now ensures a comfortable climate all year round.
Customisation: Available in hardwood, aluminium, or PVCu frames with a variety of colour and finish options.
Planning permission: Often not required, but always check before starting your project.
A conservatory is a cost-effective and quicker way to add space and value to your home.
What Is an Orangery?
An orangerydates back to the 17th century when it was originally used to grow plants during winter. Today, it is a stylish alternative to a conservatory that feels more like a permanent extension of your home.
Best for:Expanding kitchens, dining areas, or creating a luxurious living space.
Structure: Built with a solid brick base, large windows, and a lantern roof to let in natural light.
Standalone option: Can also be built as a separate structure in the garden, ideal for a summer house or guest accommodation.
Flexible design: Features like bi-fold doors can open the space up to the garden.
An orangery offers a more integrated look than a conservatory and blends beautifully with the existing home design.
What Is a Frameless Glass Box Extension?
A glass box extensionis the ultimate modern luxury extension. It is made entirely of structural glass, including the roof, providing an uninterrupted view of the outdoors.
Best for: A sleek, contemporary space that maximises natural light.
Versatile uses: Can be attached to a home, used to connect two buildings, or cover a courtyard or balcony.
Advanced technology: Uses specialist temperature-controlled glass to maintain comfort in all seasons.
Planning permission: Often not required, but size and design may affect approval.
While a glass box extension is typically the most expensive option, it creates a truly show-stopping feature in any home.
What Is a Traditional Extension?
A traditional solid extension is a permanent addition to your home, used to create larger kitchens, living areas, home offices, or additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
Best for: Homeowners needing substantial extra space on one or more floors.
Structure: Built with fully insulated walls and either a solid or skylight roof.
Planning permission: Usually required, as well as building regulation approval.
Timeline & cost: A larger, more complex project requiring multiple contractors.
A traditional extension offers maximum flexibility but involves longer construction times and a higher cost compared to glass-based extensions.
Which Option is Right for You?
The best choice depends on your goals, budget, and design preferences.
Want a bright, open space? → Choose a conservatory.
Prefer a more integrated, solid structure? → An orangery is ideal.
Looking for ultra-modern design? → A glass box extension is the way to go.
Need significant extra space? → Consider a traditional extension.
To help make the right decision, start by:
Writing down your must-haves and budget.
Collecting inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, or home improvement websites.
Getting expert advice from trusted conservatory and extension specialists.
Get Expert Advice for Your Glass Extension
Not sure which option is right for you? Don’t navigate the options alone!
Contact Room Outside today to book a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our specialist designers. We’ll provide expert guidance, inspiration, and a detailed quotation to bring your vision to life.
