White Everest conservatory with brickwork and patio area

The Different Types of Conservatory

If you’re thinking about a new conservatory, you might be wondering what are the different types of conservatory and which would be best for you.

Adding a new conservatory to your home can feel like a daunting task, but once you understand the differences you can comfortably make the right choices for your needs.

To help you, we’ve listed the main types of conservatory below with their advantages and which property style they suit the best.

What are the different types of conservatories?

There are four main types of conservatory and all other types are varieties of these core styles.

Lean-to Conservatory

The style of conservatory that is most like the original Mediterranean sunrooms. A lean-to conservatory is elegantly simple with clean lines.

Even though lean-tos are the most affordable option, this doesn’t mean that they lack style or quality. In fact, some lean-to conservatories can make dramatic statements adding a contemporary glass structure to a home.

The style of the lean-to is best described by the roof shape that slopes away from the house. The height and length of the roof can add varying degrees of style and character.

Lean-tos are very versatile and can be styled with a variety of options to make them unique. They are well-suited to properties that have a low roofline or a small outdoor space. Lean-to conservatories work well with bungalows.

At Everest, a lean-to is the same as our ‘Cheltenham’ style.

Victorian Conservatory

When you think of a classic traditional conservatory, it’s most likely to be a Victorian style.

The Victorian conservatory is a direct descendent of the original ornate glass structures that were introduced to Britain in the late 1800s.

Highly decorative with an ornate gothic style, the Victorian has an apex roofline that usually features crests and spike finials.

Where other conservatory styles are flat-fronted across, the Victorian features a rounded front. Not unlike an extended bay window, the Victorian roof has a faceted front. This bay window effect allows for maximum views of the outside and makes the internal space feel considerably spacious.

The Victorian conservatory is perfect for a traditional style house. It does need a property with enough roofline height and might not be the best choice for a bungalow or a new-build modern house.

Edwardian Conservatory

An Edwardian conservatory is rather grand and has a styling that sits between an orangery and the traditional Victorian style.

The main difference between the Victorian and Edwardian is the Victorian style is rounded at the front and the Edwardian is square or rectangle. The rectangular shape maximises available space and can add considerable living space to your home.

The styling on the Edwardian is more subdued with a less ornate finish than the Victorian for those who prefer the subtle style reminiscent of the Edwardian era.

Hip-back Edwardian (or double-hip) has four roof facets that form an apex to look like a separate roof to the house. The hip-back is well-suited for a house with a low roofline or a bungalow.

Gable-end Conservatory

A gable conservatory takes its name from the upright roof that looks like the gable-end of a building. Instead of sloping backwards, there is a full-height to the apex of the roofline at the front end of the conservatory. This feature adds grandeur and the additional roof height maximises internal space.

The main construction of the gable-end conservatory is based on an Edwardian square frame but offers extra space with the gable roof.

Inside the gable-end conservatory, there is a feeling of much more space and light floods into the room. The floor-plan makes it versatile and practical for furnishing and use.

This grand style suits traditional and some modern properties but needs a house with enough roof height to accommodate the apex.

As an alternative, a gable-end can be combined with a hip-back roof for bungalows and low rooflines.

At Everest, we call a gable-end conservatory a 'York' conservatory.

Conservatory type	Best suited to	Advantages	Considerations
Lean-to	Any property, low rooflines	Affordable, modern, versatile	A simple design
Victorian	Traditional properties	Traditional style, maximum views	Not for low rooflines
Edwardian	Traditional properties	Elegant style, maximises space	Choose hip-back for low rooflines
Gable-end	Traditional and modern properties	Maximises internal space	Choose hip-back for low rooflines

Types of conservatory glass

As well as thinking about the style of your conservatory, you should also be aware of the glass options that are available.

Solar Control Glass
Solar control glass acts in a variety of ways to protect the conservatory from the adverse effects of the sun. It reflects sun rays, helping to keep the conservatory cooler in the summer, while the tint reduces glare from the sun. It also offers protection against ultra-violet degradation, keeping furniture and fittings looking good for longer.

Types of conservatory roof

The type of roof you choose for your conservatory can have a considerable effect on the look and feel of the new space.

By choosing a different type of roof, you can tailor your conservatory space to your needs and create a bespoke space right for you.

Glass
The traditional style of conservatory roof allows maximum light into the space.
Hybrid Solid Roofs
If you want to create a light-filled space but also want better climate control a hybrid solid roof is a perfect balance to create an all-year-round living space. With a combination of a solid roof and glass panels, you can create your own bespoke roof that allows light in controlled areas.

Read more about the different types of conservatory roofs here.

Before you choose a conservatory, think about how you want to use the space

The starting point when thinking about a new conservatory is to always consider what your specific needs are.

How you want to use the space should determine the choices you do make:

A classic light-filled sunroom for reading
A kitchen diner extension to your home
A contemporary dining room and space for entertaining
A space to relax and enjoy views of the garden

We recommend speaking to an expert who can help you to design the perfect space for your needs by combining the variety of options that are available for a conservatory.

At Everest, we have an expert team who can help you bring your vision to life and offer an end-to-end service of design, planning to installation. Contact us to get a no-obligation quote and discuss your options with our helpful team.

Is a conservatory cheaper than an extension?

A basic conservatory is a cheaper and more affordable option than an extension to add more space to your home. However, a conservatory won't add the same value to a property that a full extension will.

What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?

An Orangery is defined as a brick structure with large windows, a flat roof and a glass lantern. The wall of an orangery is usually under 50% glass and a conservatory is over 50% glass. A conservatory is a glass structure with a pitched roof of over 75% glass.

What is the difference between an Edwardian and Victorian conservatory?

The main difference between a Victorian conservatory and an Edwardian conservatory is that the latter is square or rectangular with a flat front, whilst the Victorian conservatory has a rounded front and more detail giving you extra living space with a strong sense of grandeur.

The most defining traits of Victorian conservatories are a rounded multi-faceted front, a high-pitched roof and heavy ornamentation, with sharp edges and extravagant detailing found all over the ridges and roof.

An Edwardian conservatory is a classic style very similar to a Victorian conservatory but less ornate and with more subdued lines. Edwardian conservatories are an ideal choice because they maximise the amount of available floor space due to their bold, symmetry square or rectangular shape.

The Different Types of Conservatory

What are the different types of conservatories?

Lean-to Conservatory

Victorian Conservatory

Edwardian Conservatory

Gable-end Conservatory

Create your perfect light-filled living space

Types of conservatory overview

Types of conservatory glass

Types of conservatory roof

Before you choose a conservatory, think about how you want to use the space

Conservatory FAQs

Is a conservatory cheaper than an extension?

What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?

What is the difference between an Edwardian and Victorian conservatory?

Find your perfect conservatory

Lean-to Conservatory

Victorian Conservatory

Edwardian Conservatory

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