Not all conservatories are created equal, and just as there’s a perfect home for you, there’s a perfect conservatory for your home. There are several types of conservatory and each one has changeable features that can be included or removed to create a unique space for your home. But with so much to choose from, how do you make sure you’ve chosen a conservatory that is right for your home? Well we’re here to cut through the jargon and help you choose a conservatory that will bring you pleasure for years to come.
Types of Conservatory
Firstly, there are four different types of conservatory, each with their own unique design features.
Victorian Conservatory
A Victorian conservatory can make a very grand statement. These are constructed with a bay front and a pitched and often ornate roof.
Edwardian or Georgian Conservatory
An Edwardian Conservatory is similar in design to a Victorian conservatory but with a flat front and rectangular shape.
Lean-to Conservatory
This is the simplest style of conservatory and is ideal if you’re on a tight budget or have limited space.
Orangery
An orangery has more brickwork than a traditional conservatory and are better suited to those requiring an additional room in the home, rather than an occasional living space.
Things to consider
When buying your conservatory, there are a number of considerations which are likely to affect the style you go for. Here are some of the things you should be thinking about.
Purpose of the conservatory
Are you using the conservatory as an additional room in your home? An orangery, for instance, can be used to great effect as a sitting room or dining room. If, however, you simply need additional space for growing plants or housing pets, a simple lean-to conservatory will suffice.
Time of use
Are you planning to use your conservatory all year-round or as a garden room in the Summer? An orangery would be a better choice for year-round use, whereas an Edwardian or Georgian design would provide you with a comfortable room from which to enjoy your garden in the Summer.
Wow Factor
Are you looking to add an air of grandeur to your home? If so, an orangery could be your best bet. However, there is a cost implication with this type of structure. If budget is a consideration, then an Edwardian or Victorian style conservatory will give your home plenty of wow factor.
Building materials
The materials used to construct your conservatory will dramatically affect its function as well as appearance.
Conservatory walls
While the walls of your conservatory will predominantly be made of glass, there are multiple options available. For instance, you could choose to have floor to ceiling glass, separated only by the window frames. This creates a clearer view of the garden and view beyond, but can have the impact of creating a greenhouse, which may make it uncomfortable if you want to sit for long periods of time. On the other hand, adding more brick or timberwork to your conservatory, will make it feel more like an extension to the home and make it easier to regulate the temperature within the room.
Conservatory Roof
Traditionally, a conservatory roof is made of glass as this allows more light to enter the room. However, this isn’t the only option. You can also opt for a tiled roof, which also helps to create a more solid feel to the room and helps to regulate the temperature.
Types of Glass
There are several choices when it comes to the glass used in your conservatory and each one has a slightly different function.
- Thermally efficient glass. This stops the heat from escaping, keeping the room warmer in the winter months
- Self-cleaning glass. This is coated with a protective material which breaks down dirt, meaning the glass has to be cleaned less frequently. This makes it a better choice for conservatories with a steeply pitched roof.
- Reflective or tinted glass. If your conservatory or part of it is south facing and likely to receive more sunlight, reflective or tinted glass will reduce the sun’s glare, meaning you can still enjoy the conservatory, even when the sun is shining right through the glass.
If you still have questions you would like answering, Trade 2 Windows are on hand to help you make the right choice. Fill out our contact form and one of our advisers will be in touch to discuss your requirements.
