There are 5 main types of conservatory:
- Lean-to
- Gable
- Edwardian
- Hipped-back Edwardian
- Victorian
They are mainly determined by the size and shape of their roof.
There’s also the Orangery, which is like a conservatory with more brickwork.
Lean-to Conservatory
This is the simplest type of conservatory. Modern and unfussy, and useful when roof height is a concern.
Gable Conservatory
Gable or Gable-end conservatories have a high pitched roof to feel light and airy.
Victorian Conservatory
Classic design with a more ornate look and faceted front. Provides light on all sides, but less usable space.
Edwardian Conservatory
Rectangular version of the Victorian conservatory, with more usable space, but less ornate.
Hipped-back Edwardian Conservatory
Also known as ‘Hip-back Edwardian’, ‘Double-hip’ or ‘Double-hipped’. Has four sides to the roof and a lower height. Often used on bungalows.
Orangery vs Conservatory
An orangery has more brickwork than a conservatory. It will usually have ‘dwarf walls’ around the base, but also may have larger wall areas which are solid brickwork rather than glass. This makes an orangery better insulated.
An orangery usually has a pitched roof in an Edwardian style, surrounded by a solid flat platform – in effect, forming a large skylight.
