By definition, the main difference between a conservatory and an extension is that a conservatory is thought to be uninhabitable. The description is correct if we are talking about the first conservatories ever used. The word alone comes from an Italian and Latin mixture which, if translated literally, means to preserve or store. When the name conservatory was being used, it was supposed to describe buildings made without glass to store food.
Times changed, and glass became part of these structures to protect their plants from the harsh weather. Nowadays, conservatories are considered to be extensions in modern households, and large numbers are built onto the house. However, most of the families and people who own a conservatory, in general, enjoy spending most of the time there with their loved ones. If you are thinking that maybe building a greenhouse is a waste of money, you are undoubtedly wrong. Apart from being an excellent addition and if accessorized properly may become your new favorite place to hang out, it will make your house more valuable. In case you think of selling in the future, have in mind that a conservatory can quickly add up to 10-20% to the value of your home.
Usually, it takes 3-4 weeks for a conservatory to be built. Make sure to turn to professionals because when done right, conservatories can be used all throughout the year. The cost of a conservatory may vary depending on the size as well as the style. In these modern times, we have various conservatories, but we will go through the five most popular and how to decorate them accordingly.
Victorian Conservatory
Victorian conservatories have been in use for more than a century. These types of conservatories started to gain popularity during Queen Victoria’s reign in the period between 1837 and 1901. They are easy to recognize because of their classy style and are defined by their steeply-pitched roof. Something else that makes them easy to distinguish from other conservatories is the heavy ornamentation. Sharp edges and lavish detailing is noticeable all over these types of conservatories. Depending on the space that is available as well as the light desired, these conservatories can be built in a three or five-faceted capacity. The fact that they are curved gives you a panoramic view of your garden. However, few more details make the conservatories from the Victorian era so beautiful, such as decorative glass and finials.
Many of the Victorian conservatories are used as greenhouses filled only with plants accompanied by chairs and a table which gives the impression of an indoor backyard. The way you want to use your conservatory is totally up to you since they are custom-made and are made according to the shape and dimensions your home provides.
Edwardian Conservatory
Edwardian conservatories got their name in the same way Victorian conservatories did. Both types got their names from the ruler in that time in history. In this case, King Edward VII was on the throne. These conservatories are the other types of greenhouses that have been named after a King or Queen who reigned in the period in which they gained popularity. We got into Victorian conservatories, and the Edwardian are also known as Georgian conservatories. There are a few main differences that can help you distinguish one from the other. The most noticeable thing about the Edwardian conservatory is the simple shape without the ornamentation known when it comes to the Victorian conservatories. Apart from the decoration, Victorian ones have multi-faceted shape wheres in the Edwardian design square and rectangle are the main shape used in the base and the roof.
Lean-To Conservatory
Lean-to conservatories are also more commonly known as modern conservatories. Their main characteristics are the clear lines and simple style that gives them a contemporary look suitable for modern houses. These simple, minimalistic and beautiful structures are also known in specific regions as Mediterranean conservatories. Their installing has few benefits; besides the contemporary look, they are the best proposition for people who are considering extending their home as well as houses that have height restrictions such as bungalows. Maybe the best feature is that they can be easily fitted into awkward spaces because of their low-pitched roof, without ruining the overall aesthetics.
P-Shaped Conservatory
As the usage of the conservatories has gained more and more popularity over the years, people started to transform them into living rooms apart from recreational use. If the standard conservatories don’t offer the space needed, P-shaped conservatories will be the perfect fit. Their name is pretty self-explanatory as their shape is as the letter ‘P.’ These types of conservatories are a mix of Victorian and Edwardian ones. One part of their base is a rectangle, and the other part is of polygon shape. These types of conservatories are convenient when people think of extension because you get two living spaces thanks to their shape. As well as all other conservatories, this type is no exception and is custom-made, and it’s differently doable in every house.
Orangery
The central meaning behind the word orangery was a room as a part of a house that was dedicated to oranges, among other fruits, as well as many plants to protect them from the weather. However, nowadays, an orangery is considered the most widely used type of conservatory or commonly known as an extension. The difference between this one and all of the other types we already mentioned is that through time glass was reduced in their construction as they were used as a place to live in.
Final Word
Although there is a fragile line between conservatories and extensions, nowadays, some types of conservatories are used as house extensions. Whether you use it as a traditional garden filled with plants, your all-season backyard, or an extension, it is efficient and looks beautiful and unique. Most importantly, it will increase the value of your house yet be of use, a win-win situation.
