Ideas for conservatories that add space to your home

It’s tempting to think of conservatories as a bit retro, but today’s designs create space for many a riff on a classic theme.

Vintage or modern? Whatever the style, the appeal of the glazed building rests mainly on its capacity to offer warm, light space when the weather outside is less agreeable.

But it’s all about how you use that space. What might be a conservatory one day could be a sunroom the next, or a gallery, a studio, a study, a breakfast room… It can be anything you choose to make of it.

Why choose a conservatory in 2025?

Conservatories today are more energy-efficient, secure, and versatile. Advances in glazing and roofing, have made possible vastly more exciting designs that offer visual appeal and more flexible use as well as regulating temperature year-round.

Popular types of conservatory

While there are many design options, some common types and formats prove enduringly popular.

Lean-to conservatory

The lean-to is the simplest and often the cheapest option. Like all styles, it can be simple or more elaborate in design and choice of materials can offer classic or contemporary designs. One feature that’s particularly worth noting is the sloping roof which makes it especially suitable for bungalows or homes with height restrictions.

Gable-end conservatory

More imposing, visually speaking, the gable-end design is better suited to detached homes where more space is available to reach out into the garden or terraced area. Choose from a wide variety of designs and look forward to a great deal of space to enjoy beyond the walls of the house.

Orangery

Named after 18th century buildings intended originally for exotic fruit and built on larger country houses, the orangery has become a catch-all term for a more elaborate conservatory extension. Often thought of as somewhere between a conservatory and a full extension, an orangery typically features brickwork, enhanced insulation, and a more substantial roof.

Victorian conservatory

Among the more popular types of conservatory—perhaps because we have so many period homes in the UK—the Victorian style is instantly recognisable by its bay front, ornate detailing, and pitched roof. It’s a simple style that creates a useful space suitable to modern or traditional properties. You can add as much or as little detailing as you like to rev up or subdue the period style.

Edwardian conservatory

Post Victorian styles revived earlier neoclassical ideas returning to more symmetrical, square or rectangular shapes. This approach has its advantages, especially if your dining table follows that form. It creates a usable space with plenty of options for roofing too.

Modern roof options for conservatories

‘LivinRoof’ solid conservatory roof

The contemporary, ‘LivinRoof’ combines the strength and insulation of a solid roof with the brightness of glazed sections. Vaulted ceilings and skylights enhance the feeling of height, making the space feel larger than it is.

Tiled conservatory roofs

A tiled roof conservatory provides the look and performance of a traditional extension, with excellent insulation and energy efficiency. Available in a range of finishes, a tiled roof adds character and matches the rest of your property.

Lantern roofs

If you want a dramatic architectural feature, look up this option. Rising above the main roof, a lantern roof offers additional height and increased light. Popular in extensions and orangeries, lantern roofs are a stylish alternative to simpler designs.

Glass conservatory roofs

The traditional option—often maligned for making conservatories too hot in summer and too cool in winter—has been revolutionised by improvements to glazing. High-performance glazing offers excellent insulation, reducing glare in summer and retaining warmth in winter. So you don’t have to compromise on insulation to get all that extra daylight.

Trends in Conservatory Styles UK

Today’s conservatory styles reflect a shift towards multifunctional spaces within the home. Many conservatories double as a home office, a gym, or an open-plan dining area.

Slim frames, high-performance glazing, and advanced roofing combine to make it possible to do more with the space year-round—adding much needed space for much less than the cost of moving to a larger house.

Wide openings enabled by bi-fold, or sliding doors add to the feeling that you’re getting a lot more than a conservatory for the money—you’re really creating an extension with a lot of glass.

Choosing the right conservatory for your home

When selecting your conservatory, it’s worth thinking through the options carefully by asking yourself some searching questions:

With a wide range of high-quality, energy-efficient products, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect match for your budget, style, and lifestyle.

Famously friendly and effective customer service ensures every project, whether traditional or contemporary, is designed with your needs in mind — from initial consultation to final installation.

Come and see some of the design possibilities for yourself at your local showroom. You can see how different styles and roofing options feel by spending a bit of time in fully constructed examples.