Orangery Garden Room: Design, History & Modern Ideas
When you think of an orangery garden room, a sunlit, brick-and-glass structure designed to house citrus trees in winter and serve as a living space year-round. Also known as glasshouse extension, it’s not just a greenhouse—it’s a blend of architecture, function, and style that turns outdoor space into a usable room. Unlike a simple greenhouse built for growing plants, an orangery was originally built by wealthy British families in the 17th and 18th centuries to protect expensive citrus trees from frost. Today, it’s become a popular way to extend your home into the garden, offering a bright, airy space for relaxing, dining, or even working.
The orangery purpose, historically to shelter citrus trees during cold months while allowing sunlight in. Also known as citrus house, it evolved from a purely practical solution into a status symbol. Victorian architecture played a big role in shaping how orangeries look today—tall windows, sturdy brick pillars, and flat or slightly pitched roofs with roof lanterns. Modern orangeries keep those classic features but add insulation, underfloor heating, and large sliding doors to make them feel like a natural part of the house. They’re not just for growing plants anymore—they’re for living in.
What sets an orangery design, a structured, permanent garden room with solid walls, full-height glazing, and a roof that often includes a lantern or skylight. Also known as conservatory extension, it’s often confused with a conservatory or greenhouse apart from a conservatory? Orangeries have more solid structure—usually brick or stone on at least half the walls—while conservatories are mostly glass. A greenhouse is built for plants, not people. An orangery is built for both. That’s why you’ll see them used as reading nooks, dining areas, or even home offices. The key is balance: enough glass to flood the space with light, but enough solid material to feel warm and grounded.
If you’re thinking about adding one to your garden, you’re not alone. More UK homeowners are choosing orangeries because they add value, extend living space, and work with almost any house style—from period cottages to modern builds. You don’t need a huge garden to pull it off. Even a small back garden can fit a compact orangery that doubles as a morning coffee spot or a winter suntrap. And with better insulation and energy-efficient glass now standard, you can use it year-round without high heating bills.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real examples and insights: how to plan your orangery layout, what materials hold up best in British weather, how to style it with plants and furniture, and why some designs fail while others become the heart of the home. You’ll also see how it connects to other garden features—like artificial grass lawns that flow right up to its doorstep, or how proper drainage keeps the floor dry even after heavy rain. This isn’t just about architecture. It’s about creating a space that feels alive, no matter the season.