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Different Types of Conservatories: Exploring your Options

29 January 2025
Conservatory extension on houseConservatory extension on house

 

From Edwardian and Victorian, to contemporary and conservatory conversions – you have no shortage of options when finding a conservatory style to suit your home. Each type of conservatory has plenty of character, floods your home with natural light and can complement your home’s architecture. 


This article breaks down the different types of conservatories with insights from our conservatory and extension specialist.

Edwardian

Edwardian style conservatoryEdwardian style conservatory


An Edwardian conservatory is a classic and stylish option. It’s typically square or rectangular with an apex (sloping roof with a high point). This adds height internally making it feels grand and spacious, while letting any rainwater drip off and maximising the natural light. 


Because of its shape, there’s plenty of floor space but you’ll have to make sure it fits in your garden without taking up too much room. Under Permitted Development, you can build a conservatory without gaining permission first, but it shouldn’t take up over half of your garden. 

 

Victorian

Example of victorian conservatory roofExample of victorian conservatory roof

 

Victorian conservatories, as the name suggests, are inspired by the Victorian era (1837-1901). They are grand and luxurious with detailing and decorative elements like crestings. This type of conservatory has five sides with a bay window style at the front. 


Just like the Edwardian conservatory, it has an apex roof to let in plenty of sunlight. The rounded shape helps you see far into your garden but that means there’s slightly less flexibility with floor space. 

 

Gable-end

Gable end conservatory roof Gable end conservatory roof

 

A Gable-end conservatory mimics a traditional roof with a triangle shape made of two slopes that meet in the middle. Where the roof meets, you might see crestings or finials, but modern structures are typically plain and sleek. The roof has height to let in sunlight and create the illusion of more space, but you’ll need to make sure it’s not higher than your home. 


Like an Edwardian conservatory, the base is square and rectangle, so you’ll have lots of floor space to fit your furniture.

Lean-to

Lean-to conservatory roof exampleLean-to conservatory roof example

 

Lean-to conservatories don’t have an apex roofline like Gable-end or Edwardian styles do. Instead, it’s flatter with a small slope to help any rainwater drip off. These conservatories are suited to smaller properties like bungalows because there’s less risk of the roof being higher than the property’s, in which case you’d need planning permission. It’s typically the most cost-effective conservatory. 

Contemporary

Contemporary conservatory with glass roofContemporary conservatory with glass roof

 

Contemporary conservatories are renowned for their premium aesthetic with an apex roofline made of four sloping sides. They also come in a Lean-to style and are available in a rectangular shape, making them ideal  for larger gardens and homeowners who need more space. 


Eurocell’s Contemporary Conservatories have a modern finish and are made from a unique pilaster system instead of brick supports. The roof has glass panels to let in sunlight and modern highline cornices to create a focal point. 

What is a conservatory conversion?

Conservatory conversion on side of houseConservatory conversion on side of house

 

A conservatory conversion, or a EurXtension, is an alternative to a traditional conservatory. It can come in any shape or style (and you could create a bespoke design) but the key difference is it comes complete with structurally insulated panels (SIPs), double-glazed doors and windows, and a solid tiled roof


It's fully insulated, which means your conservatory maintains a consistent temperature all year round. It’s also airtight, secure and energy efficient, helping you to save on your bills. 


Not only does it look modern and stylish, it's built in weeks as opposed to months. If you already have a conservatory, it can be built on the existing base, which can minimise disruptions and mess as foundations don’t need to be dug. Your old conservatory is recycled and you get to choose new windows, doors and an exterior finish. 


Expert insights: Choosing the best conservatory 

Eurocell’s Head of Extended Living, and conservatory and extension specialist, Sean Bunyan, explains which types of conservatories are on trend. 

How to choose between a garden room, extension or conservatory? 


“If you’re stuck choosing between a garden room, conservatory or extension, it all boils down to how you plan to use the space. We often find a homeowner will come to us for a specific space, but once we go through how they plan to use it, sometimes we find a garden room, or a conservatory would be a better option for them than an extension for example. 


“Conservatories are still a great option for creating a relaxing space or a children’s playroom, while garden rooms can be a really good choice for a home office - as it’s separate from the house meaning less distractions and more quiet. 


“We then find younger families tend to want to convert older conservatories to a more modern look - converting them into an extension to create more living space.”


Who are conservatories suited to? 


“Conservatories bring benefits to all homeowners and they are popular with Gen X. But we’ve seen a growing number of younger families invest in modern-looking conservatories that are visually stunning and offer them more living space.” 

 

What is a modern conservatory?


“Because of modern building methods and Eurocell’s innovation, we can practically create any style of conservatory bridging the gap between a conservatory and extension. 


“For example, flat roofs with roof lanterns or gable roofs will transform the way a conservatory looks – sometimes with the same structure. These styles appeal to younger families, especially because they’re cheaper than opting for a full extension.” 


And how do you choose the best type of conservatory? 


“There’s lots of conservatory options and possibilities available to homeowners, and they can even mix and match. With Eurocell, you can essentially pick and choose features from an existing blueprint. For example, you could choose a solid tiled roof with a traditional conservatory – or opt for walls and glazing. 


“Edwardian is still the most popular style of conservatory for homeowners because it’s modern and has an on-trend square shape. Victorian style conservatories are more traditional, so some homeowners are upgrading to a modern style and keeping the classic hexagonal shape.” 

 

 

 

Conservatory materials  

The conservatory’s materials play a key role in how long your conservatory will last, and how secure and strong it is. 

  • SIPs: Prefabricated SIPs are a game changer when used in conservatories because of the high levels of energy efficiency and insulation offered. The panels are also manufactured off-site in a factory, so it offers less waste and quicker installation on site.
  • Glass: Double-glazing is a must for your conservatory. It helps to insulate it and improve energy efficiency, but it’s also more secure and reduces the risk of issues like condensation and noise. With Eurocell’s conservatories, you can even choose from temperature-controlled or self-cleaning glass.
  • Polycarbonate: Older conservatories are typically made from polycarbonate. It’s a cost effective choice and it helps you make use of the natural light. Old polycarbonate is not the best insulator, which is why some conservatories have the ‘too hot, too cold’ issue. Modern polycarbonate offers better insulation and UV protection.
  • Tiles: A solid tiled roof is one of the best roofing options for your conservatory. It helps prevent heat from escaping and is weatherproof, impact resistant and lightweight. With Eurocell, you can choose from steel, composite or recycled polymer tiles, all finished to a premium standard.
  • uPVC: uPVC is also a fantastic choice for conservatories because it’s affordable, weatherproof and durable. It’s typically used for window and door frames, to support your roof and for decorative elements like finials. 

 

What is better than a conservatory?

You can’t go wrong with a modern conservatory. They’re stylish, add value to your home and you get extra space without having to pay for an expensive extension. 


A EurXtension offers all the benefits of a modern conservatory and can be used as a home office, dining room, cinema room, lounge or kids playroom. Best of all, it's fully insulated and secure to help you get the most out of your conservatory. 


Explore the different types of conservatories Eurocell offers as well as the innovative EurXtension.

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