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Garden Room vs. Conservatory: Which Should You Choose?

22 January 2025
Garden room pictured next to conservatoryGarden room pictured next to conservatory

 

A private, luxury space vs panoramic views? 


There’s a lot to weigh up when deciding between a conservatory or garden room but ultimately it comes down to purpose. How do you plan to use the space? 


This article breaks down the pros, cons and costs of each to help you make the best decision. 

Garden Room vs. Conservatory

The obvious difference between a garden room and conservatory is location. A conservatory is attached to your home so there’s easy access, while a garden room can be camouflaged with your garden’s greenery, or placed front and centre like the picture below. 

Garden room 

Garden room with landscaped gardenGarden room with landscaped garden

 

Modern garden rooms are premium structures – fully insulated, weatherproof and secure – offering you a cosy retreat.


Eurocell’s Garden Rooms come in 16+ size options to fit your needs and 10 colours including grey, soft green, taupe, oak and oyster white. You can choose to add a canopy for family BBQs, full height windows, and sliding, French or bi-fold doors. 


Your garden room can also be kitted out with electricity, WiFi and plumbing to create a fully-functional secondary living space. You might choose to use it as a home gym, bar, lounge, cinema room, garden office or small business – the possibilities are endless. 

Garden room pros 

  • Visually striking  
  • Customisable 
  • Quick installation (from 2-4 days)
  • Up to 10-year guarantee with Eurocell 
  • Energy efficient 
  • Low maintenance 
  • Peaceful and private 
  • Warm and comfortable 
  • Can increase property value

Garden room cons  


You can’t attach a garden room to your house, so you’ll have to step outside to access it, which might not be the best commute in the winter months. But on the upside, it offers privacy away from your home, perfect if you need peace and quiet to concentrate. 


Some homeowners may have security concerns but fortunately, Eurocell’s Garden Rooms come with a multi-point locking system


There’s also the cost to consider. Our garden rooms start from £12,199, and this includes installation, insulation and the first fix electric. Garden rooms add value to your home, which makes them a great investment. 

Conservatory

Glass conservatory extension Glass conservatory extension

 

A conservatory is fitted to your exterior wall to increase your living space and create a bright, airy space. It’s fully- or partially-glazed, offering scenic garden views and helping to bring the outdoors in. 


They come in different styles including Edwardian, Victorian, Lean-to, Gable-End and contemporary conservatories. One thing each has in common: plenty of style and character. 


There are also conservatory replacements, otherwise known as a EurXtension. This structure is built off-site according to your specifications, to replace your existing conservatory with a secure, energy efficient and insulated one. 


It’s functional all year round, so it can make the best home office, dining room, bedroom, playroom or cosy lounge.  

 

“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.”

Sean Bunyan, Head of Commercial Operations, and Conservatory and Garden Room Specialist

Conservatory pros 

  • Easy access 
  • Panoramic views
  • Bright and airy space 
  • Multifunctional 
  • Up to 10-year guarantee with Eurocell
  • Energy efficient and fully insulated 
  • Modern conservatory can add value to your house

Conservatory cons


Older conservatories with polycarbonate or glass roofs may not have the best reputation – too cold in the winter, too hot in the summer, leaky and damp. 


But modern conservatories are fully insulated and energy efficient, especially if built with insulated wall panels, double-glazing and a solid tiled roof like our EurXtension. The temperature is regulated, so can be used all year round and it prevents issues like condensation and leaking to create a dream space. 


Depending on the design, type and size, conservatories prices start from around £10,000 and a EurXtension, from £23,999. It costs more than a garden room but way less compared to an extension

Differences between a garden room and conservatory    

If you’re choosing between the two, note the key differences: 

  • A conservatory is attached to your home whereas a garden room can be located almost anywhere in your garden 
  • Garden rooms aren't manufactured with as much glass as conservatories  
  • Garden rooms have a lower upfront cost 
  • Conservatory glass will need cleaning regularly but you can opt for a self-cleaning option

How to Choose Between a Conservatory or Garden Room 

First decide how you want to use the space. Would you prefer an office, gym or craft room, lounge or dining space? 


Once you’ve decided, you can start looking at your options. 


Remember to measure your space - a conservatory or garden room can’t take up more than 50% of your outdoor space because of planning permission rules. That said, a garden room can be installed on flat or hilly ground, and customised to fit your space. 

 

“Choosing between a garden room and conservatory is all about the need for the space – and your budget will play some part in the decision making. 


“For example, if you need a home gym or business space, opt for a garden room. Home offices are great in a conservatory, especially in the winter when you might not want to step outside. That said, a garden room offers a completely separate and quiet space for an office.”

Sean Bunyan, Head of Commercial Operations, and Conservatory and Garden Room Specialist

Consider the purpose 

 

Do you need extra storage space, a home office or gym? 


There’s countless ways you can use both a conservatory and garden room, so once you’ve narrowed it down, pick the best option. 

Garden room 

 

Garden room officeGarden room office

 


A garden room is great for storage because it won't clutter your main home – and you can add shelves, baskets and cabinets to make it look aesthetically pleasing. It’s also perfect as a gym, yoga studio, cinema room, small business or office – all activities you would likely want to do where it’s peaceful and private.

Conservatory 

 

A conservatory, on the other hand, is perfect as a luxury dining space or lounge because it’s easy to get to from your kitchen. Put in a cosy rug, comfortable sofas and lighting to create a welcoming ambiance. 


It can also double up as a guest bedroom, especially if you have a EurXtension, which is warm and comfortable no matter the weather. 

Budget 

Once you’ve decided how you’re using the space, write a list of things you need like WiFi, furniture or plumbing and calculate how much it will cost. 


Measure any furniture to help you choose the right size garden room or conservatory. This will also give you clarity on your budget as the larger the size, the higher the cost. That said, a larger space is an investment because it is multifunctional and could increase your home’s value when selling.


Bespoke designs may also cost more but the space is tailored to you. 


Eurocell’s Garden Rooms come with installation included as well as the first fix electric. You would only need to pay an electrician to connect it. You can also choose a high quality interior pack that includes wall cladding, flooring and skirting to save maintenance costs down the line. 


Our conservatories and EurXtension also come with installation included to save you cash. 


Garden room: From £12,199 

Conservatory: From £10,000

EurXtension: From £23,999


Get a free conservatory quote and garden room quote. 

 

Installation 

A lot of homeowners are wary of extensions because of the mess and disruption that comes with it. It can take around 6 months to build and more often than not, builders will need to dig foundations which can be messy and noisy. 


A EurXtension can be fitted onto an existing conservatory base, and it's installed in a matter of weeks following a site survey. The structure is manufactured in a factory to prevent disruption in your garden and our expert installers are conscious to keep noise to a minimum. 


Our Garden Rooms are also fitted in as little as 2-4 days with a lead time of up to 4 weeks. 

 

How to Design the Perfect Garden Room 

Start by picking a colour scheme.  


Have a look on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest for some inspiration, and start compiling a vision board to see what works well together. 


Here are a few expert tips when designing your garden room: 

  • Choose light colours to reflect the sun and create the illusion of space
  • Opt for internal wall cladding which is low maintenance
  • Plan your floor space and furniture layout in advance   
  • Place your TV against the light to prevent glare 
  • Opt for cosy accessories like rugs and cushions 

Read our interior decor ideas and inspiration blog for more advice and tips. 

 

Maximise the Natural Light in Your Conservatory 

There’s plenty of natural light in a conservatory, making it the ultimate relaxing and reflecting space. You could use it to practice crafts, take selfies or read. 


Like your garden room, opt for light colours like white, pastels or taupe, which reflect the sun. Lighter colours also feel more spacious. Decorate with plants like aloe vera or succulents, which thrive in a conservatory, and add a natural element.

 

“The best way to maximise natural light in your conservatory without losing heat is to opt for a solid roof with glass panels. You can then retain the natural light without compromising on thermal performance.” 


Sean Bunyan, Head of Commercial Operations, and Conservatory and Garden Room Specialist

Choose a Space that Fits Your Home  

A conservatory or garden room offers extra space without the disruption that comes with a full extension. You’ll get plenty of natural light and views into your garden, and they can even be customised to complement your home. 


High quality structures like our EurXtension can also increase your property’s value.


To decide between the two, plan how you will use the space and take factors like budget, installation process and size into consideration. There’s also no reason why you can’t have both – especially since they cost less than an extension and are quick to install. 


Get the space you need with a garden room or conservatory

 

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