Last Updated on 23 May 2025 by Tia Ellahi
Orangery Extension: What products are best?
The best products for an orangery extension are aluminium bifold or sliding doors, a roof lantern like Korniche or Atlas, and flat roof lights for added brightness.
What’s Included in This Article:
- What is an orangery extension
- Orangery vs conservatory
- Orangery design ideas for 2025
- Best doors, roof lanterns & roof lights for your build
- Typical orangery extension costs in the UK
- FAQs
(Estimated reading time: 3–4 minutes)
Introduction
A stylish cross between a full extension and a conservatory, an orangery extension is one of the most popular ways to add light, space, and value to UK homes. Offering a more solid, integrated feel than a traditional conservatory—thanks to its brick pillars, flat roof, and central roof lantern—an orangery creates a space that’s bright yet insulated, open yet private.
Whether you’re planning a modern kitchen diner, a year-round garden room, or a versatile family lounge, an orangery extension is a smart, stylish solution—and it’s more achievable than you might think.
What Is an Orangery Extension?
An orangery is a home extension with a part-solid, part-glazed structure—typically featuring:
- Brick or masonry pillars
- A flat or low-pitch roof
- A central roof lantern to maximise overhead light
- Wide bifold or sliding doors to open up the rear elevation
Originally built to grow citrus trees (hence the name), modern orangeries are all about year-round usability. They’re warmer and more integrated than conservatories, but lighter and more open than traditional brick extensions.
Renovated Orangery vs Conservatory – What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Renovated Orangery | Conservatory |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Style | Flat with roof lantern | Fully glazed pitched roof |
| Wall Structure | Brick pillars & solid sections | Mostly glass |
| Appearance | More like an extension | Distinctive glazed look |
| Thermal Performance | Better insulation | Can overheat or feel cold |
| Planning Permission | Often not required (see FAQs) | Also under Permitted Development |
Renovated Orangery Design Ideas for 2025
Thinking of how to style your orangery? Here are a few ideas trending this year:
Kitchen-Diner Orangery
Integrate your kitchen with an orangery to create a spacious cooking and dining area filled with light. Position the roof lantern above your island for dramatic impact.
Garden Room / Reading Nook
Turn your orangery into a relaxing retreat with comfy seating, soft lighting, and sliding or bifold doors that open into the garden.
Orangery Home Office
Use a smaller orangery as a work-from-home space. With smart glazing and blinds, you can control light levels while enjoying a bright, focused environment.
Open-Plan Family Space
Add a living and play area to the rear of your home—perfect for growing families. Include side return glazing and a large rear opening for outdoor flow.
Best Glazing Products for Your Orangery
At GFD Homes, we supply the essential components that make your orangery shine—literally. From roof lanterns to bifold doors, our products combine thermal efficiency, style, and long-term durability.
Korniche Aluminium Roof Lantern
The perfect centrepiece for any orangery. Slim, strong, and easy to install, Korniche lanterns bring light and drama to your ceiling.
Why it’s great for flat roof orangeries:
- Thermally broken aluminium frame
- Quick-fit system reduces install time
- Available in a wide range of sizes and colours
- Self-cleaning glass options
Atlas Roof Lanterns
Known for their minimalist bars and excellent insulation, Atlas lanterns give you wide views of the sky with fewer frame interruptions.
Korniche Flat Roof Lights
If you prefer a clean, modern look without the height of a lantern, Korniche’s flat roof lights offer edge-to-edge glazing and low profiles.
Bifold & Sliding Doors for Orangeries
The rear opening is where your orangery really connects with the garden. Here’s what to consider:
Smart Visofold Bi-Fold Doors
Classic aluminium bifolds for flexible indoor-outdoor living.
👉 View Visofold Bi-Folds
Smart Heritage Bifold Doors
Steel-look frames ideal for heritage or industrial interiors.
👉 Explore Smart Heritage Bi-Folds
Cortizo Sliding Doors
Minimalist sliders with ultra-slim sightlines—perfect for modern orangeries.
👉 View Cortizo Sliding Doors
Orangery Extension Costs (UK Averages)
Costs vary by size, spec, and location, but here’s a rough guide:
| Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Small orangery (3x3m) | £15,000 – £25,000 |
| Medium orangery (4x4m) | £25,000 – £35,000 |
| Large orangery (5m+) | £35,000+ |
Add £3,000–£6,000 for premium glazing packages like bifolds and roof lanterns.
Conclusion
An orangery extension is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make—blending indoor comfort with outdoor connection in a bright, welcoming space.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen extension transformation or a peaceful reading room, choosing the right bifold doors, roof lantern, and roof lights will define your experience for years to come. At GFD Homes, we supply premium aluminium systems to complete your orangery with style, comfort, and longevity.
Build light into your life with an orangery that’s designed for living beautifully.
📞 Call 01642 309576 for help planning your orangery glazing package.
🔍 Explore our GFD Blog for tips, comparisons, and home extension ideas.
FAQs about Orangery Extension
Do I need planning permission for an orangery?
In most cases, no—orangery extensions fall under Permitted Development, but always check local rules or contact a planning consultant.
Are orangeries warm in winter?
Yes—when built with insulated brickwork and fitted with energy-efficient front doors and lanterns, orangeries are usable year-round.
What’s the difference between a roof lantern and a roof light?
A roof lantern is elevated and pyramid-shaped, while a flat roof light is low profile and flush with the ceiling—both bring in natural light, but with different aesthetics.
Can I customise the colour of the doors and lantern?
Absolutely. Our aluminium systems come in a wide range of RAL colours including Anthracite Grey, Black, and White, as well as dual-colour options.
More questions? Don’t worry, we won’t leave you locked out…
- Contemporary Entrance Doors: Why Composite and Aluminium Are Top Choices
- uPVC Windows Near Me: How to Find the Best Quality and Price in Your Area
- Trade Orangery Extension: looking for trade prices? Visit our trade site, The Trade Village.
