What is the Difference Between Roof Lanterns and an Orangery?

When it comes to letting light into your home, roof lanterns and orangeries are popular choices, but what are the differences between the two?

Both are structurally similar, consisting of bricks and glass roofs and deciding which is better suited to your home can be a challenge. Luckily, the Aliwood team are here to help. Using our extensive knowledge and experience, we thought we would provide a run-down of both!

What are orangeries?

Orangeries are perhaps less popular than roof lanterns, you may not have heard of them before. They date back to the 17th century where they were used to shelter citrus trees during the colder months. The bricks were specially designed to retain heat and, the glass ceiling and windows let in the right amount of light to allow the trees to still grow. These were usually reserved for those with money and could be found on big estates. An orangery is considered to be the parent of the roof lantern. 

Benefits of orangeries 

In the 21st century, the need for orangeries to store citrus fruit trees has faded. Now, these extensions are used in homes to add extra living space and to let in more light. They are a perfect way to merge the outside with the inside of your home. Orangeries are designed to fit in with the home. Unlike a conservatory, they blend in seamlessly with the rest of the property, so it doesn’t look as disjointed. Adding an orangery to your home can completely transform your space. You are almost adding a brand-new room, increasing the size of your property. It can then be used as a dining room, playroom, office, or just about anything. 

Are there any disadvantages to an orangery? 

Unlike roof lanterns, orangeries require a full extension to your house and cannot be placed onto an existing room. Adding one to your home can take up your precious garden and if you are running short on outdoor space, these wouldn’t be a viable option. These types of extensions are also more expensive than roof lanterns so, if you’re looking to keep the cost down, an orangery may not be the right choice for you.

Roof lanterns 

Roof lanterns are glass and timber structures that can be added to existing rooms of the house. Despite rising to fame in the Victorian era, the roof lantern has evolved from the humble roots of the oculus in The Pantheon built in 27BC. Modern roof lanterns are more waterproof than their open aired ancestors, but still follow the same function – to let in more light. In the 18th and 19th century, many large houses included conservatories and orangeries to provide daylighting. Many working-class Victorians would’ve also incorporated light into their home with roof lanterns in interior stairwells of their shared housing.

Advantages of Roof lanterns

The main benefit of roof lanterns is being able to add one to existing rooms of your house with no need for an extension. These beautiful additions can be fitted into just about any room in your home to provide amazing daylighting. If you’re looking for a way to increase light flow, then this is the way to do it. The extra light in your rooms can help improve your mental and physical well-being and even increase productivity. In a time when people are still working from home, getting as much sunlight into your space is important. Why not add a roof lantern to your home office to open up to room and maximise the light during the summer!

Roof lanterns can also add value to your home. If you’re planning to sell your house further down the line, this feature will allow your home to stand out from others and make your property unique. It can also allow you to sell your house for a higher price.

Which is better?

Now you know about both options, let’s see which is better! If you’re looking to cut costs, improve your current space and maximise the light in your house – a roof lantern is the way to go. Here at Aliwood, we can provide bespoke roof lanterns for your home for any room you choose. Our Essex roof lanterns are fitted with high insulting 4/16/4mm toughened glass. This ensures that wherever you install one, you won’t lose any heat in the winter. The glass we use also has solar control which will reduce the build-up of heat during the summer. 

Get in touch 

If reading this has allowed to you decide between an orangery or a roof lantern for your home, then Aliwood are here to help you further. Get in contact with our wonderful team today to discuss your quote and to get started on your roof lantern installation. You can also call us on 01245 967107 – we look forward to hearing from you!