Victorian Conservatory

The History of Victorian Conservatories

Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 until 1901, and with such a long reign the Victorian architecture period actually covers a range of styles. Generally, the architecture of this period borrowed many of its features from a mixture of historic styles along with Middle-Eastern and Asian influences. The start of the Victorian era roughly coincided with the production in the UK of cylinder blown sheet glass in 1832. This was a manufacturing method which allowed the production of sheets of glass which were larger and of better quality than those produced with previous methods. Glass manufacturing was further advanced in 1848 with the cast plate method of production which again increased size and quality whilst lowering the cost of glass.

The repeal of a glass tax in the UK in 1845 along with technical advances which made steel viable as a building material led to the construction of The Crystal Palace in London during the Great Exhibition of 1851. The Crystal Palace was the largest glass building that had ever been produced at the time, and astonished visitors with its clear walls and ceilings and impressive size. It was this incredible building which kick-started the trend for glass architecture in public, horticultural and domestic buildings.

Characteristics of Victorian conservatory

A Victorian style conservatory may feature design elements like gothic arched glazing bars, decorative roof crestings and finials, intricately leaded glass, large decorative pillars or other architectural flourishes.

There is no set layout for a Victorian conservatory, however one of the things which gained popularity in the early era was angled bay windows – a window which protrudes to the outside of a building with three sections of window at 45 degree angles to one another to create extra internal space and natural lighting.

This style design carries over to what may commonly be thought of as a Victorian style conservatory today – the front of the building has this same “bay style” layout with 45 degree angled frames, and a roof which follows the same shape, with hips and rafters meeting at a central point and adjoining a common ridge.

This design feature may be on the end of a simple, largely rectangular structure, or it may be incorporated into a more complicated design. Almost any shape is possible, including “U” shaped and “X” shaped buildings with Victorian bay frontages, but more commonly seen are “P” and “T” shaped buildings where the main body of a conservatory is of a “Lean-to” design adjoining a house wall, with a further protruding section at one end or in the centre of the building.

Buying a Victorian lean to conservatory from Orangeries UK

When you purchase a Victorian lean to conservatory from Orangeries UK, you are purchasing the most popular style of conservatory. A Victorian conservatory is highly versatile, yet maintains a classical appearance, whilst continuing to meet building regulations.

An investment in a Victorian lean to conservatory for your home, will be the best decision you made towards enhancing your home.

From initial consultation through to installation, the Orangeries UK team will work with you to ensure that your Victorian conservatory is designed to meet building regulations and it will be installed taking into account all security precautions. We even take care of planning permission for you.

The friendly Orangeries UK sales team are ready and waiting to take your call, and will guide you through the whole process, ensuring that your experience of purchasing a high security Victorian conservatory through Orangeries UK is plain sailing.

Bespoke Victorian conservatory styles

Every conservatory that is manufactured in the dedicated Orangeries UK joinery is made from the highest quality, FSC accredited hardwoods, meaning they aren’t just durable, but they’re weather proof – essential in the changeable British climate. Every Victorian conservatory comes with excellent weather resistant coatings, and all at an affordable price.

We guarantee each of our bespoke conservatories for a minimum of 5 years, so no matter what design you opt for, your hardwood Victorian conservatory will continue to please and delight for many years to come.

You can have your wooden Victorian conservatory finished in any stain or premium Farrow and Ball paint you desire. We offer a range of beautiful natural timber stains, ensuring that your traditional Victorian conservatory ties in with your existing property.

Every conservatory that is manufactured in the Orangeries UK workshop has been individually designed and expertly crafted by one of our skilled craftsmen, using a combination of CNC machinery and the most traditional hand craftsmanship. So you know when you purchase your Victorian conservatory through us, you aren’t just buying a home improvement, you’re purchasing quality.

Finally, all of the roof options for your Victorian conservatory can be custom designed to suit your tastes, from toughened glass to solid roof options, our team of designers and structural engineers can talk you through your options to guarantee you get the Victorian conservatory style you want.

Benefits of a Victorian conservatory

Not sure if a Victorian conservatory is the conservatory style for you? Think again.

• Unparalleled panoramic views of your garden or the vista your conservatory looks out onto.
• Ornate styling and eye catching building designs.
• Suitable for any property from older buildings to newer builds.
• Increase the footprint of your home considerably.
• Cost effective addition.
• Great thermal performance quality.
• High security with toughened glass.