Types of Conservatory: Kitchen Conservatory

Are you thinking about transforming your kitchen into a bright, airy space that seamlessly blends the indoors with the outdoors? A kitchen conservatory might be the perfect solution.

One of the most popular additions to any home is a kitchen conservatory extension. Not only do these structures add additional space, but they also look great and can increase your property’s value.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about kitchen conservatories, from design options to practical benefits. Whether you’re looking to create a stunning dining area, a cosy family space, or a culinary haven filled with natural light, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive into the world of kitchen conservatories and discover how you can elevate your home to new heights.

What is a kitchen conservatory?

For most people, kitchens are the heart of a home, where family meals take place. Unfortunately, many households don’t have enough space to turn their kitchen into a communal hub—that’s where conservatories come in.

These structures are built onto your kitchen and feature design features associated with traditional conservatories. They have roofs and use glass panes to maximise natural light, often creating a dining area. Most use timber or uPVC frames and come in a range of styles.

The benefits of kitchen conservatory extensions:

• More light: Conservatories are renowned for their ability to let natural light flow into your property. They use large glass panes, which can reduce your reliance on artificial heating, helping you save money on utility bills.

• Living space: Growing families often have to move home for more space, but adding a kitchen conservatory can maximise your living area and avoid the stresses of selling your home.

• Functionality: Many households turn their kitchen conservatories into dining areas or use them for extra wall space.

• Connections: Imagine creating a seamless transition between the outdoors and indoors. Kitchen conservatories can be ideal for entertaining guests and al fresco dining (without actually being outside).

• Property value: Investing in a conservatory kitchen extension can set your home apart from other properties, making it an attractive prospect for potential buyers. According to On The Market, a traditional conservatory can increase your property value by up to 7%.

The types of kitchen conservatory extension

There are plenty of kitchen conservatories to choose between, and the right one for you depends on your preferences and property style. While some structures can accommodate conservatories of all designs, others might need to choose an option that fits their property.

Lean-to kitchen conservatories

A lean-to conservatory extension is one of the most popular options for UK homes, as it suits a diverse selection of property styles. These conservatories use external walls of your existing building and have a unique sloping design.

They’re easy to construct and suit smaller properties with less wall space but are often much smaller than other conservatories.

Pros:

• Terraced and semi-detached properties with limited external space can accommodate lean-to conservatories.

• As they use your existing walls, these conservatories are cheaper to make and install, saving money.

• Sloping roofs can attract natural light into your property without requiring extensive renovations.

• While elaborate conservatories require more maintenance, lean-to versions are simpler to clean.

Cons:

• Lean-to conservatories are simplistic in design, so there’s little room for decorative and elaborate features.

• The design is best suited to modern properties, although some homes with traditional kitchens still use them.

Victorian kitchen conservatories

If you want to add traditional charm to your property while prioritising functionality, a Victorian kitchen conservatory is a wise investment. With large windows and a glass roof letting natural light flood your kitchen, these conservatories never fail to make an impression.

A significant benefit of Victorian designs is that they focus on ornate details. You can add a lot of character to your new space, transforming a simple room into a focal point.

Pros:

• Victorian designs create a warm and inviting atmosphere while making an instant impression. Their natural beauty is indisputable.

• Traditional properties lose their appeal with modern elements, but Victorian kitchen conservatory extensions add character to the building.

• Installing a Victorian conservatory lets you get creative with your new multi-functional space.

• Conservatories often add value to properties, and a Victorian extension will make your home stand out.

Cons:

• With their elaborate designs and glass roofs, Victorian conservatories are more expensive than basic designs.

• The ornate features of these conservatories might overshadow modern homes.

• Most people find Victorian conservatories require more cleaning and maintenance.

Georgian kitchen conservatories

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of timeless design and modern functionality, a Georgian kitchen conservatory won’t disappoint. Unlike Victorian designs, the Georgian style focuses on small details and clean lines, making them ideal for modern homes.

These conservatories are symmetrical, and have large glass panes that allow natural light into the area. The range of customisation features also makes aligning the conservatory with your kitchen easy.

Pros:

• Georgian conservatories can be more affordable than Victorian designs, making them an ideal compromise if you want something more elaborate than a traditional lean-to conservatory extension.

• Their rectangular or square design is perfect for open-plan kitchens, enabling you to maximise space.

• The large windows and roofs in Georgian conservatories attract natural light into the kitchen.

• Georgian designs focus on minimalism, making conservatories easier to clean and maintain.

Cons:

• If you love classic and ornate features, a Georgian conservatory kitchen extension might not suit your needs, as these designs are all about minimalism.

• The large windows can lead to overheating in the summer, but you can avoid this by choosing double or triple-glazing options.

• While the conservatories suit many property styles, they might not align with new builds.

Edwardian kitchen conservatories

If you’re looking for the perfect compromise between Georgian and Victorian designs, an Edwardian kitchen conservatory offers ornate details while maintaining a degree of minimalism.

Known for their rectangular shapes and high-pitched roof styles, Edwardian conservatories focus on creating extra space. They’re elegant solutions for homes of all styles, adding subtle detailing without damaging the clean lines.

Pros:

• Edwardian conservatories attract natural light into your property, lighting the kitchen and creating a welcoming dining space.

• Both modern and traditional properties come to life with Edwardian designs.

• If you want to combine natural beauty with affordability, Edwardian conservatories are often more affordable than Victorian and some Georgian designs.

• Their unique design means you can customise the conservatory to your needs, including creating an open-plan kitchen or dining area.

Cons:

• While these conservatories are less elaborate than Victorian designs, they might not work with ultra-modern kitchens.

• Large glass panes can attract excess heat in the summer months, but choosing Edwardian conservatories with triple glazing reduces these risks.

• If you opt for a conservatory roof lantern with intricate details, it might be harder to clean.

Kitchen conservatory design elements

Kitchen conservatories can add value to your home and maximise space. The great thing about installing one is that you can get creative and make a statement. Here are some kitchen conservatory ideas to inspire you.

Create a living space

Most people install kitchen conservatories for extra dining space or to create a transition between the kitchen and garden. If you plan on using it for eating, you’ll need to ensure there’s enough room for a dining table and any other furnishings.

These rooms can get colder in winter, but installing underfloor heating will maintain comfortable temperatures. Some people use their conservatories as storage solutions or as extra cooking areas, so they need to ensure ample wall space for counters.

Opt for strong glazing

The glazing you choose will significantly affect the performance of your conservatory. While single-glazing has its benefits, a double-glazed extension will provide more thermal efficiency. Triple glazing is the best option for maximum performance, but it will cost more.

When installing a glass kitchen extension, consider your surrounding area. If you live in a busy city, triple-glazed panes might be best, as they can block out traffic noise.

Choose durable materials

Materials are one of the most important decisions you’ll make, as they determine the cost and longevity of your kitchen conservatory. The two most popular materials are uPVC and timber.

While each has its benefits, wooden conservatories offer more aesthetic appeal, and technological advances mean they now last longer and require less maintenance. Ultimately, it depends on your preferences, but hardwoods allow Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian styles to shine.

Inject style with doors and lighting

If you’re using the conservatory as a dining room, you’ll need to ensure adequate space to accommodate cabinetry and lighting for the winter months. These interior design elements allow you to align the kitchen and dining area, adding a contemporary or traditional appeal.

Doors make a massive difference in an open-plan kitchen conservatory, and opting for bifold doors gives you a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.

Things to consider when planning for a conservatory kitchen extension

Installing a kitchen conservatory extension is an excellent way to enhance your living space and increase the property’s value, but these additions are investments. Before investing in a conservatory, remember to consider the following factors.

Will you need planning permission?

Planning permission isn’t usually necessary for a kitchen conservatory as long as it meets building regulations. The government’s planning portal can help you determine whether you’ll need to apply for permission, but it depends on the conservatory’s size and style.

How much will your kitchen conservatory extension cost?

If you’re wondering how much the conservatory will cost, it’s important to remember that numerous factors define your quote. For example, Victorian styles usually cost more than Edwardian conservatories, while a lean-to conservatory extension is the most affordable.

Which roof style suits your needs?

Opting for a solid roof structure can keep your conservatory extension cool, but it doesn’t let as much light in. Flat roofs are more affordable options, but many people prefer pitched roofs, as they allow light into the room and accommodate ornate detailing.

Will your chosen materials be energy efficient?

Opting for uPVC can save money initially, but timber is an energy-efficient material that offers years of security. Investing in a hardwood kitchen conservatory gives you access to more options, including oak, idigbo, and sapele—each offering a classic and elegant appearance.

Are you ready to add a beautiful kitchen conservatory to your home?

Kitchen conservatory extensions are a great way to create an inviting cooking, eating and relaxation space. Better still, they can add value to your home and appeal to prospective buyers.

If you’re unsure which kitchen conservatory style suits your needs, our friendly team is always happy to offer advice. We create our hardwood conservatories in-house, ensuring they match your specifications and blend seamlessly with your home.

Our customers can take advantage of high-quality timber and a variety of finishes. Please get in touch today for a free quote. We look forward to bringing your vision to life.