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Victorian Conservatories
The Victorian conservatory is a popular traditional style, characterised by period style finials & finishing.
What is a Victorian Conservatory?
The Victorian conservatory is a popular, multi-faceted structure which has been inspired from late Victorian architecture.
Its steeply pitched roof features fantastic finials and crestings – a popular decorative feature of the times.
The modern UPVC Victorian conservatory has been designed to complement properties both young and old, however its period styling makes it particularly suited to traditional style homes.
Victorian conservatories come in many variations with the most popular being the three-facet Victorian (featuring a bay front with three main windows) and a five-facet Victorian (with five main windows).
Why Choose a Victorian Conservatory?
The Victorian conservatory successfully captures the warmth and richness of its architectural past, making it a highly valued design. Boasting elegant finials and ornate finishing, this classic style will capture the eye of any beholder.
Victorian conservatories can be adapted to suit any style of home – meaning it can enhance the look of both modern and old properties alike. Whether you are looking for a lounge, extra dining room or family area, this conservatory style will add significant value to your property.
What are your options when it comes to fine-tuning your design?
Let’s start by taking a look at the different Victorian conservatory designs.
Victorian Conservatory Styles
The Victorian conservatory comes in a variety of styles including: fully glazed, dwarf-wall and P-shape designs.
A dwarf wall is a highly popular option as it allows room for furniture to sit nicely inside. Still allowing plenty of light and fresh air to enter your conservatory.
Whatever your preferred style, whether you’re after a dwarf-walled conservatory or a fully glazed with floor to ceiling glass panels, your Victorian Conservatory can be made to meet your exact requirements.
It is built in most cases to conform to either a 3- or 5-faceted design. How many sides you have is up to you – it comes down to a matter of personal taste.
The Modern Victorian Conservatory
If you want a contemporary look, then a modern Victorian conservatory style will be your better choice. This look is generally characterised by an emphasis on cleaner, more geometric lines combined with simple frames.
Rather than using a dwarf wall, you may decide to dispense with brick altogether – and use wall-to-ceiling glass at the front to let in as much light as possible.
Bi-fold doors that open from the centre – and which stack to the sides in a neat concertina pattern – would nicely frame your garden and add an additional contemporary twist to your design.
We would recommend looking at aluminium conservatory windows if you are less keen on going down the traditional route.
That’s because aluminium is a more mouldable substance than UPVC – which means it can be used to create finer frames that’ll give your modern Victorian conservatory that all-important minimalist look.
Your chosen installer will, of course, be able to help you further develop your conservatory design ideas to fruition – so you’re not on your own,
The Victorian dwarf wall conservatory
What is a Victorian dwarf wall conservatory? It is normally built no higher than 600mm from the ground and provides a base for your window frames to sit on.
Typically, a dwarf wall will run around the perimeter of your conservatory – but you could use glass interchangeably for effect and to let in more light. The traditional Victorian conservatory always utilises a dwarf wall design – which saves on building costs, as brick is less expensive to buy than glass.
French doors for conservatories
Once you’ve decided upon the shape of your Victorian conservatory, it’s time to think about other important details: like which doors to choose.
A traditional Victorian conservatory will normally feature ornately-designed French doors. These let in less light than modern bi-fold doors – which are growing in popularity (we’ll discuss these shortly) – because of their smaller dimensions; but this doesn’t have to be an issue.
The Combined Victorian Conservatory
The P-shaped Victorian conservatory can be be built in either a traditional or modern guise – hence the reason it sits in a category all of its own. It is best described as a hybrid of the Victorian and Lean-to conservatory styles and utilises the merits of both to great effect.
Because the P-shaped conservatory extends in two different directions, it can be neatly demarcated into two different living areas. The longest part of the projection could be utilised as a dining area, for example – and the remaining section could be used a play area for the children (or even an office – the choice is yours).
Window Frames For Victorian Conservatories
When considering different Victorian conservatory design ideas, think carefully about what material you want to use for your doors and windows.
UPVC, Timber Frame or Aluminium? There is a choice of materials for your new Victorian conservatory.
UPVC is by far the cheapest – but will it help you achieve the look and feel that you want to achieve for your Victorian conservatory?
Aluminium will give you a super sleek look, yet timber will give you a classic aesthetic.
Here are a few of the pros and cons you’ll need to consider when choosing your materials…
UPVC Victorian conservatories
UPVC is an extremely resilient material that will last. It’s also extremely easy to keep clean. This means that you won’t have to repaint the frames again later – hence it requires almost zero maintenance.
From an energy-efficiency perspective, UPVC is also a good choice, as it provides excellent U-values (this is a scale that measures how well a material insulates – the lower the score the better. You can find out more by visiting the British Fenestration Rating Council’s website.
The cost of UPVC casement windows will be much lower than with aluminium or timber framed ones. Expect to part with between £1400-£1700 for 4 windows.
Aluminium Victorian conservatories
Aluminium is even stronger than UPVC, so it will last longer. It’s also a lot more expensive. But if you are thinking of buying a Victorian conservatory with French Patio doors, aluminium might be the better choice.
That’s because it is a more malleable substance, meaning it can be moulded to form slender frames. This in turn will allow more light in – which will help re-enforce the idea of space.
As a guide, expect to pay between £2500-£2900 for 4 aluminium casement windows – but this price will vary depending on the conservatory installer you use.
Timber Victorian Conservatories
Wood is excellent at retaining heat – but it is also a lot more expensive than UPVC. This potential negative if offset by the fact that wooden window frames will make your home more energy efficient – thereby saving you money in the longer-term. They take a lot more effort to maintain than aluminium or UPVC; and, if not looked after, can rot and/or warp.
Timber framed casement windows are less expensive than aluminum but pricier than UPVC. You should be prepared to pay circa £1200-£1400 for good ones.
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Building Regulations for Conservatories
If you want advice on building regulations for conservatories, or want to know if you need planning permission, you should visit the government’s online Planning Portal.
Here you will be able to find your Local Planning Authority, submit an application and (where applicable) buy planning maps.
Having gathered together some Victorian conservatory ideas, you now want to know if you can put them into practice; but looking into building regulations can be long and complicated – so where do you start?
Conservatory Building Regulations: Overview
Since April 2002, new regulations were brought into force to measure things like thermal efficiency and ventilation.
Ventilation for Conservatories
Your Victorian conservatory must be adequately ventilated if it is to comply with current building regulations. To better understand what is required, you’ll need to think carefully about the size of your conservatory.
If is is relatively small, then a trickle vent – which is an opening that’s drilled in to your window and opened/closed using a sliding mechanism – may be sufficient. If your Victorian conservatory design is for a utility room (like a kitchen) then an increased level of ventilation will be required. This means you’ll probably need to think about installing a fan and some extra windows.
An Energy Efficient Conservatory
Your Victorian conservatory must be thermally efficient if it is to retain warmth. This shouldn’t be a problem if you buy thermally efficient glass that prevents heat seepage. You should avoid buying a polycarbonate roof at all costs; that’s because it’s U-value – which calculates how effective a given material is at insulating – is poor in comparison to glass.
If your Victorian conservatory produces a low U-value overall, then it may not be compliant with current building regulations and you could have to make changes to your design.
For further advice about conservatory building regulations requirements, speak to your chosen installer. When you request a quote through our website, we’ll contact you with guideline prices – at which point we’ll ask if you want details of trustworthy companies in your local area.
Conservatory Extension Ideas
Until recently, the terms ‘conservatory’ and ‘extension’ have been treated separately.
The former was viewed as being separate from the main section of the property by way of a lockable door – whereas the latter indicated a building packed with such necessary accoutrements as plumbing and heating.
These definitions are becoming increasingly blurred as clever installers find new and exciting ways to blend the home and conservatory spaces together.
From underfloor heating to conservatory roof vents and electrics, there are many interior features which can be added to your Victorian conservatory.
Today’s modern conservatory extension is all about liveable, all round spaces. A conservatory should be designed to around your home lifestyle, giving you years of enjoyment.
Underfloor Heating For Victorian Conservatories
The interior is just as important as the exterior when it comes to finalising your Victorian conservatory design. Underfloor heating for conservatories is becoming increasingly popular these days – as it’s a great way to keep the structure warm throughout the year. If you want to build a modern Victorian conservatory, it’s an especially good choice; the hidden heating will help to create a minimalist look that’ll be stylistically consistent with your aims. Your chosen installer will be able to calculate how much heat is needed to keep your conservatory at a comfortable temperature.
Controlled Conservatory Roof Vents
Inevitably, your Victorian conservatory will fill with heat from time-to-time – especially if it is connected by way of an open-plan design to your kitchen. When considering different conservatory extension ideas, you may want to look in to adding controlled roof vents.that are thermostatically controlled to release excess heat back in to the stratosphere on balmy summer days.
Living Room Conservatory Ideas
Have you thought about turning your Victorian conservatory in to an open-plan living room? By using floor-to-ceiling glass – and combining it with light-coloured furnishings – you could create a bright open space to relax in on those long summer evenings. Underfloor heating for conservatories – which we suggested earlier – could also be used to make this space habitable throughout the year.
How Much Does a Conservatory Extension Cost?
As a guide, you could pay anywhere between £6000 and £20000 for a conservatory extension.
A full-scale extension, on the other hand, could see you parting with anything up to £30000 – which is a huge difference. The simple reason for this is that extensions are charged per square metre of space.
Another reason to investigate building a Victorian conservatory extension, is that you’ll have less trouble obtaining planning permission from your Local Planning Authority.
Although there are some exemptions, conservatories are in most cases viewed as permissible developments.
Have a look at the government’s online planning portal for more information, or speak to your installer.
Victorian Conservatory Prices
Prices depend upon a variety of factors such as the width, projection, colour, roof type, building works amongst others.
Full Build – Dwarf Wall
Conservatory Size (mm) | Roof Material | Guide Price |
3500 x 3500 | Polycarbonate | £6,500 – £7,500 |
3500 x 3500 | Glass | £7,500 – £8,500 |
3500 x 4000 | Polycarbonate | £7,000 – £8,000 |
3500 x 4000 | Glass | £7,750 – £8,750 |
4000 x 4000 | Polycarbonate | £7,500 – £8,500 |
4000 x 4000 | Glass | £8,500 – £9,500 |
Full Build – Fully Glazed
Conservatory Size (mm) | Roof Material | Guide Price |
3500 x 3500 | Polycarbonate | £6,500 – £7,500 |
3500 x 3500 | Glass | £7,500 – £8,500 |
3500 x 4000 | Polycarbonate | £7,000 – £8,000 |
3500 x 4000 | Glass | £7,750 – £8,750 |
4000 x 4000 | Polycarbonate | £7,500 – £8,500 |
4000 x 4000 | Glass | £8,500 – £9,500 |
Refurbishment – No Base Work
Conservatory Size (mm) | Roof Material | Guide Price |
3500 x 3500 | Polycarbonate | £6,500 – £7,500 |
3500 x 3500 | Glass | £7,500 – £8,500 |
3500 x 4000 | Polycarbonate | £7,000 – £8,000 |
3500 x 4000 | Glass | £7,750 – £8,750 |
4000 x 4000 | Polycarbonate | £7,500 – £8,500 |
4000 x 4000 | Glass | £8,500 – £9,500 |
What is a Victorian Conservatory?
The Victorian conservatory is a popular, multi-faceted structure which has been inspired from late Victorian architecture.
Its steeply pitched roof features fantastic finials and crestings – a popular decorative feature of the times.
The modern UPVC Victorian conservatory has been designed to complement properties both young and old, however its period styling makes it particularly suited to traditional style homes.
Victorian conservatories come in many variations with the most popular being the three-facet Victorian (featuring a bay front with three main windows) and a five-facet Victorian (with five main windows).
The Victorian conservatory is an affordable and stylish way of adding space and visual appeal to your home.
This traditional conservatory style is characterised by its multi-faceted design and classic appearance. A typical Victorian conservatory will feature beautiful French doors and delicately framed glass.
Home owners favouring traditional styles will find themselves inevitably drawn to this classic conservatory design.
This style can be fully glazed or have a dwarf wall incorporated into its base. Which option you choose will depend on your design requirements, however, a dwarf wall or solid conservatory roof will offer more privacy and insulation.
Victorian Conservatory Style: Full of Character
If you are looking to enhance the traditional aspects of your property then the Victorian style complements both period and modern properties alike, bringing a touch of charm and sophistication.
The Victorian conservatory successfully captures the warmth and richness of it’s architectural past, making it a much loved and valued design.
Victorian conservatories are a multi-faceted structure and typically feature a 3 windowed bay-window and a rounded shape that creates a circular room.
This bay can be customised, with 5 additional windows surrounding it, with slim sightlines creating an amazing, unobstructed panoramic view of your outdoor area.
Timeless Conservatory Design
Delicate and ornate, the Victorian conservatory is a great complementary match for those properties of the same era.
Victorian architecture famously incorporated lots of crestings and finials which is why you will find the same architectural details on the Victorian conservatory.
Crestings are either made from aluminium or UPVC. Aluminium crestings are finished with a powdered polyester coating which makes the surface more durable.
UPVC crestings however, are as equally durable and are generally cheaper. Which material you choose will be dependent on your specific requirements.
UPVC Victorian conservatories tend to be more popular with home owners. This is largely due to their low maintenance and low cost design.
Victorian Conservatories Are Versatile
If you prefer an understated look then you may find the typical Victorian conservatory and it’s period details a little overwhelming. However, the great thing about the Victorian conservatory is its versatility.
Today’s modern Victorian conservatory can be as eleaborate or minimalist as you like. Your conservatory installer will work with you to provide you with a design which suits both your property and life style.
The Victorian conservatory can be adapted to suit a wide range of properties. It’s soft round edges make it highly suitable for smaller gardens and properties which lack space.
With the right design and plan, you can turn your Victorian conservatory into a magical space.
Victorian Conservatory Options
Like all forms of conservatory, Victorian conservatories come in a range of different construction styles.
This includes the option between floor-length windows or a dwarf wall which allows for pipework and electrics to be more easily fitted for a multi-purpose garden room.
Underfloor heating is also a possibility, allowing for you to be able to enjoy your conservatory all year round without having to worry about ice-cold floors in the morning.
Roofing options also include a standard polycarbonate roof, a thermally efficient glass roof or a solid roof that replicates a true brick extension and acts as a natural continuation of your property.
If you want to brighten your home then a glass roof is often the best choice. It will bring in large amounts of natural light, creating the illusion of more space.
Highly customisable, your Victorian conservatory can be made bespoke to your needs. This includes choices between 3 or 5 window facets, frame materials and colours, including white or oak affect, as well as overall size and style.
Incredibly versatile and adaptable to fit any kind of property, your new extension will be sure to blend into the look of your property and provide a high quality, multi-purpose room for you to use for years to come.
Classic colours & Finishes
UPVC conservatories are usually chosen in white but there are a large variety of colour options available. If you are looking to maintain a traditional aesthetic, then a wood-grain finish will set an iconic scene.
How do you plan to use your Victorian conservatory? Knowing how will use the space will help when it comes applying the last finishes.
For example, you can give your Victorian conservatory a modern spin with neutral colours and patterns.
Or if you are after a glamorous dining area, then the addition of decadent cushions and decorations will provide you with a feeling of comfort and luxury.
The Victorian Conservatory Roof
The Victorian conservatory has a pitched roof which slopes upwards from its sides. Similar to the roof design of a house, the ridge is the apex part of the roof.
Height & Space Restrictions
A double hipped roof is available with this design if your property has height restrictions. This design can also be made to project out into larger gardens, perfect if you have a garden which is long and narrow.
Conservatory Roof Options
Choosing the right kind of roof for your conservatory can be vitally important for both the overall aesthetic of your extension, and its overall thermal performance.
Up until a few years ago, polycarbonate roofs were used as the standard for most conservatory installations, but have since proved themselves to be not as long-lasting or as thermally secure as other options.
This means that if your conservatory is not as warm as it used to be during the winter months, you are in need of a new conservatory roof.
Glass roofs and solid roofs both have great benefits, whilst both being incredibly thermally efficient.
Solid and tiled roofs make a great match to the roof of your pre-existing property. Your conservatory or extension will appear to be a part of the property rather than appearing to be an added afterthought.
Glass roofs, however, are a great way of bringing in large amounts of natural light, as well as creating the illusion of extra space and bringing a more ornate or contemporary look to your property, depending on the look you are going for.
Get a Victorian Conservatory Price Today
If you are interested in getting a competitive quote for your Victorian conservatory, then you can easily get a quick and affordable price by using our free online Conservatory Cost Calculator.
By using this tool, you can construct your very own bespoke conservatory design from scratch, including styles, materials, features and colours so that it perfectly suits your personal taste; and you will be supplied with a competitive, zero obligation quote soon afterwards.
If you have any additional questions about any of our products or installation services, then don’t hesitate to fill out an online contact form, and one of our friendly and helpful team members will soon be in touch to answer all your queries.
We look forward to hearing from you.