Orangeries – growing space and garden living combined

An orangery combines the light and shelter of a greenhouse with additional space for relaxation, dining and enjoying the garden. It can provide room for flowers, herbs, vegetables and other plants while also accommodating chairs, a table or a comfortable seating area.

For many garden owners, this combination is the main attraction: you can enjoy the atmosphere of the garden while being sheltered from wind and rain, and the generous glazing creates a bright connection between the interior and the surrounding outdoor space.

What is an orangery?

Traditionally, orangeries were designed to protect citrus trees and other exotic plants in colder climates. Modern garden orangeries have developed into much more versatile structures.

Today, an orangery can function as a spacious greenhouse, garden room or a combination of the two. Compared with a greenhouse designed mainly for cultivation, an orangery typically places greater emphasis on space, light, appearance and comfortable use.

Dancover offers orangeries in different sizes and designs, including models with polycarbonate panels and models combining polycarbonate roofs with glass sides.

Grow plants and create a place to relax

One of the main advantages of an orangery is that you do not have to choose between growing and garden living.

You can dedicate one part of the space to tomatoes, chillies, herbs, flowers or other plants and use another for a table, chairs or a small lounge area. This makes the orangery suitable for anything from morning coffee among the plants to dinner or quiet moments in the garden when the weather outside is less inviting.

The generous windows and transparent panels also help maintain views of the garden, creating a bright and open atmosphere.

Polycarbonate, glass or a combination?

The materials vary between orangery models, and each solution has its own advantages.

Polycarbonate panels are lightweight, durable and impact-resistant. Twin-wall polycarbonate roof panels can also provide useful insulation while diffusing sunlight.

Glass panels provide excellent transparency and clear views of the garden. Some Dancover orangeries combine a polycarbonate roof with tempered glass sides, bringing together a robust roof construction with the visual clarity of glass.

Always check the specifications of the individual model when panel thickness, materials, ventilation or other technical details are important to you.

Orangery or greenhouse – which should you choose?

Choose a traditional [greenhouse] if your main priority is creating an efficient growing space for vegetables, herbs, seedlings and flowers.

Choose an orangery if you also want enough room and visual appeal to use the structure as part of your outdoor living space.

A [polycarbonate greenhouse] can be a practical choice when durability, insulation and cultivation are the main priorities, while a [glass greenhouse] offers excellent transparency and the classic greenhouse look.

If growing space is more important than appearance and you want an economical solution with plenty of room, a [polytunnel greenhouse] may be more suitable.

Choose the right size and location

Before selecting an orangery, think about how you want to divide the space between plants and people.

A few chairs require relatively little room, but a dining table, larger plants, shelving or several growing areas quickly increase the space required. Choosing a slightly larger model can provide more freedom to change the layout later.

Place the orangery on a stable, level base with good access and plenty of daylight. Consider how it fits naturally into the garden and whether you want it close to the house or positioned as a separate destination further into the garden.

Access to water is useful for growing, while electricity can be helpful if you plan to use lighting or suitable heating.

Ventilation, warmth and seasonal use

An orangery can extend both the growing season and the amount of time you spend enjoying your garden, but conditions inside will still change with the seasons.

Ventilation is important during warm weather, when temperatures can rise quickly inside a glazed structure. Many models therefore include ventilation windows that help regulate heat and humidity.

During cooler periods, suitable heating can make the space more comfortable for people and may help protect certain plants. However, an unheated orangery should not automatically be considered frost-free or suitable for comfortable year-round living.

Lighting can also extend the hours you use the space during darker evenings, turning the orangery into an inviting garden retreat well beyond the summer months.

Assembly and everyday care

Many Dancover orangeries are designed for self-assembly and are supplied with detailed instructions. Some models use systems designed to simplify installation, such as sliding panel assembly.

An orangery is still a substantial structure with many components, so careful preparation, a level base and following the assembly instructions are essential. Larger models are generally easier and safer to assemble with several people.

Maintenance depends on the materials, but aluminium frames and polycarbonate panels require relatively little ongoing care. Glass and panels should be cleaned when necessary, while doors, windows, fixings and gutters should be checked periodically.

Frequently asked questions about orangeries

What is the difference between an orangery and a greenhouse?

A greenhouse is primarily designed for growing plants. An orangery also provides growing conditions but generally offers more space and emphasis on appearance and comfortable seating, allowing it to function as both a growing area and a garden room.

Can you grow vegetables in an orangery?

Yes. Tomatoes, chillies, herbs, salads and many other greenhouse plants can be grown in an orangery, provided they receive suitable light, ventilation, water and temperature conditions.

Can an orangery be used all year round?

The structure can remain in place throughout the year, but comfort and growing conditions depend on outdoor temperatures, sunlight, ventilation, insulation and any heating you use. An unheated orangery is not automatically frost-free.

Are Dancover orangeries made from polycarbonate or glass?

Both are available. Some models use polycarbonate panels, while others combine materials such as polycarbonate roofing and tempered glass sides. Always check the specifications for the individual orangery.