Edwardian Conservatory: Pros & Cons, Styles, Costs

With their classic charm, Edwardian conservatories offer a versatile addition to your property. These structures combine classic elegance with practical design, featuring a rectangular or square floor plan and a pitched roof. You can choose from various style options, including hipped-back, which is perfect for properties with height restrictions like bungalows. 

The smallest Edwardian Conservatory size is 3m x 3m (16m2), ideal if you have limited space. This compact size ensures the conservatory provides a cosy and functional room without overwhelming your surroundings, adding a classic touch to your property.

Whether you envision a sunroom or a garden office, the possibilities are endless with their roofs, be it glass, polycarbonate, solid roofs, or a choice between a dwarf, solid bottom panels (infill panels) or a full-height glass wall. 

According to ConservatoryLand, with expert construction and quality materials, a conservatory can stand the test of time, lasting 25 years or more, adding significant value to your property. So, a professionally built Edwardian conservatory is not just a structure; it's a long-term investment.

This guide is your comprehensive resource, covering everything regarding Edwardian conservatories. From understanding the costs involved to exploring the various styles available and even weighing the advantages and disadvantages, this guide will help you understand what to expect. 

If you want to add this classic conservatory to your property, read on confidently. 

If you already have your heart set on an Edwardian Conservatory and are looking for the best prices, fill in the form below to receive an instant quote. 

The Edwardian conservatory style is popular among UK homeowners who want to capture the essence of the Edwardian era in their home design. Its square or rectangular shape provides ample usable space and an elegant aesthetic. The pitched roof also provides abundant natural light and ventilation, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors without leaving home. 

The symmetrical design adds to its traditional charm and visual appeal. Because of its dimensions, the Edwardian-style conservatory is often favoured for functional areas like dining rooms or living rooms, as highlighted in Conservatoryweb's article "The Edwardian Conservatory." 

There are various style options for Edwardian conservatories. Your choice depends on your available space, taste, and budget. 

Let’s look at them:

This style has a flat front, a balanced design, and a rectangular floor plan. The roof slopes back to the centre, providing extra headroom and a spacious feel, says FitterWindows. It suits modern and traditional homes and is perfect for entertaining and everyday use.

The hipped back Edwardian conservatory has a roof that slopes back to the house, forming an angle with the gutter box. It aligns with the house’s existing roofline, creating a seamless look that merges smoothly with the house. This style works well for houses with a low roofline, such as single-storey extensions or bungalows, says Centurion Conservatories. 

This style features a roof that slopes on both sides, making it suitable for homes with height restrictions, such as a bungalow, according to Jon Chambers Windows. The flexible roof design can be easily installed in various building layouts and sizes, ensuring it fits your current property structure well.

When considering the addition of an Edwardian conservatory to your home, it's crucial to remember the minimum dimensions that fall within permitted development for standard type: 

Understanding the details is essential to ensuring your conservatory blends well with your home's structure and fits within your price range per size. 

Remember, you can also seek advice from a professional knowledgeable about conservatory rules and building regulations. They can help you design a structure that complements your home while meeting legal requirements and regulations.

A uPVC option can last over 25 years if constructed with high-quality materials, installed by expert fitters, and properly maintained. 

This durability and its timeless style make an Edwardian conservatory an intelligent choice if you want to expand your living space and property value. 

Adding an Edwardian conservatory to your property can offer many advantages, making it a practical addition. The possibilities are endless, whether you intend to use it as a living room, lounge, or home office. Let's explore why adding an Edwardian conservatory to your property is great.

The Edwardian conservatory design is an excellent use of the available ground area, providing maximum additional space. 

Its distinct pitched roof allows larger extensions than other conservatories, such as lean-to conservatories, often limited by project restrictions. 

This means that starting with an Edwardian conservatory will enable you to expand your property as much as building regulations and permitted development allow, providing practical and elegant solutions for enhancing your home.

However, the design has drawbacks. Let's now examine some of its limitations.

Although an Edwardian conservatory makes a beautiful addition to your home, expect some potential downsides to consider before investing in one. Here, we'll look at the drawbacks of this conservatory style.

Ultimately, the decision to add a regal conservatory to your property rests with you, despite its pros and cons.

Edwardian conservatories come in four distinct types, each designed to suit different aesthetic and functional preferences. The dwarf wall conservatories seamlessly blend with a home's brickwork, providing insulation and aesthetic continuity. 

On the other hand, full-height glass conservatories offer abundant natural light and stunning views of the outdoors, but they tend to be more expensive than other styles. 

The solid-bottom panel (Infill panels) conservatories are a great choice if you value a balance between privacy and light. They feature a solid lower wall with glazing above. 

Lastly, the frames all-around conservatories offer a modern look with a uniform frame structure around all sides, which enhances the panoramic viewing experience. 

When choosing an Edwardian conservatory, consider cost, durability, and how well it harmonises with your existing home structure. Let's look at each type to help you make an informed decision. 

Dwarf walls are short brick walls often used to surround the base of conservatories, porches, or garden rooms. In a traditional Edwardian conservatory, according to Spectrum Glazing, these walls typically support uPVC-framed windows, enhancing the structure's privacy and stability while ensuring a cohesive appearance with the existing brickwork of your property. 

Furthermore, dwarf walls are generally less than one metre high and do not require planning permission, making them a convenient choice for conservatory extensions. 

Dwarf walls, as Durabase states, also offer added benefits such as protection against flooding and dirt, which helps maintain cleanliness and maintenance-free status in the lower glass sections. 

As a natural insulator, these walls are superior to full-height glass, providing a comfortable temperature inside the conservatory throughout the year. 

The design allows plenty of natural light to enter the conservatory, providing security and durability, making dwarf walls ideal for your Edwardian conservatory if you want to add a secure, light-filled conservatory.

However, adding a dwarf wall to your Edwardian conservatory will cost more and take longer to install than other types of walls. So, those are factors to consider. 

Ultimately, the decision to add an Edwardian conservatory with a dwarf wall to your property is personal, based on the space available and the design you desire.

A full-height glass wall conservatory is a type of conservatory that provides superior insulation and an unparalleled view of the outdoors. The glass wall spans from the floor to the ceiling, measuring seven to twelve feet tall. While it is a more expensive option than dwarf wall conservatories, it is a more energy-efficient option. 

Spectrum Glazing says modern Edwardian conservatories prioritise glass over classical design features like dwarf walls, and bi-folding doors are a popular choice for conservatories. Bi-folding doors collapse into a neat concertina shape to the side of the conservatory, letting in more light and linking the outer and inner spaces of the home. 

Full-height frames with a solid bottom panel, also known as lower infill panels, are an excellent choice for Edwardian conservatories because they combine style and function. 

ConservatoryLand says the bottom panel allows natural light to pass while providing privacy, similar to a dwarf wall. Infill panels are a cheaper alternative to dwarf and require less construction time. 

The infill panels are usually solid uPVC and offer excellent insulation, controlling the conservatory’s temperature throughout the year. 

They are also durable and can withstand harsh weather, making them ideal for maintaining a comfortable environment inside the conservatory all year round.

The panels match the Edwardian conservatory's overall look and colour scheme, creating a seamless and unified appearance. This design enhances privacy and reduces outside noise, making it a peaceful place to relax.

Edwardian conservatories with solid bottom panel full-height frames offer both practical benefits and elegant design, making them a desirable choice for enhancing your home's look and functionality.

An Edwardian conservatory with frames all around can be a great addition to your home. Its elegant design and uniform frames characterise this type of conservatory on every side. 

Choosing a conservatory with frames all around can provide ample natural light while giving your home exterior a touch of sophistication.

According to ConservatoryLand, having frames all around creates a unified look and allows for a wider view of your surroundings, making you feel closer to nature. This is because the frames don't interrupt the view, and you can enjoy an unobstructed view of your garden or the surrounding landscape.

You have many options when choosing the right frame material for your conservatory. UPVC is popular for its durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. Aluminium frames‌ are sleek and modern and provide excellent strength and durability. You can customise your conservatory to match your style and preferences with various frame materials, colours, and finishes.

An Edwardian conservatory with frames all around adds elegance, natural light, and unobstructed views to a home.

One of the most crucial decisions when constructing an Edwardian conservatory is choosing the ideal roof style. Three primary types of Edwardian conservatory roofs are available, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. 

As per the blog post "Conservatory roof options–the pros and cons" by Guardian Building System, here are some advantages and disadvantages you should consider while selecting the type of roof for your Edwardian conservatory. 

Glass roofs are a popular choice for Edwardian conservatories as they let in a lot of natural light. However, they can be expensive and may require shading solutions. 

According to Everest, choosing a glass roof for your conservatory creates a bright, spacious and airy room to relax. 

But before deciding, it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of having a glass roof for your Edwardian conservatory. 

Here are some pros and cons to help you decide. 

An Edwardian conservatory with a tiled roof can provide better insulation and a classic appearance. However, this option can be more expensive and heavier than other roofing options. 

Castle Conservatories highlights in their article, “Can I put a tiled roof on my conservatory?, that in recent years, there has been a growing demand for tiled conservatory roofs because of their superior thermal performance, long-lasting nature, and pleasing aesthetics. 

Let's inspect the pros and cons of opting for a tiled conservatory roof.

These roofs offer a lightweight, affordable choice that ensures proper insulation and protection.

The popularity of polycarbonate roofs stems from their lower cost and longevity of 10-20 years before needing replacement. 

Typically, a fully fitted 3m x 4m Edwardian conservatory cost could range from £11,625 -  £13,125. This estimate is for structures built on dwarf walls and includes installation and VAT. The cost of a small 3m x 3m conservatory, fully fitted with uPVC frames, is between £9,000 and £12,000. It's for the smallest size available, highlighted by ConservatoriesOranganies.

The Edwardian conservatory cost vary based on several factors, including size, materials used, and the design’s complexity. However, remember that there are other factors that influences the final cost.

The table details the cost for a 3m x 4m Edwardian conservatory with different roof types and frame types. 

Edwardian conservatory cost ranges, fully-fitted

Whether these prices fall within your budget, remember that your conservatory price will be tailored to your preferences, style, and design choices. Consulting with a tradesperson can help you find the right design, prices, and sometimes even cost-cutting options you may have yet to consider.

With all its beauty, an Edwardian conservatory is an investment in itself. When taking on such a project, it’s wise to work with professionals who can reveal all the hidden aspects, including unforeseen fees. They may even help you cut costs and save time. 

To secure the best deal for your Edwardian conservatory, compare multiple free quotes from suppliers. This comparison can help you find the most affordable options for your needs and budget range.

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