Victorian and Edwardian Conservatories: What’s the difference?

Versatile, practical and undeniably stylish, Victorian and Edwardian conservatories are an enduring feature in residential and commercial buildings across the UK – and it’s not hard to see why! Conservatories offer a little extra room for storage, entertaining or relaxing, and when engineered to a high standard can make a great addition to traditional and contemporary homes alike.

However, in saying so, modern conservatories can be constructed in a number of different styles so it can be inherently challenging to find the ideal design for your home. Both Victorian and Edwardian conservatories are hugely popular in the UK, with both styles offering to combine natural light and traditional aesthetics with modern conveniences such as heightened energy efficiency and security.

So what is the difference between a Victorian and an Edwardian conservatory? And which one is right for your home?

What is a conservatory?

A conservatory is a living space with a single wall connecting it to the rest of your home, much like a traditional extension or a sunroom. Conservatories are often constructed for the purpose of bringing a homeowner and their family closer to their garden or other outdoor area and can foster a sense of intimacy with a garden or patio.

As modern conservatories are most often used to provide a home with additional living spaces, they are often fully furnished like the rest of a home would be with furniture and curtains. Conservatories also naturally maximise natural light with expansive panes of glass and come in a variety of different designs including Victorian and Edwardian styles.

Victorian Conservatories

Spanning more than 60 years during the reign of Queen Victoria, the Victorian era encompasses a number of overlapping architectural styles including Gothic Revival and Folk Victorian. In general, Victorian architecture is characterised by large windows, ornamental decoration, a pitched roof and asymmetry.

In contrast to the simple design of an Edwardian conservatory, Victorian conservatories are wonderfully ornate and grand. While there are designs on the market with floor-to-ceiling glass, most Victorian conservatories are most often engineered with dwarf walls and are highly decorative with crests, spike finials and an ornate, almost Gothic style. Lavish in design with a plethora of ornate features, Victorian conservatories are instantly recognisable by their signature, multi-faceted shape. This rounded front is typical of a traditional bay window and allows for a panoramic vista of your outdoor spaces. It can also make your internal living spaces within the conservatory feel considerably more spacious.

Edwardian Conservatories

Inspired by King Edward VII’s love for French architecture, the Edwardian era stretched for only a decade from the very beginning of the 20th century – yet the period’s influence over British architecture is indisputable. Edwardian architecture, from which Edwardian style conservatories emerged, is considered Neo-Baroque and was decidedly less opulent and garish than the Victorian era.

Although similar in style to a Victorian conservatory, an Edwardian conservatory is not as ornate as its historical predecessor. A classic style with more subdued lines and a symmetrical shape, Edwardian conservatories are square or rectangular with a tall pitched roof and flat front. This is in contrast to Victorian conservatories, the multi-faceted shape of which is almost circular in design. As a result, Edwardian conservatories are ideal for installation in both period properties and contemporary homes alike. This is because the style walks the line between traditional architecture reminiscent of a bygone era and modern, minimalist design.

Which conservatory is right for my home?

Choosing between an opulent Victorian-style conservatory and a more simple yet equally as stunning Edwardian style can be a tricky decision for any homeowner. However, at the end of the day, the conservatory style you choose for your home will come down to the unique specifications of your property, including the year it was built and its own architectural style, as well as your personal tastes.

Traditional Conservatory Styles at Majestic Designs

The team at Majestic Designs have been engineering our range of bespoke conservatories in-house, at our cutting-edge state-of-the-art factories in Cheddar, for more than 19 years. Our fully employed team of highly skilled FENSA accredited and MTC registered lead installers boast a wealth of expertise and industry knowledge and can guide you from consultation to installation with the utmost professionalism and exceptional customer service.

Our traditional style conservatories are engineered to the exact specifications of our customers with energy efficiency and security in mind. With A+14 rated double glazing, internal beading, innovative thermal bars and a dazzling array of modern features, our range of Victorian and Edwardian conservatories combine the traditional aesthetics of a bygone era with modern convenience.

If you would like any more information about our range of Victorian and Edwardian conservatories, contact Majestic Designs today.