What’s the Difference Between a Sunroom and Conservatory?

When it comes to sunrooms and conservatories, there is often a lot of confusion about the two. What is the difference between them? Do they serve the same purpose? Can you convert a conservatory into a sunroom? In this blog post, we will answer all of these questions and more. We will discuss the differences between sunrooms and conservatories in terms of their construction, materials used, sunlight exposure, and purpose. We will also explore whether or not it is possible to convert a conservatory into a sunroom, and if so, how much it would cost.

What Is the Difference Between a Sunroom and a Conservatory?

The biggest difference between a sunroom and a conservatory is the intent behind the design. A sunroom is meant to be a place where you can enjoy the outdoors without having to deal with the elements, such as sun, wind, and rain. Conservatories, on the other hand, are designed for plants. They provide a controlled environment where plants can thrive year-round, regardless of the weather outside.

This difference is reflected in the construction of sunrooms and conservatories. Sunrooms are typically built with large windows that let in a lot of natural light. They are also usually made with materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as hurricane-force winds and heavy rains. Conservatories, on the other hand, are built with glass walls and a roof that is ideal for maximum exposure to the sun. This also allows them to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, which is ideal for plants.

To expand on this difference between sunrooms and conservatories, the amount of sunlight each room gets is a good way to tell which is which. Sunrooms are designed to let in a fair amount of natural sunlight and allow the homeowner to feel as if they are outdoors, without all the drawbacks. Conservatories are designed to protect plants from the cold weather but to let the plants receive as much sunlight as if they would completely outdoors.

History of the Conservatory and the Sunroom

While the general idea of the sunroom can be traced back to ancient Rome, the modern sunroom as we know it today started to gain popularity in America in the early 1900s. This was around the same time that conservatories began to fall out of favor in Europe. In America, sunrooms were seen as a way to enjoy the outdoors without having to deal with harsh weather conditions.

Halfway through the 20th century, sunrooms started to become more popular in Europe as well. This was due in part to the development of new building materials that could better withstand extreme weather conditions. In the last few decades, sunrooms have continued to grow in popularity, both in America and Europe.

As for conservatories, they gained popularity in England during the Victorian era. This was a time when many people were interested in plants and gardening. Conservatories provided a way for people to grow plants year-round, regardless of the weather outside.

The peak of popularity for the conservatory was during the mid 19th century. However, after World War I, conservatories began to fall out of favor. This was due in part to the fact that many people could not afford to maintain them. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in conservatories, both in England and America.

Can You Convert a Conservatory Into a Sunroom?

Now that we have explored the differences between sunrooms and conservatories, you may be wondering if it is possible to convert a conservatory into a sunroom.

The answer is yes! However, it is important to note that this will generally require some major renovations. This is because sunrooms and conservatories are built with different materials and for different purposes.

If you are considering converting a conservatory into a sunroom, it is important to consult with a professional. They will be able to give you an estimate of the cost of the renovations as well as how long the process will take. Generally speaking, it will cost several thousand dollars to convert a conservatory into a sunroom.

Wrapping Up

So, what’s the difference between a sunroom and a conservatory? In short, sunrooms are designed for people, and conservatories are designed for plants.

Sunrooms let in a lot of natural light and are usually made with materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Conservatories are built with glass walls and a roof that is ideal for maximum exposure to the sun. This also allows them to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, which is ideal for plants.

If you are considering converting one into the other, it is important to consult with a professional. The cost of renovations can be significant, but the end result will be a room that better suits your needs.