Orangeries for Bungalows: Design Ideas

Dreaming of some extra space and wondering if an orangery is the best choice for your bungalow? It certainly could be…

Adding an orangery to a bungalow is one of the best ways to create extra living space while enhancing the home’s overall feel. 

Whether you are looking for a bright open-plan kitchen, a peaceful garden lounge or simply more room for everyday life, an orangery can completely transform how your bungalow looks and functions. 

That’s why we here at West Midlands Double Glazing & Conservatories have put together this guide, highlighting the best design ideas for bungalow orangiers, making sure you get the most out of your home improvement project.

Why Add an Orangery to your Bungalow?

With the right design, an orangery can feel like a natural extension of the property, bringing in more light, improving the connection to the garden and creating a space you will genuinely use all year round.

Orangies are an effective way to extend a bungalow without losing the character that makes the property feel like home. Combining solid brickwork with large glazed sections and a partially glazed roof, they create a bright, open space that feels more substantial than a standard conservatory while still bringing the outdoors in.

They differ from conservatories by offering a more balanced structure, typically featuring brick pillars, insulated roofs and roof lanterns rather than being made almost entirely from glass. This gives orangeries a more permanent feel, making them better suited for year-round use and helping them blend more naturally with the existing architecture of a bungalow.

Here are some of the benefits of adding an orangery on a bungalow:

• Property value: A well-designed orangery can increase the appeal and market value of your bungalow by adding desirable extra living space. Buyers are often drawn to bright, multifunctional rooms that feel like a natural extension of the home rather than a simple add-on.
• Functional living space: Whether you need a larger kitchen, a dining area, a home office or a second lounge, an orangery gives you flexibility without the disruption of moving house. It creates a practical room that can evolve with your lifestyle over time.
• Natural light: With large windows, glazed doors and roof lanterns, orangeries flood the home with natural light throughout the day. This can make even smaller bungalows feel more open, airy and connected to the garden.
• Blend with existing architecture: Because they incorporate brickwork and more solid structural elements, orangeries tend to complement bungalows more seamlessly than fully glazed conservatories. They can be designed to match the existing rooflines, brick colours and window styles for a cohesive finish.
• Year-round usage: Modern glazing, insulation and heating options make orangeries comfortable in every season. Unlike older conservatories that can feel too hot in summer and chilly in winter, an orangery is designed to function as a true extension of the home all year round.

5 Best Orangery Designs For Bungalows

So, what are some of the best designs for orangery bungalows?

1. Traditional Orangery

Traditional orangeries are known for their timeless appearance, featuring flat roofs with central roof lanterns, brick pillars and large windows that allow plenty of natural light inside. They work particularly well with period or character bungalows, helping preserve the charm of the original property while adding valuable extra space.

Other features of traditional orangeries include decorative cornices, classic French doors, symmetrical layouts and heritage-inspired detailing. Warm neutral colours, timber finishes and elegant lighting also help create a cosy and inviting atmosphere that feels in keeping with older homes.

2. Modern Orangery

Perfect for more contemporary bungalows, modern orangery designs focus on clean lines and minimalist styling. Features often include expansive glass panels, flat or low-pitched roofs, slimline frames, roof lanterns or skylights, and wide bi-fold or sliding doors that open directly onto the garden.

Other features of modern orangeries include open-plan layouts, understated colour palettes and integrated lighting for a sleek finish. Many homeowners also choose polished flooring, aluminium frames and smart heating solutions to create a bright, low-maintenance space that feels effortlessly modern.

3. Lean-To Orangery

Lean-to orangeries are a practical choice for bungalows thanks to their simple, space-efficient structure. Designed with a single sloping roof attached directly to the property, they work particularly well for smaller homes or awkward garden layouts where space may be more limited.

Their streamlined shape creates a clean and understated appearance while still allowing plenty of natural light into the home. Lean-to orangeries are also highly versatile, making them ideal for kitchen extensions, dining spaces or relaxed garden rooms.

4. Lantern Roof Orangery

A lantern roof orangery is ideal for homeowners wanting to maximise natural light while maintaining a more solid, substantial extension. The raised roof lantern becomes a striking focal point, drawing daylight deep into the room and helping the space feel taller and more open.

This style suits both traditional and modern bungalows, depending on the materials and finishes chosen. It works especially well for open-plan kitchen-diners or family rooms where brightness and a sense of space are key priorities.

5. Wrap-Around Orangery

For bungalows with side access or larger gardens, a wrap-around orangery can completely transform the layout of the home. Extending around two sides of the property creates a spacious, flowing interior that connects multiple rooms more naturally.

This style is particularly effective for creating open-plan living areas with dedicated zones for cooking, dining and relaxing. Large glazed sections also help maintain strong connections to the garden, making the entire home feel brighter and more sociable.

Design Considerations for Bungalow Orangeries

Before finalising your orangery design, there are a few important practical considerations to think about. Taking the time to plan these details properly will help ensure the finished space is comfortable, energy efficient and perfectly suited to your bungalow.

• Planning permission: Many bungalow orangeries fall under permitted development rights, but this depends on the size, height and location of the extension. 
• Materials: Choosing existing materials, such as matching brickwork, roof tiles and window finishes, can help the orangery feel like it has always been part of the home.
• Glazing: High-quality glazing improves insulation, energy efficiency and comfort throughout the year. 
• Heating and ventilation: Good ventilation prevents the space from becoming stuffy, especially during summer.
• Character and style: Pay attention to rooflines, proportions, and architectural details to create a more balanced and attractive finish that’s on-theme with the existing style.
• Space and layout: Think carefully about how the orangery will connect to the rest of the home and how you plan to use it day-to-day.
• Roof design: The roof style significantly affects both appearance and light levels. Roof lanterns, skylights and flat roof systems all create slightly different aesthetics and practical benefits.
• Doors and access to the garden: Bi-fold, sliding or French doors can completely change how the space interacts with the outdoors. 
• Lighting: Natural light is important during the day, but layered lighting is equally important in the evenings. 
• Furniture placement: It’s worth planning furniture layouts early in the design process to avoid awkward spacing later on. 

Popular Room Choices for Bungalow Orangeries

Now, the exciting part – deciding what to do with your new space! 

The options are endless with bungalow orangies, but some of the most popular ways to use your orangery include:

1. Dining Room

Enjoy your meals with a view of your lovely garden with natural light streaming in. 

Add in a large dining table with comfortable seating, some built-in storage for dinnerware (such as glasses and placemats) and include statement lighting fixtures to set the ambience for the room.

A dining orangery works especially well for homeowners who enjoy entertaining guests or hosting family gatherings. The combination of open space and garden views helps create a more relaxed atmosphere, ideal for everything from casual breakfasts to special occasions.

2. Home Office

What better way to work than with the views of the garden to escape to, and the privacy of slipping into another room of the home to make important work calls?

Set up with a spacious desk (try a standing desk for mobility!), storage cabinets, a supportive office chair and a bookshelf lined with everything you need to succeed and you have your very own home office.

Natural light can also help make the working day feel more productive and enjoyable, particularly when compared to darker spare rooms or cramped corners of the house. Adding soft furnishings, rugs and plants can help the space feel professional without becoming too clinical.

3. Small Lounge

Sometimes, having a bit of extra space can make all the difference – especially if your family’s television preferences vary! 

Furnish this room with a cosy L-shaped sofa for ultimate relaxation, an ottoman footstool to put your feet up and store cosy blankets and warm side lamps for reading. 

A small lounge orangery can quickly become the most-used room in the home, particularly during spring and summer when the garden feels like part of the living space.

4. Play Room

Want a space for the kids to make as much mess as possible, while keeping the rest of the home neat and tidy? 

A playroom is a great choice for bungalow orangeries, giving the little ones their own dedicated space. Decorate in bright colours with comfy bean bags, storage units to keep toys organised and little desks for colouring and painting.

The large windows also make it easier to keep an eye on children while they play, and the extra natural light helps create a cheerful environment during the day. 

Ready to Build your Orangery Bungalow?

A well-designed orangery can completely change the way you use your bungalow, creating a brighter, more spacious home that feels both practical and inviting. Whether you prefer a traditional design full of character or a sleek modern extension with expansive glazing, there are plenty of ways to tailor an orangery to suit your property and lifestyle.

That’s where West Midlands Double Glazing & Conservatories step in.

With over 150 positive Google reviews, we’ve built a reputation as one of the most reliable and customer-focused companies in the region. We also offer a variety of financing options, including buy-now-pay-later plans, and, at the time of writing, we’re the only provider in the West Midlands to offer financing terms of up to 20 years for conservatory projects.

Ready to start planning your bungalow orangery? Get in touch with a member of our amazing team today to book in for your FREE quote and consultation.