In New England, where seasons shift from snowy winters to warm, flower-filled summers, the dream of enjoying the outdoors from the comfort of your home is timeless. Whether you picture sipping morning coffee in a cozy sunroom, tending plants in a glass-roofed solarium, or hosting friends in a conservatory-style space, there’s a design to fit your lifestyle.
This guide explains the differences between a sunroom, solarium, conservatory, greenhouse, and orangerie—and how Sunspace Sunrooms can adapt to each style to create the perfect addition for your home.
What Is a Sunroom?
A sunroom is a glass-enclosed addition with an opaque roof designed to let in abundant light while maintaining energy efficiency. Often called a three-season room or four-season room, it extends your living space without the cost of a full home addition.
Why it works in New England:
- Provides shelter from wind, rain, and snow.
- Allows comfortable use in spring, summer, and fall—or all year with proper insulation.
- Customizable with WeatherMaster Windows & Doors for ventilation and climate control.
Explore our Sunspace Model 400 and WeatherMaster Windows for year-round comfort.
What Is a Solarium?
A solarium is a room constructed entirely of glass walls and often a glass roof to maximize sunlight exposure. Originally designed for light therapy and plant cultivation, today’s solariums are elegant living spaces.
Pros:
- Bright, airy, and filled with natural light.
- Ideal for showcasing views of gardens, lakes, or wooded areas.
Considerations for New England:
- Needs high-performance glazing to retain heat in winter.
May require shading solutions like Sunspace Sunshades in summer.
What Is a Conservatory?
A conservatory is a glass-walled structure, often with ornate architecture, historically used to house exotic plants. Think Victorian or Edwardian-style greenhouses—but attached to your home and designed for comfort.
Benefits:
- Adds timeless elegance and property value.
- Can serve as both a living space and a plant-friendly environment.
New England adaptation: Stronger framing, insulated glass, and snow-load-rated roofs for year-round use.
What Is a Greenhouse?
A greenhouse is primarily designed for cultivating plants. It uses transparent walls and roofing to trap heat, creating a warm, humid environment perfect for growing flowers, vegetables, or tropical plants.
Difference from a solarium or conservatory:
- Function-first design for plant growth.
- May not be insulated for human comfort year-round.
Hybrid idea: Combine greenhouse glazing with WeatherMaster windows to create a space that’s both a plant haven and a relaxing retreat.
Orangeries & Other Historic Inspirations
An orangerie originated in 17th-century Europe as a stylish winter shelter for citrus trees. With tall windows, a solid roof, and abundant natural light, it bridged the gap between a greenhouse and a formal entertaining room.
Today’s orangerie-inspired additions can incorporate Sunspace systems to deliver modern comfort while preserving classic charm.
Comparison Table — Which Is Right for You?
| Feature | Sunroom | Solarium | Conservatory | Greenhouse | Orangerie |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Type | Opaque/Insulated | Glass | Glass/Hybrid | Transparent | Solid with skylights |
| Wall Material | Glass + Framing | Full Glass | Glass + Ornate Frame | Glass/Polycarbonate | Glass + Masonry |
| Climate Suitability | Year-round or 3-season | Year-round w/ glazing | Year-round w/ upgrades | Seasonal or year-round plants | Year-round w/ insulation |
| Primary Use | Living space | Scenic enjoyment | Luxury + plants | Gardening | Entertaining + plants |
| Typical Cost | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $$ | $$$$ |
| Energy Efficiency | High w/ upgrades | Medium | Medium | Low | High w/ upgrades |
Choosing the Right Option for Your New England Home
When deciding between these options, consider:
- Intended use — living space, plant cultivation, or both.
- Seasonality — year-round comfort or seasonal enjoyment.
- Aesthetic preference — sleek modern lines or ornate historic design.
- Budget — from modest sunrooms to elaborate conservatories.
Need help deciding? Our design experts can guide you through options that fit your home, style, and budget.
Sunspace Product Solutions for Every Style
Whether you lean toward a modern glass-walled solarium or a cozy insulated sunroom, Sunspace products deliver performance and beauty:
- WeatherMaster Windows & Doors – Ventilation + weather protection.
- Patio Covers – Shade for glass-roofed structures.
- AlumaDeck Decking – Slip-resistant, maintenance-free flooring.
- Sunshades – Control light and heat in glass-heavy rooms.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a sunroom and a solarium?
A sunroom has an opaque roof and is optimized for comfort in all seasons; a solarium is all glass for maximum sunlight.
Can a greenhouse be used as a living space?
Not typically—it’s designed for plants, but Sunspace products can help create a hybrid plant-and-living space.
Which is better for New England winters—a conservatory or a sunroom?
A well-insulated four-season sunroom is more energy-efficient, but a conservatory can be adapted with the right upgrades.
Can Sunspace products be used for an orangerie-style addition?
Yes—our systems can integrate large windows, solid roofing, and climate control for an orangerie look and feel.
What is a Florida room?
A Florida room is an enclosed living space with large windows, designed to let in abundant sunlight and provide views of the outdoors. Similar to a sunroom, it is often built for warm-weather enjoyment but can be adapted for year-round use in colder climates with insulated windows and heating.
From cozy sunrooms to stunning glass solariums, we design and build additions that fit your vision and withstand New England’s climate.
