Orangery vs Greenhouse: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

Updated for 2026

Orangeries were historically residential buildings used to overwinter citrus plants.

If you’re comparing an orangery vs greenhouse, the key difference comes down to purpose, structure and how the space is used. While both feature large glass panels, an orangery is usually an extension of the home designed for living space, whereas a greenhouse is built specifically for growing plants.

Orangery vs Greenhouse: Key Differences

• Purpose: Orangeries are used as living spaces, greenhouses are for growing plants

• Structure: Orangeries are usually attached to a home, greenhouses are often freestanding

• Temperature control: Greenhouses are designed to regulate heat and humidity for plants

• Use: Orangeries are more decorative and functional as rooms, greenhouses are practical growing environments

When you think of an orangery, you probably think of a large greenhouse attached to a home. However, that’s actually not what an orangery was originally used for!

Originally, orangeries were not indoor spaces at all but were outdoors on the grounds of people’s homes. These buildings were rectangular in shape and had a barrel-vaulted roof which allowed more light into the building than would otherwise be possible with just a flat roof. Orangeries were often used for growing citrus plants during winter months when temperatures remained above freezing but below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). They also provided protection from wind and rain as well as some frost-free days throughout the winter season when temperatures didn’t rise above freezing.

Greenhouses are more modern structures used to grow a variety of plants.

Greenhouses are often built from glass or plastic and can be heated, making them ideal for growing plants in regions where there is little sunlight or water. A greenhouse is also an excellent choice if you have poor soil quality or do not have much space outside for gardening. The structure keeps the temperature warm and allows growers to get a jump start on the growing season by starting their growth early.

Greenhouses typically require less maintenance than other kinds of gardens because they don’t need soil aeration or fertilizer like regular gardens do!

Orangeries are often attached to a home and have large glass panels.

You might think that the orangeries in your local botanical gardens are the same as greenhouses, but you’d be wrong. While they both shelter plants and help them thrive, there are some key differences between a greenhouse and an orangery.

Orangeries were originally built as attached structures to homes during the 18th century when there was more money available for such extravagances. The purpose of an orangery was to overwinter citrus plants that couldn’t be grown outside in cold climates due to their sensitive nature. These structures often had large glass panels for controlling temperature and light levels within them, making them more like modern-day greenhouses than anything else.

Greenhouses are taller and often stand alone.

• Greenhouses are taller than orangeries.
• Orangeries are usually attached to a building.
• Greenhouses are usually free-standing and can be freestanding or attached to another building.

Greenhouses have vents along the top that can be adjusted to control temperature and light levels.

Greenhouses are structures used to protect plants and vegetables from the elements. Much like a small dome covering a tomato plant, they provide a controlled environment but on a larger scale. To optimize growth, greenhouses often have vents along their top that can be adjusted to control temperature and light levels.

Modern greenhouses often use technology to manage growing conditions more effectively. Tools like seed to sale software for growers help track plant growth, monitor temperature and humidity, and maintain consistent conditions.

Alongside automated irrigation and climate control systems, this makes greenhouses far more efficient for year-round growing.

Distinct features that make each more suitable for different purposes.

Greenhouses and orangeries are both useful for keeping plants alive in cold weather, but they have distinct features that make each more suitable for different purposes. Orangeries were historically used to overwinter citrus plants. These structures tend to be attached to a home, with large glass panels spanning the front of the building. Greenhouses are taller and stand-alone, while orangeries are typically smaller than greenhouses and have vents along their tops that can be adjusted to control temperature and light levels.

Greenhouse growers often use artificial lighting—such as fluorescent tubes—in their facilities to create an environment suitable for growing flowers or vegetables year-round. The best time to grow food indoors is during the spring months when temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C).

Conclusion

Whether you’re a gardener who wants to grow exotic plants or someone who just wants to see what happens in the cold weather, a greenhouse or an Orangery may be right for you. Both structures have their benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to know what type of space will work best for your needs before making any investments.

This post is open to relevant brand partnerships and content placements. If you’re looking to collaborate, visit the Work With Us page.