Names for conservatories can vary from company to company. Victorian designs are sometimes called Edwardian or Georgian and vice versa. Also there is the confusion between Lean-to's and Home Extenders. These are essentially the same thing, the difference in names comes purely down to marketing, for example, sometimes its easier on the ear to say . So be aware that terminologies can vary.

To ensure you get the conservatory you want, you will want to discuss the requirements and details of the conservatory with the supplier. For example, you are looking for "a bell ended/bay fronted Victorian style conservatory with a pitched roof".

To add to the confusion, suppliers may refer to three bay fronted Victorian conservatories as five sided conservatories (the left and right hand sides of the conservatory count as the extra sides). Whilst five bay fronted can also be referred to as seven sided conservatories.

Remember you are the customer, if you are confused about anything your supplier or designer is telling you, do not be afraid to ask.

Your supplier should be able and willing to go into the 'fundamentals' of your conservatory, you may wish to consider changing your supplier.

The photographs and illustrations on this page will give you an idea of the most common styles and configurations of conservatories that are currently available so that you will have a better understanding of what conservatory you will be getting without getting bogged down in the differing terminology.