How to Choose a Winter Garden

In short: A winter garden is a glazed space attached to the house that connects the interior with the garden and can be used all year round or just seasonally. When choosing one, consider its orientation to the points of the compass, the type of glazing, the heating and how you will use it, a size that matches the style of the house, and above all a reliable maker who will design a bespoke solution.

A winter garden is a glazed space attached to the house that links the comfort of the interior with a view of the garden and plenty of daylight. While a classic terrace or gazebo mainly protects you from rain and sun, a well-designed winter garden creates a fully fledged living room you can use even out of season. That is exactly why it is an investment that increases the value of your property and expands your living space. Before you embark on one, it is worth gathering as much information as possible and thinking through a few key decisions that determine how comfortably you will use the space.

How should you orient a winter garden to the points of the compass?

The orientation of a winter garden to the points of the compass is one of the most important factors, because it directly affects the amount of light and heat (known as solar gain) that flows into the space during the day and across the seasons.

North-facing winter gardens are noticeably cooler and are used mainly by those who dislike direct sun. South-facing ones, by contrast, are bright and warm practically all year round, but in summer they need protection from overheating — for example with blinds, shading curtains or external shading.

A south-easterly or south-westerly orientation often turns out to be the ideal compromise. It captures pleasant morning or afternoon light while softening the disruptive direct sun during the hottest hours of the day. When deciding, also think about which part of the day you will use the space most.

What glazing should you choose for a winter garden?

Glazing is the essence of every winter garden and decides how you will feel in it in both summer and winter. Quality insulating glass helps retain heat during the cold months while also limiting overheating in summer, so the space is comfortable for most of the year. The differences between types of glass are significant: insulating double glazing has a heat transfer coefficient U of around 1.8 to 3 W/(m²·K), while triple glazing gets down to as low as 0.5 to 1 W/(m²·K) — a lower value means better insulation and less heat loss in winter.

Alongside the type of glass, also consider the material of the load-bearing structure. Aluminium profiles are strong, slim and practically maintenance-free, which makes them a popular choice for modern winter gardens. When it comes to doors and opening sections, you have several options to choose from, from classic hinged doors to sliding ones, which are among the most practical in terms of saving space. Well-chosen glazing and openings also provide the ventilation you need, which is key to comfort in a glazed space.

Heating and use

Before designing it, get clear on how you want to use the winter garden. Will it be a room lived in all year round, or a space you will retreat to mainly during the warmer part of the year? This decision determines the glazing, insulation and heating you will need.

If you plan to use the space all year round, factor in heating and better insulation to keep the warmth in even during winter. A seasonal winter garden, which you will use mostly in spring, summer and autumn, tends to be simpler and more affordable. Think through the specific use too — for relaxing, reading, morning coffee, social gatherings or growing plants — because it affects the size and fittings you will need.

To compare the many benefits a winter garden brings, read our summary of the five main reasons for a winter garden.

Size and harmony with the style of the house

A winter garden attached to a house should look as though it was part of it from the start. So when choosing the shape and size, pay attention to the architecture and style of the house, so the new structure looks harmonious both inside and out.

The right size depends on the available space, the size of your family and the planned use. Precisely measuring up the site before designing will help you avoid later complications and choose dimensions that are comfortable yet in proportion to the rest of the plot and the house.

Plants in a winter garden

For many people, a winter garden is the ideal place for plants that otherwise would not survive our climate. If you want to grow tropical species that require higher humidity and a temperature of at least 20 °C, a glazed space provides suitable conditions for them. Popular choices include the fig, bromeliads, orchids, palms and the banana plant. Among subtropical species, citrus, cacti and orange trees thrive, and they will fill the space with a pleasant scent, too.

Choosing a supplier

Designing and building a winter garden takes experience, so choosing a supplier is just as important as the technical specifications themselves. Give preference to a reliable maker who will measure up the space in person, advise on orientation, glazing and heating, and design a solution tailored to your house.

If you are still weighing up whether a winter garden or another type of outdoor structure is better for you, our comparison in the article gazebo or pergola: which to choose will help. With a good partner and a well-thought-out design, a winter garden becomes a space you will use and enjoy for years to come.

Frequently asked questions

What is a winter garden?

A winter garden is a glazed space attached to a house that links the interior with the garden and maximises the amount of daylight. Depending on the build and heating, it can be used all year round as a fully fledged living room, or just seasonally during the warmer part of the year.

What is the best orientation for a winter garden?

The most universally advantageous orientation is usually south-east or south-west, which combines plenty of light with a reduction in disruptive direct sun. North-facing gardens are cooler; south-facing ones are bright and warm, but in summer they need protection from overheating. Also decide based on when you plan to use the space most.

Can a winter garden be used all year round?

Yes — if it is designed with quality glazing, insulation and heating, it can be used all year round, including in winter. If you plan to use the space only seasonally, a simpler and more affordable build without year-round heating will do.

What plants are suitable for a winter garden?

Plants that like humidity and higher temperatures are suitable for a winter garden. Among tropical species, the fig, bromeliads, orchids, palms and the banana plant are popular; among subtropical ones, citrus, cacti and orange trees.