- February 3, 2026|
- News
Over the past three decades, conservatory design has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once dominated by white, polycarbonate-roofed Victorian styles, today’s conservatories are smarter, sleeker and significantly more in tune with contemporary living.
At Sheerline Bespoke, we’ve been at the forefront of this evolution. With 30 years of industry expertise, we’ve seen first-hand how homeowners, architects, fabricators and installers have shifted away from the ‘white box’ conservatory and towards a more integrated, design-led approach that extends the home – not just adds to it.
This article explores how conservatory design has changed, the key trends shaping the future, and why aluminium systems like our S1, S2 and upcoming S3 are perfectly placed to meet today’s expectations.
How has conservatory design changed in the UK?
Let’s start with the obvious: in the mid-90s the white, three-bay Victorian conservatories used to dominate. Back in the mid-2000s, the UK market was installing more than 250,000 conservatories a year. Most were made from PVC frames, often topped with a polycarbonate roof. These conservatories served their purpose, adding extra space quickly and affordably but rarely feeling like a true extension of the home.
Polycarbonate then fell out of favour with glass coming in to make a more robust and a better product. Then coloured foils changed the aesthetic. The market started to evolve again once the glass roof started to decline and people started re-modelling the conservatory putting a solid tiled roof on.
Fast forward to today, and that annual figure has dropped to around 80–90,000 units. But the overall value of the sector has grown. Why? Because conservatories have matured. Today’s homeowners are investing in quality. They’re looking for:
- A seamless transition between the main house and the glazed extension
- Stronger connections to outdoor spaces
- More usable, year-round living space
- A design that complements the home’s architecture
This shift has led to new conservatory styles, material preferences, and roofing innovations, all of which are setting new benchmarks for modern conservatories. Now the market consists of more contemporary or classic orangeries with roof lanterns or flat roof lights, tiled roofs that give you a traditional single storey extension, and glazed extensions that are full kit, aluminium glazed extensions.
What’s driving the shift to aluminium?
Perhaps the biggest design shift has been the general increase in demand for aluminium over PVC across the fenestration sector. And it’s not hard to see why. Aluminium offers:
- Greater structural strength – perfect for wide bifold or sliding door openings
- Robustness and durability
- Slimmer sightlines and clean lines for a modern look
- Improved energy efficiency and better climate control
- Colour stability – no fading, even in harsh weather
- More colour choices to suit contemporary or classic conservatory styles
Where older conservatories struggled in colder months, thermally broken aluminium-framed structures, combined with high-performance glass or insulated flat and pitched roofs, now offer year-round comfort and energy efficiency.
Conservatory roofs in particular benefit from the strength and robustness of aluminium. With the growing popularity of wide-span openings for bifolds and sliding doors, the roof system that sits above them must cater for these types of installations and aluminium can do this while maintaining performance.
A move towards cleaner, bolder structures
Design preferences have also shifted. Gone are the ornate and decorative flourishes of the 90s. In their place, we’re seeing less facets, and more square or rectangular footprints. This is encouraging more flat roofs with roof lanterns, a minimalist aesthetic with sharp, clean lines and edges, and a seamless flow from kitchen or living space to garden.
This is especially clear in the rise of lean-to, mono-pitch conservatories and single-storey extensions with flat roofs. These styles maximise usable floor space and align more naturally with modern interior design.
With over 60% of conservatory roofs we manufacture at Sheerline Bespoke now being lean-tos, the market prefers simpler, squarer forms.
How have conservatory roof systems evolved?
Roof systems have had to keep pace with modern conservatory design, especially with wider openings for bifold doors and sliding patio doors becoming more popular.
Three standout trends are shaping roofing innovations:
- Glazed lantern roofs – such as our S1 Lantern – bring in an abundance of natural light and add architectural impact to kitchens, dining rooms and open-plan living areas.
- Flat roof lights – ideal for modern extensions, especially in urban or semi-detached properties.
- Solid and hybrid roofs – offer year-round comfort and the feel of a traditional room, with integrated rooflights for added brightness.
What are the most in-demand modern conservatory design trends UK homeowners want?
Whether customers are building a new conservatory or refurbishing older conservatories, the priority is now on usability, style, and performance. The key trends driving the UK conservatory market today include:
- Modern conservatory design that matches the home’s interior and exterior
- Strong visual connections to outdoor spaces through bifold or sliding doors
- Integrated climate control and better energy efficiency
- Insulated flat or tiled roofs for a more ‘room-like’ feel
- Interior design-led finishes such as internal pelmets with lighting
- Multi-functional spaces – e.g., home office, dining room, or guest room
What role does colour play in modern conservatories?
White remains an option, but coloured frames, especially in grey and black, are becoming the popular choice. They reflect current trends in home exteriors and interiors and are often used to mirror aluminium window or door frames throughout the rest of the property.
Unlike PVC, aluminium maintains its colour without fading. This means homeowners can invest in their perfect conservatory with confidence that it will continue to look smart for years.
What’s next for conservatory design in the UK?
While the traditional conservatory was more of a bolt-on room that never felt part of the house, today it’s about extending the home in a way that feels fully integrated. Homeowners want open-plan spaces that flow from the kitchen or living room into an extension and then to extend their living boundaries out into the garden through a set of sliding doors or bifold doors.
The popularity of clean, square lines and large openings for bifold or sliding doors has shaped the S3 architectural roof system’s lean-to design, which features:
- Larger spans for bifold and sliding doors
- Greater thermal efficiency
- Contemporary style and minimal visual clutter
- Seamless integration with the rest of the property
Key takeaways
- The days of the white box conservatory are dwindling – modern conservatory styles now prioritise integration, performance and contemporary design.
- Aluminium has become the material of choice for its durability, flexibility and aesthetics.
- The trend is towards more usable, open, and visually connected spaces that feel like an extension of your home.
- Consumers expect home improvement to add value to their home.
- Products like Sheerline Bespoke’s S1, S2 and upcoming S3 systems are designed to meet the needs of today’s conservatory projects.
Offer your customers the perfect addition to their home?
If you’re looking to deliver a modern conservatory roof solution with lasting value, now’s the time to explore the Sheerline Bespoke product range. Whether it’s a sleek S1 roof lantern, the S2 roof system, or S3 architectural roof system, we’re here to support you with precision-engineered systems, installer-friendly design, and modern aesthetics. Contact Sheerline Bespoke today to learn how our products can help you deliver exceptional results for every conservatory extension project.
FAQs
What is the most popular conservatory style in the UK today?
Lean-tos are currently the most in demand, thanks to their clean lines and ability to integrate simply with the main house.
Can I update an older conservatory with a solid or lantern roof?
Yes. Many older conservatories are being upgraded with solid or hybrid roofs, modernising the look and improving thermal performance for year-round use.
Is aluminium worth the investment over PVC?
Absolutely. Aluminium is more robust, visually striking, and doesn’t fade – making it ideal for modern conservatories with large spans and minimalist styling.
Are lantern roofs still a good option?
Yes, particularly for flat roof extensions. Lantern roofs like the S1 are a stylish way to bring in natural light and create a sense of openness.