Winter is here and you’ve no doubt noticed the temperature has dropped significantly, with large parts of the country experiencing snow and icy conditions! So what does that mean for orangeries – are they pretty much out of bounds at this time of the year?
Many people believe that because orangeries are made of glass, they’re cold spaces that are only suitable for use when the weather’s warmer. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
The bad rep orangeries in winter stems from the poor reputation of old-fashioned glazed rooms that were only usable for half the year. But these days, the advancement in materials means that orangeries can be enjoyed any time of the year – as log as they’re constructed properly.
In this blog post we’ll go over the different ways we ensure your orangery can make the perfect living space in winter, as well as offering some handy tips on how you can make it more cosy!
Insulation
Without a doubt the most important aspect of all, insulation is absolutely key for ensuring your orangery is warm and snug when the weather outside is cold. As well as keeping the cold out, insulation prevents heat from escaping, so not only will your orangery stay warmer for longer, but it’ll also cost you much less to heat it up!
Many orangeroes feature dwarf walls and flat roofs, both of which can be insulated to stop heat escaping. So if you’re going for a bespoke orangery and year-round use is important, then this is one of the many ways we can help you achieve your dream space.
Likewise, premium seals should be used on all of your doors and windows. And investing in a draft excluder will go a long way to helping to keep the cold air out.
Heating
In the past the heating options for orangeries were limited. However, these days there are various ways of warming up your space to make it nice and homely.
For those on a higher budget, underfloor heating does an excellent job of heating up an orangery or conservatory. The heating system is applied underneath the flooring and it produces heat that rises through the tiles, floorboards or vinyl.
Although some may be slightly deterred by the higher outlay, due to the even warmth underfloor heating produces, over time these can prove to be the more energy-efficient. So you should start to recuperate some of that money over time.
Modern orangeries can also be connected to your central heating system, while you can also make your space warmer with portable heaters. Keep in mind this latter option isn’t the most energy-efficient and can be costly to run.
Glazing
Orangerie are largely made up of glass, so clearly the type you choose will have an impact on the overall warmth within your space.
For those who are planning on using their orangery throughout the winter months, triple glazing is something to consider. As the name suggests, this type of glazing has three layers of glass, making it much better at retaining heat than single or double glazing.
Doors
Like the glass you choose, your doors will also have a significant impact on the warmth inside your orangery. While some doors are undoubtedly better at maintaining heat and stopping cold air from getting inside, admittedly others aren’t so effective.
Opting for a wooden door over a uPVC option is one way to ensure your orangery is as warm as possible, but there may be other options. Ultimately, this is something you’ll discuss with your design team who will make sure you get precisely what you’re looking for.
Tips For Making Orangery Warm
So now we’ve covered the main elements of an orangery that must be designed properly in order to achieve a warm space in winter, here’s a few tips from us to help you turn it into a cosy, relaxing retreat.
Your furniture can make all the difference when you’re trying to make your space warm and comfortable. For instance, hard, wooden furniture might not make the best choice for winter. mInstead, opt for a soft, comfortable sofa with some plush cushions as these should make your seating arrangements much more homely and inviting.
Likewise, some warm blankets should make a world of difference, and don’t forget your favourite slippers – especially if you’ve got a cold tiled floor!
Carpets and rugs are another effective way to make a space more comfortable. As well as retaining warmth, these provide comfort underfoot to keep your tootsies feeling snug.
And last but not least, don’t underestimate the power of lighting. While you may think that lighting is purely about aesthetics, you’d be wrong. A warm light can set the tone and make a room feel more inviting. So choose an atmospheric light or buy a lamp to create the perfect place to relax with your feet u this winter.
So that’s pretty much all you need to know about using an orangery in winter. Are they cold? Well, that all depends on how your orangery is made and how you’ve finished and decorated it.
If your orangery has been properly insulated and has the most energy-efficient glazing and doors, with an effective heating system to match, it can be as warm as anywhere else in your home!
On the flip side, if your orangery is poorly-insulated and there are gaps and broken seals between your doors and glazing, clearly this will have an impact on how warm it is.
For a living space that’s perfect regardless of the weather, speak to us about a bespoke orangery today.