Typically, people have an idea for what they want to use bespoke conservatories for before they reach out to a specialist to get it made.
For some it is about creating a wonderful dining room, for others, it is about bringing the wonderful beauty of nature inside and helping to uplift mind and body in the process. For others still, it is about creating a multifunctional space that is as suited for work as it is for entertaining.
However, what if you suddenly needed more living space rather than entertaining space? Could your conservatory be used as a bedroom?
The short answer is that it absolutely can; a conservatory can be used to fulfil the role of any room in your house that does not require additional plumbing.
However, just because you can does not mean you should, and whilst you can very easily put a bed into a conservatory and call it a bedroom, to get the most out of your conservatory bedroom, there are certain aspects of its design you need to take into account.
Heating May Be A Challenge
As conservatories are primarily made of glass to maximise the amount of light getting into them, it can be difficult to get them insulated the same way a more typical room would be, which is why older conservatories in particular get very cold in winter.
This is usually less of a problem, as you only spend a relatively limited time there when you use it for entertaining or dining, but it can be a much bigger issue if you are trying to sleep in there as the cold can become far more noticeable.
There are ways around this, however. Floor-length curtains and thick blackout blinds can help keep the heat in at night, and underfloor heating is an efficient way to keep the whole space warm.
It Can Get Loud
Less insulation also means less soundproofing, which can be magnified when it is raining. Hearing the light, gentle taps of summer rain on the roof is delightful during the day, but at night it can be maddening.
Thankfully, you can install soundproofing screens, roof blinds or a tiled roof rather than a glass roof, and all of these solutions will reduce noise significantly, which can give you peace of mind and a good night’s sleep.
Roof blinds can also help reduce the amount of glare that can sometimes happen at sunrise, which again is more frustrating when you are sleeping in the conservatory than lounging in it.
Make Sure The Locks Are Fit For Purpose
Generally, you will want to ensure the back doors and locks are robust and accredited regardless, but with most homes, there will be a failsafe where the back door can be locked as well as the conservatory.
The standard to look for is PAS 24, as this is a standard that shows that the doors and windows have been tested to a robust, nationally recognised standard that provides an enhanced level of security and defends against modern break-in methods.
Make sure to lock the conservatory doors at night and you can sleep soundly knowing you are protected against potential burglars.