Conservatories are no longer designed to just be summer sitting rooms: with the right planning and build, they can be desirable and practical spaces all year round. Here are some ways that you can make use of your glazed extension and take advantage of the natural light and garden views all year round.
To ensure that your conservatory is comfortable to use during the winter months, consider installing underfloor heating(UFH). Wet systems (involving hot water pipes rather than electrically heated elements) are considered to be the most effective and energy efficient for conservatories.
UFH can be retrofitted, although to avoid disruption it’s easier to include it from the earliest planning stages if you are having a bespoke conservatory.
This way you’ll be able to investigate the best options for you and also select the most compatible flooring type. Usually stone, tile, or engineered timber flooring works best, and these floorings will all look great in a conservatory.
For extra warmth in winter, consider using high performance glazing for maximum insulation. This will also limit solar heat gain in the summer, making sure that your conservatory will be comfortable to use all year round. Thermal blinds or curtains will also help to conserve heat in winter, and block out direct sunlight on hot days.
Create a cosy winter reading nook
Relaxing in a pleasant light filled space with a good book is a lovely way to spend a winter afternoon. Consider your preferred seating: do you love to sink into a plush armchair or recline on a sofa or chaise lounge? Add some soft cushions and a cosy throw for extra cosiness, in inviting materials such as fleece, velvet, faux fur, or chunky knits.
During the daytime, the ample natural light should be enough for reading. In the evenings, a reading light and some soft ambient lighting such as candles or LED lanterns will create the perfect environment. Add some personal touches such as plants, photographs, or even a shelf to keep a small library of books.
Use it as a home gym
Finding the motivation to get outside or down the gym to exercise can be harder during the winter months, when it seems so much more tempting to snuggle down on the sofa with a hot drink. Creating a home gym in your conservatory will give you the incentive to maintain your fitness and stay in great shape all year round.
The space is ideal for stretching activities such as yoga and pilates: all you need is a mat. For weight training, add simple items such as dumbbells, resistance bands and kettlebells. If you want to install cardio equipment such as rowing machines, cross trainers, or treadmills, lay hardwearing interlocking rubber matting to protect the flooring.
You may also want to install a flat screen TV to display workout videos, or a sound system to play inspirational music.
Create a home office
Working from home is now much more common, so transforming your conservatory into an office is a great solution if you do not have a dedicated workspace elsewhere in your home. It could also be used as a study for children to do homework away from the distractions of their bedroom.
The abundance of natural light and pleasant views over your garden will create an inspiring environment and boost productivity. Install a comfortable and ergonomically adjusted desk and chair, and storage solutions such as shelving, under-desk drawers or stylish baskets or boxes.
If you live in a noisy area, perhaps next to a busy road or near lots of young families, double glazing or high performance glass will provide some degree of soundproofing. You may also want to consider investing in noise cancelling headphones if the other occupants of the house sometimes disturb you with the TV or music.
Transform it into a dining room
If your home lacks a dedicated dining room, or you want to repurpose it for other uses, then the conservatory can make a spacious and attractive dining space. If you want to combine a dining room with other uses, install a foldable table or one with collapsible panels that can be moved to one side easily.
Make sure there’s enough space to move comfortably around the table. Rectangular tables generally take up the least room, and oval or circular tables the most, but this will depend on the particular shape and layout of your conservatory.