Conservatories and orangeries are gorgeous light-filled spaces that will have been enjoyed throughout spring and summer. However, once the darker nights and colder temperatures roll in, these rooms can start to feel a little chilly and unenjoyable.
While the summer is far from over, and meteorologists predict an Indian summer this autumn, you don’t have to stop using your conservatory once winter appears. By updating them to feel extra cosy, you can relax in your conservatory or orangery all year round.
We have a look at a few tips to help keep your conservatory warm and cosy.
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Hang curtains or blinds
As well as adding some personality to the conservatory, curtains and blinds will help keep the room warm by retaining heat in the colder months.
If you’re not sure what style to go for, then a neutral colour will work all year round. Soft and soothing greys and warm yellows work well, and if possible, choose floor to ceiling curtains to help keep most of the heat in, and they can be tied back on sunny days.
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Warm lighting
Your lighting can make such a difference to the ambience of the conservatory. Harsh lighting can feel abrasive during the darker months, so choose floor lamps, hanging fairy lights, or table lamps instead.
Aim for bulbs with a warmer glow, or chose lights with a dimmer option so you can adjust the intensity to suit the required cosy factor.
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Decorative rugs
The majority of conservatories and orangeries will have wooden or tiles flooring, so adding a warm rug will help keep warmth underfoot, as well as bringing the overall style of the room together.
A bold print rug, such as decorative Indian style, can look great combined with more laid-back interiors, but play around with shape, colour, texture and size to find the right look for the space. Rug wall hangings can also look stylish and help prevent heat loss through the walls.
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Cosy textures
Cosy blankets, cushions and throws add an extra layer of warmth and are perfect for curling up with. Look for warm colours and earthy tones to work with the season, such as burnt orange, moss greens, and warming terracotta. Soft and woolly textiles will create the cosiest look.
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Minimise draughts
Eliminate cold draught and slow down heat loss with a draught excluder. Most heat escapes from door and window frames, so place draught excluders around these areas to ensure you’re keeping the heat in and the cold out. It’s perfect to consider if your orangery or conservatory is feeling chilly.
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Accessories and scents
Prepare your conservatory for the coming season with autumnal wreaths, sweet-smelling candles, and winter accessories such as conkers, pine cones, and dried flowers.
Plants and flowers can make a tired room feel more alive, and warm-toned flowers such as copper coloured chrysanthemums, red roses and red berries add a boost of colour in winter.
You can also bring the outdoors in with some bulbs. Try adding narcissus and hyacinth, as well as herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme and dill, but make sure you adjust watering levels to suit the winter temperatures and make sure the plants get plenty of sunshine.
If you’re looking for bespoke conservatories, get in touch today.