That chilly bite in the air and the changing of the colour of the leaves is a sure sign that summer has gone, and autumn is truly here. While it means that opportunities to enjoy the garden are fewer, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to use your conservatory or orangery during the colder months.
With a bit of TLC, and a good clean out – especially to get rid of any spiders and pests seeking shelter from the cold – and making the orangery cosy means you have the prime location to watch the changing of the seasons in your garden. A modern conservatory or orangery should not be too chilly to sit in and enjoy all day, and we have some tips to get it ready for autumn and winter.
Blinds and Curtains
Summer may be over, but you can still enjoy those bright sunny days in your orangery. But as the weather gets colder, you may find it gets a little chilly in there if you don’t have the right window treatments.
Blinds are ideal for regulating the temperature all year round, preventing heat from building up in summer, and preventing draughts and the loss of heat in winter. You could also invest in special thermal blinds that absorb the sun’s rays and further prevent heat loss.
For added warmth, you might wish to add curtains to the windows to ensure you can use the room throughout the winter.
Autumn Clean
We usually associate having a big clean with spring cleaning, but it is also a great idea to have a deep clean throughout the house in autumn too.
As for the conservatory or orangery, the exterior should be given a good clean, and the gutters checked for leaves and moss that could cause blockages, and check the roof for debris too. Check all roof seals and joints and in order, as this can cause problems inside your conservatory.
Indoors, you should make room for the plants you need to bring in from the garden which won’t last the winter. Give the room a good sweep out to remove soil, dirt and debris, brush down any furniture and tidy any plants that need TLC or throwing away.
Carpet or Rugs
As mentioned, the right window treatments can help make the room warmer and stop heat from escaping. But you should also consider the floor.
A fraction of heat loss is lost through the floor, and with most conservatories and orangeries using tiles, stone or laminate flooring, you can cover the cold floor with a thick carpet or rugs can reduce heat loss through the floor, in addition to making the room feel warmer.
Adding throws and blankets to the room is also good, not only for making the room feel aesthetically warmer, but also to wrap up in and feel warm if you get a bit of a draught or chill once the sun goes in.
Are you ready for autumn? If you’re thinking about building a Victorian-style orangery, tall to us today!