Many people have a conservatory built as it provides the perfect space for dining, hosting guests or simply relaxing and soaking up the sun. But did you know there are many other uses for these versatile spaces?
One of the most popular uses for conservatories these days is a playroom, providing a bright, inviting and open space for children to spend hour after hour.
In this post we’ll provide some useful tips to help you turn your conservatory into a safe, comfortable and, most importantly, fun playroom!
Safety First
Let’s start with the most important part of any playroom: safety. Obviously you want your children to be as safe as possible when transforming your conservatory into a playroom.
To do this, start by ensuring that any furniture or fixtures are securely fixed, as well as ensuring sharp edges are softened using corner protectors.
Most conservatories have a significant amount of glass, so consider installing child-safe blinds or curtains to prevent any accidents.
Children are natural explorers, so pay attention to your space’s safety and your little one will stay out of harm’s way while they play until their heart’s content.
Choose The Right Flooring
One of the most important elements of any playroom is the flooring. Although you want a flooring that’s durable and strong enough to withstand the high amount of foot traffic any playroom is bound to get, depending on the age of the child you might want something quite forgiving in case of any falls.
Something else to consider is how easy the flooring is to clean as some children may leave your floor in a bit of a state!
LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) bridges the gap between comfort and durability, feeling soft underfoot while being strong and sturdy. LVT is also easy to clean, so if you’re having a conservatory built with a playroom in mind, this is a great flooring option.
If you already have a conservatory built and you opted for something hard like tiles or real wood flooring then you could always add some carpet or rugs. As well as adding warmth, this will make the floor more comfortable to play on and it’ll be softer if any children fall down.
Easy-To-Clean Surfaces
Let’s face it, children love to make a mess! Whether they’re toddlers constantly grabbing at stuff and exploring their surroundings or older children who love to draw and paint, sometimes it can look like a tornado’s hit once they’re done!
When you’re looking to transform your conservatory into a playroom, choose surfaces that are easy to clean. Wipeable tables and washable paint on walls can prove to be a real game-changer, allowing your little ones to play uninhibited without you worrying about your conservatory being wrecked!
Decor
The decor of the playroom can make all the difference, creating a fun and inviting space for your children to enjoy for hours and hours.
Rather than painting your conservatory, which can be costly, time-consuming and semi-permanent, choose removable wall decals or murals that can be easily updated as your child grows up.
Colourful curtains and cushions can also add an exciting, playful touch, transforming the conservatory into an intriguing place where your child loves to spend their time.
Storage Options
Did we mention children can be messy?! Keeping their playrooms tidy may be a bit of a challenge, but investing in clever storage solutions can make that task infinitely more straightforward.
Opt for storage bins, shelving units or even multi-functional furniture that doubles as storage space. This will allow you to blend the decor of your playroom with your storage solutions, providing somewhere to keep toys, books and other miscellaneous clutter that comes with having a child!
Lighting
During the day, your conservatory’s natural light provides a variety of benefits, but once the sun goes down your playroom could start to look decidedly gloomy, especially in winter.
To counter this, there are many lighting options that could turn your child’s playroom into a magical place. String or fair lights are a simple and inexpensive way to illuminate your space, while lamps and projectors can create a beautiful ambience your children will adore.
So those are our main tips for turning your conservatory into a playroom. Whether you have a traditional hardwood conservatory that’s already built, or you’re looking to have a brand-new space installed, you should now have a good idea how to make a wonderful playroom.