Conservatories are one of the most popular forms of home extensions, as they create open light filled spaces that are very versatile. Here’s a look at some furnishing and decorating ideas to help you get the maximum amount of use out of your conservatory.
Consider all the ways you will use the conservatory
A conservatory doesn’t just have to be a summer sitting room. Although they can be colder spaces in winter, if they are well maintained and heated, they can be successfully used all year round as dining rooms, home offices, family rooms, and even kitchens. You may want to use your conservatory for different purposes throughout the year.
By deciding on the various ways you will use the conservatory, it will help to guide you to the best furniture and decor choices for the purpose. Otherwise, the room may become an underused space that accumulates clutter and is not pleasant and inviting. This would be a terrible waste of all the fantastic advantages that a conservatory has to offer.
Choose durable and multipurpose furniture
Conservatories blur the boundaries between outdoor and indoors, and are also subject to higher levels of sunlight. Therefore furnishings with weather-resistant fabrics that can be used outside as well as inside are ideal. Wicker and rattan are traditional choices for conservatories, as they are lightweight and can easily be moved around.
However, in recent years there has been a trend to choose more modern or vintage pieces for a conservatory. It comes back to how you wish to use the space; a stylish chaise longue can double up as a guest bed for example. Tables and chairs with hidden storage compartments can help to keep the space tidy and clutter free.
You may wish to experiment with different materials and textures, such as a glass-topped coffee or dining table that will reflect the light combined with upholstered chairs and scatter cushions, throws and rugs. It may not be necessary to buy new furniture and you could upcycle existing pieces with a coat of paint or reupholstering.
There are also plenty of ways to source secondhand furniture online or through local stores and charity shops. Another option is to go for modular or foldable furniture that can be moved, stacked or repurposed according to how the room is being used.
Decorate for all seasons
A common complaint is that conservatories are too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, but with the right planning it’s possible to avoid this situation. Underfloor heating is the ideal solution, because it means that you don’t have to install bulky radiators or use portable heaters.
However, you may wish to complement the underfloor heating system with unobtrusive slender radiators. To get the most out of an underfloor heating system, combine it with ceramic or stone floor tiles because they are most effective at conducting and retaining the heat.
Underfloor heating is considered to be very energy efficient because the heat is retained for several hours even after the heating has been turned off. It’s pleasant to walk on underfoot and distributes a consistent and even amount of heat, ensuring that the space feels pleasant and comfortable.
To ensure that the heat is retained as much as possible, the conservatory should be well maintained and properly insulated. Installing blinds and curtains will help with temperature control and also help to make the space more comfortable and cosy during the winter.
During hot summer days, you may want to use ceiling fans or portable fans that can stand on the floor or a table.
Add personal touches
Decorative touches will help you enjoy spending time in your conservatory and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Plants are a natural choice of decor for conservatories because they provide a transition between the garden and the indoors, and they will usually thrive because of the abundance of natural light.
Potted plants can also improve air quality and help the space to feel more relaxing. You may wish to choose plants with leaf shapes, colours and blooms that echo those on view in your garden to create a unified space.
When choosing colour palettes, you may wish to complement or match the existing decor in your home to create a harmonious feel. Wall art or photographs will add interest, or you may wish to use mirrors to reflect the view of the garden and increase the sense of space and light.