How To Make The Most Of Your Conservatory
There are all sorts of reasons to have a conservatory added onto one’s house, including making a home for one’s plants, expanding one’s storage space without the expense of a bricks-and-mortar addition, and increasing the house’s market value. But the primary purpose of a conservatory is to provide a little extra living space, perhaps with a more laid-back vibe than the rest of the house a perfect spot to entertain when friends come round or to sit and read a book on a lazy afternoon.
Any “out of the box” conservatory can provide these things, but careful and informed decisions while choosing your conservatory will make it even more versatile and functional.
Heating/Air Conditioning
You will expand the seasonal functionality of your conservatory if you add heating – perhaps floor heating – and air conditioning.
Insulation
Your conservatory will be less subject to the extremes of weather if it is insulated, and obviously “it’s all in the windows” – you should choose a conservatory whose windows have argon gas insulation or other temperature-retaining qualities. Some bottom-end conservatories do not strive for the industry standards of insulation, so let the buyer beware!
Conservatory Blinds
While conservatory blinds in themselves will not solve any severe problems associated with temperature extremes, they do have some valuable qualities. On very sunny days they diffuse the blazing sunlight, and on cold cloudy days they provide an extra barrier against the indoors heat dissipating out through the glass.
Plants
Amazingly, some people choose not to take advantage of the greenhouse capabilities of their conservatories. But even if you don’t want a plant nursery in your house, a few large plants will do wonders for the air quality throughout the house, and the plants will thrive in the conservatory.
Decor
While decor will generally not add any specific functionality to your conservatory, it can transform it from a mere extra room into a beautiful adornment to your home, no matter what size it is. All you need is some imagination – and a plan. Do you want your conservatory to be a tropical retreat? A cool breakfast nook? A sleek contemporary music room? A kids’ playroom? Start planning the room’s purpose before you buy it, so you will know what features to look for.
The window style, the layout of the room, the number of corners and angles will all contribute to the look of the room, and you will want to consider items like doors, louvres and flooring not only as functional items but as design elements. And don’t forget those conservatory blinds, which come in a range of beautiful colors and light-enhancing fabrics. When furnishing your conservatory, be sure to measure all round the room to make sure that your furniture will fit properly, keeping in mind that proportion is also important. Be mindful, too, of the smaller details, such as ceiling fans, lighting, and decorative objects. Make sure the individual style elements you choose for your conservatory harmonize into a pleasing, relaxing space.
