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A conservatory is perhaps
the simplest and most
cost-effective wat to
add an extra room to
your home. Conservatories
have traditionally been
used as casual living
spaces or garden rooms,
but there is no reason
why yours should not
fulfill any function
you choose. Whatever
you choose, be sure
to make it comfortable.
Fit blinds to lesson
glare and heat from
the sun and ensure there
are sufficient power
points and adequate
lighting.
Flooring
With direct access
to both home and garden,
it is important to choose
hard-wearing flooring
that is easy to care
for. Natural stone such
as slate, marble or
limestone has an instant
empathy with the garden
and, if your budget
doesn't stretch to the
real thing, you can
buy ceramic tiles that
mimic the effect and
can be cleaned at the
swish of a mop. Terracotta
tiles are ideal for
creating a Mediterranean
or Moorish feel and
wood is the preferred
option for a more relaxed
beach house style. Paint
or varnish bare boards
to keep them pristine
or go for lower maintenance
alternatives such as
laminate flooring or
patterned vinyl. Steer
clear of flooring that
marks easily such as
certain carpets and
natural flooring. If
you want the natural
look, choose cork, which
is soft, warm underfoot
and naturally water-resistant.
Window treatments,
blinds and furniture
With such a high proportion
of glass, keeping the
glare at bay is a major
consideration. The most
flexible option is fitted
blinds which can be
raised and lowered via
cords or even electronically.
A more cost effective
way to shade light is
to fit fixed shades
in the roof area. Sunlight
will bleach fabrics
so stick to white and
natural calicos which
show fading least. Choosing
furniture dating back
to Victorian times when
conservatories first
became popular as hot
houses for the exotic
plant collections, the
classic choice of furniture
has always been rattan
or wicker. This woven
furniture offers a natural
blurring between home
and garden. Wrought
iron is another popular
choice as it is suitable
for indoors and out
and has a light look
to suit the transparency
of glass. Add comfort
with piles of soft cushions
and seat pads.
Lighting
With so much glass,
you’re unlikely
to need to light your
conservatory during
the summer months but,
if you want to enjoy
the space all year round,
it is worth fitting
permanent lighting.
Wall-lights are least
susceptible to condensation
and make best use of
the most solid parts
of the structure. If
you want a central light,
consider a bar of modern
spots for ultimate flexibility
or choose a pendant
or chandelier that’s
incorporated into a
rotary fan to cool the
space in summer. Atmospheric
lighting such as table,
standard lamps and candles
create a cosy mood at
night. Choose enclosed
holders such as storm
lanterns for candles
to limit the risk of
fire. |
