4 Ways to Enhance Your Conservatory for the Colder Months

For most homeowners, a conservatory is a place for respite and relaxation. The addition of extra living space is an obvious benefit as you can transform and use your conservatory in any manner you desire. The options are as varied as the homeowners who have them; all you need is some imagination! 

Other benefits of having a conservatory include the fact that it increases the value of your property and helps to bring the maximum amount of sunlight into your home. 

That being said, there is a high likelihood that you utilise your conservatory more during the warmer months as it is bright, airy, and you want to see the sunshine! 

However, with a few slight tweaks, you can also set this room up to be just as inviting the rest of the year. 

If you’re looking for ways to make the most of your conservatory all year round, read on for three ways to design and decorate your conservatory during the colder months. 

1. Make sure it is kitted out for the cold.

Whether you have a bespoke conservatory, a lantern conservatory, or some other style, you want to make sure that you have specific features that are going to keep you and your guests feeling cosy. 

If your conservatory often feels too damp or cold, you may want to consider replacing the roof, insulating the ceiling, or adding underfloor heating and radiators to ensure you can continue enjoying it even when the weather turns. Having double or triple glazed windows in your conservatory also enables you to utilise the sun’s heat throughout the winter months. 

You may also invest in specially designed conservatory outdoor blinds that can help regulate temperature by providing shade in the summer and insulation in the winter. Alternatively, for a more budget-friendly option, you may install roof window blinds which will work triple-duty by ensuring your privacy when you need it, keeping the conservatory warmer during the winter, and reducing the intensity of the sun during the summer. A win-win!

Or, by simply placing a rug on the ground of the conservatory, you can solve the problem of icy floors. Plus you can switch out the style and colour of your rug depending on the season!

2. Bring in the greenery.

One of the main reasons to have a home conservatory is to bring the outside in as it makes it both easy to see your garden and access it. However, greenery doesn’t need to be restricted to the outside of your home. Having indoor plants inside your lantern conservatory is a surefire way of making your space feel like a relaxing oasis at all times of the year. 

Generally, succulents, cacti, and spider plants are considered perfect options for a conservatory as they require little maintenance and benefit from a dry climate. Consider plants like the Madagascar jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda) that need minimal watering throughout the winter, as well as peace lilies which are not only low maintenance but also help to clean the air. 

Introducing plants into your conservatory will help to boost your mood, decrease your day-to-day stress, and purify the air around you.

3. Introduce a touch of hygge.

Hygge is a Danish concept that doesn’t have a literal English translation but is loosely defined as ‘a quality of cosiness that makes a person feel content and comfortable’. Doesn’t that sound exactly like how you want to feel about your conservatory during the colder months? 

 So, how do you go about bringing hygge into your conservatory? 

The simplest way to start bringing a cosy touch is to fill the space with fluffy blankets and soft cushions that beg you to curl up with them. From there, add lights and lamps that give off a soft glow and create a relaxing atmosphere. There is nothing more hygge than candles, so think of it as an excellent excuse to visit your favourite candle store to stock up on luxury seasonal candles. 

4. Take care of insulation and ventilation.

Check your conservatory for any gaps or drafts around windows, external window furnishings, and doors, and use weatherstripping to seal them. This prevents cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. 

While it might seem counterintuitive, proper ventilation is also crucial. Ensure that your conservatory has ventilation options to prevent condensation, which can make the space feel colder and encourage the growth of mold.

Enjoy Your Cosy Nook

A conservatory is a versatile space that seamlessly integrates nature with the comfort of indoor living; thus, creating a tranquil environment for relaxation and leisure. 

It’s a place that fosters well-being and reduces one’s reliance on artificial lighting. It’s also a unique venue for cultivating plants, allowing you to indulge in gardening and horticultural pursuits year-round. 

Enhance the overall aesthetics of your conservatory and property by keeping these tips in mind. This way, you can enjoy this special section of your home and use it for relaxing, socializing and dining with family and friends, or even for working, blending the benefits of the outdoors with the convenience of a sheltered, climate-controlled interior.