Most people
purchase conservatories to increase the floor space in their homes without having to relocate or add an expensive loft or basement extension. However, to be genuinely cost-effective, you must be able to use it all year round. Not always easy, given that conservatories are more vulnerable to the changes in British weather. Follow our top tips for making the most of your conservatory and ensure you
do not regret your conservatory purchase.
Choose Lightweight Furniture
Do not overcrowd your conservatory with huge sofas or large armchairs. Although this may be appealing if you want to use your conservatory as a place to relax primarily, it will prevent air from circulating within, which is especially problematic during the summer.
Choose lightweight furniture that is easy to move around. Basic wooden chairs with upholstered seat covers or built-in benches should provide the comfort you seek while keeping the temperature reasonable. If you’re worried about staying warm in the cold, a couple of rugs and throws should do the trick.
Avoid Unruly Plants
The problem with many indoor plants is that they shed their foliage quite quickly. Cacti and succulents are excellent choices because they can be kept alive all year with little care or watering.
Low-maintenance palm trees will provide a stylish touch to your conservatory. Other plants, such as olive, lemon, or orange trees, can survive winter indoors without additional electric or solar heating unless you reside in an icy location. Remember that plants, even indoors, can help to improve air quality.
Give it a purpose
One approach to ensure that you will use your conservatory is to designate it for a specific purpose. It can be used as a dedicated reading room or library with built-in bookshelves. Many people use their conservatories as dining rooms because most kitchens are located at the back of houses; transporting food (together with plates and glasses) into and out of a conservatory should be simple.
Fit Window Shutters
The placement of shutters aids in the temperature regulation of a conservatory. They can keep direct sunlight out during the summer, and air can still circulate easily if the angle of the panels or louvres is adjusted correctly.
Shutters will keep your conservatory from being too cold in the winter. They are particularly effective insulators because they prevent conduction, which enables warm air to escape to the outside, and convection, which allows cold air to enter from the outside. This means that your conservatory should be neither too hot nor too cold. You won’t need to spend money on electrical heating aids like fans or heaters.
Window shutters have additional benefits. They are considerably easier to clean than curtains or textiles, requiring only a wet cloth once in a while. They will provide you with plenty of security and privacy from inquisitive neighbours or would-be criminals. They will not fade and shield anything inside your conservatory from the sun’s glare.
Shutters also offer a lot of curb appeal, which makes your home more attractive to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell.
