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Living room conservatory ideas


Small conservatory ideas – smart design and decor ideas

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

Adding a conservatory to your home can make a huge difference, allowing you to enjoy your garden year round and giving you stacks of extra space - and small conservatory ideas are no exception. Being clever with decor choices, picking space-saving furniture and keeping continuity of colour can all help to increase the sense of space in a small conservatory, so even if it is on the small size, lack of space won’t be an issue.

The benefits of adding a conservatory or orangery ideas are clear and both can work in the smallest of spaces, whether as an addition to a living area or dining room, or as an add-on conservatory at the side of a family kitchen. Cheaper and quicker to install than opting for a full-blown extension, generally speaking, you shouldn’t require conservatory planning permission, so installation is far less complicated.

Small conservatory ideas

Spending time in a sunny, light-filled space can be a wonderful mood-booster and having a small conservatory or garden room will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space all year round, whatever the weather outside.

When it comes to small conservatory ideas, putting some extra thought into decor choices, flooring, lighting and conservatory blind ideas can help you transform the area so that you won’t feel constricted by lack of space. Whether you want to use the area as an extra living space, dining area, family den or entertaining hub, these small conservatory ideas will offer you all the inspiration you need.

1. Create an inviting indoor/outdoor dining space

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Whatever their size, conservatories are a great way of extending existing living space and provide a bright and sunny spot that lets you enjoy your indoor and outdoor space whatever the weather.

If your indoor layout is feeling a little overcrowded because you’re working from home or have a growing family, then why not free-up some space and use a small conservatory as a dining room instead. With views out to the garden, it makes a lovely spot to sit and relax at mealtimes and will provide plenty of extra space for a more generously-sized table and chairs.

2. Don’t lose your cool

(Image credit: Blinds2go)

However you decide to use a small conservatory, one of the key factors to think about is the windows. Conservatories can become exceptionally hot during the summer months and cold over the winter, whatever their size, so to make the space comfortable to sit in, window blinds are a must.

‘Conservatory blinds offer more than just a decorative element to a space,’ says Natasha Painter, Head of Marketing at Blinds2go . ‘By nature, rooms with large scale glass doors or conservatories are wonderful additions to a home, flooding the room with natural light and helping connect the outside in.’

‘These pleated EasiFIT blinds offer the perfect solution to summer shading with the added benefit of being easy to clip into place, so there’s no mess or drilling involved. And their honeycomb design provides a thermal barrier that traps the heat making them perfect for cooler evenings too.’

3. Opt for fade-proof furnishings

(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)

While a sun-drenched conservatory is wonderful to sit in, over time the sun’s UV rays will fade and discolour furniture and furnishings. While quality roof and window blinds will help prevent fading to an extent, some fading is inevitable, so it’s worth bearing this in mind before choosing furniture and thinking about conservatory interior ideas.

Materials like silk and cotton are susceptible to light damage, while dark colours and rich brights that will fade easily are best avoided too. Sturdy woven furniture in wicker and rattan is less likely to be damaged by heat and opting for natural upholstery materials like canvas and calico in pale tones will help reduce sun fading. Rotating cushions regularly and moving furniture from time to time will limit the effects of hot sun too.

4. Blur the boundaries with natural colours 

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

Take inspiration from your surroundings when deciding on a colour palette for the exterior of your conservatory, so that it merges in with the backdrop rather than stands out. Opting for a frame in natural shades like sage green, duck egg blue or pebble grey will blend easily with outdoor foliage or old stonework and create a seamless transition between the two. Try to mirror the natural theme inside too with flooring and soft furnishings in complementary colours for a harmonious look.

5. Extend your decor indoors and out

(Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)

Link indoor and outdoor spaces so that the whole area works as one. Treat your conservatory as an extension of your interior by choosing the same colour palette to run throughout. Complementary colours will help the spaces flow more easily, transitioning from one area to the next with no harsh visual breaks, and will mean that you’re likely to get greater use out of a conservatory large or small.

Bring a neutral conservatory to life by working in plenty of accents of fresh green on soft furnishings and accessories. Cushions, throws and rugs are great for adding a splash of pattern and lush colour. Combine small prints with larger motifs in shades of leaf green, jade and turquoise. Nature-inspired prints like this will also give a visual link to the garden beyond and help to unify the whole downstairs area.

6. Make full use of a small layout

(Image credit: English Blinds)

When it comes to small conservatory ideas, utilising every inch is key to making the most of a compact layout. As much of a conservatory is glazed, it will mean that wall space is limited, so making clever use of what space there is can be a way of packing more in.

Using the lower section of wall space (below windows) is a savvy way of utilising wall space fully. Built-in window seats can be constructed to mirror the shape of a conservatory - whether square, rectangular or hexagonal - and will give useful extra seating around the perimeter of the space. Add lift-up seats and you’ll be able to use the space underneath for extra storage too…so it’s a win all round!

7. Save space with flexible seating

(Image credit: Dobbies)

Floor space can be tight in a small conservatory, so try not to overcrowd the area with too many bulky pieces of furniture. If the space is to be predominantly used for sitting and relaxing, then a compact, corner-shaped sofa or modular seating arrangement that can be configured to suit the shape of the layout are well worth considering.

Once you’ve chosen the best arrangement to suit your space, then keep the rest of the furniture to a minimum in a small conservatory, so that the walkway to the garden isn’t obstructed. Use a large outdoor rug as an anchor point for your seating area. It will create a visual resting point as you enter the conservatory and help to better define the space.

8. Arrange furniture to create a natural flow

(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)

An alternative furniture arrangement that can also be effective in a small or square-shaped conservatory is to position two sofas opposite each other. A face-to-face arrangement like this encourages conversation and feels more sociable, so is ideal if the conservatory is to be used as a living area or for entertaining family and friends.

Having sofas positioned opposite each other, with side tables and footstools arranged symmetrically, creates a sense of balance with a layout that naturally leads out to the garden beyond. Try not to impede the route outside with a bulky central coffee table - instead, opt for a slimline trunk or wicker chest that will be easier to manoeuvre around.  

9. Opt for practical flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Maintaining the same flooring choice throughout will ensure that the conservatory blends seamlessly with your existing decor, creating a better flow and helping to open up and boost the sense of space. 

Smooth floorcoverings like tiles, wood, laminate or vinyl are practical and easy to keep clean in a conservatory where there is lots of traffic outside, but can sometimes feel a little hard underfoot. Cosy up hard flooring by adding a large rug or runner. Natural matting, such as sisal, jute or seagrass are hardwearing and better-suited than plush carpets in a conservatory or sunroom. 

10. Give the decor a sunny vibe

(Image credit: Wayfair)

Conservatories can easily become dumping grounds and home to a mismatched assortment of furniture if you’re not careful, which can crowd and clutter a small conservatory. Try to keep furniture to an edited collection of pieces that you use frequently, such as a comfy seating set or smart dining table and chairs. Freeing up the space of non-essentials will instantly make it feel more roomy.

Co-ordinating the decor will also give a conservatory a more relaxed, cohesive feel and make it a spot that you enjoy spending time in. Just a few tweaks here and there can make a big difference, such as cushion covers and throws in complementary colours with a large patterned floor rug to tie in with the colour theme. Use shelves and ledges to display pottery and greenery and add colour on the walls with decorative plates and woven wall hangings on display.

11. Paint the interior a soothing shade

(Image credit: Homesense)

White is often the go-to colour when it comes to painting the interior of a conservatory, whether whitewashed brickwork or painted plasterwork, as pale colours will instantly make a small space feel brighter and more spacious.  

Painting the interior in natural, muted tones is another option that can work well in a small conservatory, from soft sage greens to pale, dusky blues that will merge with the outdoor surroundings and create a sense of calm. Painting walls to match the existing framework of your conservatory can also help to add a sense of spaciousness, creating a seamless effect that enlarges the space with no break in colour to interrupt the sightline.

12. Go big with greenery

(Image credit: Dobbies)

Plants and greenery are the obvious choice when it comes to adding life and colour to a small conservatory. Plants thrive in a warm and sunny environment and an abundance of greenery where the house meets the garden can help blur the boundaries between the two and create a space-stretching impression. 

Give plant displays extra height by making use of surfaces to display them on. Use window ledges and upper shelves as a display area and bring in hanging baskets and containers at staggered heights to add colour at different levels. Include taller plants in floor-standing tubs and planters for extra height - using handled baskets or pots on castors will make it easier to move plants around and add colour where needed most.

13. Add a splash of uplifting colour

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Nicholas Yarsley)

14. Extend a small kitchen

(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Merewether)

Even a small conservatory can add great value to a small kitchen. Extending your kitchen out to the back or side by even the minimum 3 metres of permitted development rules allows you to open up the space to make it much more useable.

The element of a glass roof and walls of windows will automatically flood a small kitchen with natural light making it feel instantly more airy and open.

15. Keep it cool with blinds

(Image credit: Blinds2Go)

Conservatories of any size can become extremely hot. It's the nature of a primarily glass structure – like a greenhouse. But unlike with a greenhouse the overbearing heat is not welcome when enjoying a conservatory, as it makes for uncomfortable living conditions. The best way to keep things cool is by welcoming a savvy window blind idea.

You want to be able to enjoy your small conservatory throughout all times of the day, escaping the heat at key times but still felling connected to the outside. Simply pull down the conservatory blinds to keep the heat out during the hottest times of the day.

16. Add space-saving window seats

(Image credit: TI Media)

Capture the feeling of bringing the inside into a tiny space by utilising every inch. This small bay-shaped conservatory is given a classic and timeless look with unpainted oak frames. Then, a clever yet simple window seat idea has been constructed around the window frame, creating a social space for chats with loved ones or a bit of alone time.

The wooden seating is softened with custom-fitted velvet seat pads and scatter cushions in earthy colours, which echo the garden surroundings.

17. Take the pressure off the living room

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

Make a small conservatory a second chill-out zone in your home, creating an open-plan living room. This peaceful TV-free spot is perfect to relax in.

The exposed brick wall adds a natural style and depth while the hardwearing floor is pale and elegant to maximise the space. Choose a cosy yet lightweight corner sofa that can be easily moved out into the garden on warmer days for an alfresco change.

18. Don't overload the space with furniture

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Polly Eltes)

In a smaller conservatory, particularly one squeezed into a side return extension, it's very important not to over furnish the space.

Avoid large items of conservatory furniture like sofas and dressers and instead pick small items that can be easily moved around – as demonstrated by these armchairs. A large rug can help zone a conservatory that's open-plan within a larger room.

19. Look to elevate storage

(Image credit: Future)

The best storage solution for any small space, be it a small living room or conservatory spaces, stacked shelving is always a good option. It helps to elevate any books, storage boxes and accessories off the floor. Going for a tall unit helps to use the space from floor to ceiling to your advantage, without taking up more floorspace.

20. Open up an entrance hall

(Image credit: Future)

If you're always tripping over shoes and struggle to manoeuvre through a small hallway, why not consider a conservatory extension at the front of your property? This is a great extension idea for bungalows too.

The mix of rustic materials and contemporary framework gives this small conservatory a distinctive modern country feel. Enhance the small space with a simple and coherent grey and white palette for a smart and sophisticated feel. Roman blinds and layered soft furnishings keep the look comfortable.

21. Make sure there's plenty of storage

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)

In this neat small dining room idea, banquette seating not only makes sure there's somewhere for everyone to chow down on their Sunday roast. It also doubles as plentiful storage – something hugely important in a small space, since the tiniest bit of clutter can ruin the look.

Just lift the lids and hide school books, toys, paperwork and more out of the way.

22. Keep the colour scheme light

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Jody Stewart)

Even though light will flood into the room by day, a small conservatory is in danger of feeling claustrophobic at night and in winter. Avoid this by choosing pale colours for the walls and floor – a washed oak would work well as it still gives you a cosy, warm finish.

Add lots of clever conservatory lighting at different levels using lamps and candles and try to avoid 'heavy furniture' – a console table, for example, would be preferable to a chest of drawers.

23. Be more productive in a sunny home office

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Spike Powell)

Why not turn your compact conservatory into a creative home office? Where better to spend your working hours than in a room filled with light and gorgeous garden views? Plus, it's proven that working next to a window makes you more productive.

This timeless look has brought elements of the outside in to connect with the garden beyond. There's a unique green vintage desk and a botanical blind to shade yourself and your computer screen from the sun.

24. Extend entertaining space in style

(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)

Extend your entertaining space with an additional, attractive dining area. The light conservatory will make a fabulous and practical social space, although so much glass can look cold. Therefore, choose wooden furniture in a rich tone to add warmth.

Make the transition to the outside seamless with similar planters and foliage both inside and out.

25. Showcase a specific style

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

Ornate furniture looks even more elegant in a light-filled room. Just a few pieces enhanced with shabby chic accessories, in garden-style metal materials, will turn your small conservatory in a serene and romantic French-inspired space. Balance the intricate furniture with a palette of off-white and neutrals to keep the small space light, fresh and airy.

26. Dedicate a cosy spot for 'me' time

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby)

Create a captivating place to escape to and enjoy the views. Lime-washed furniture and a linen armchair and stool create an elegant coastal living room feel in this charming petite conservatory.

Pastel cushions and blankets keep the nook cosy while an indoor bay tree adds a shot of natural colour. Be sure to add plenty of storm lanterns to give the room an intimate atmosphere at sunset.

What is the smallest size for a conservatory?

A three by three-metre conservatory is compact, but the perfect size for a small conservatory that will still offer plenty of extra space and be a welcome addition to any home.

‘Generally speaking, you don’t need planning permission when adding a conservatory as they are considered a permitted development, says Matthew Currington, Technical Director at the Lighting Superstore . ‘However, it does need to meet certain regulations, otherwise you might be fined and your conservatory altered or demolished.’

‘It’s exempt from planning rules as long as it’s no more than 4m high and lower than the highest part of the existing roof, covers no more than 50 percent of the land around the ‘original house’ and glazed with an external door linking your house and conservatory.’

‘If it doesn’t adhere to these requirements, planning permission may apply. If you’re still worried, registered installers have extensive experience dealing with planning permissions, so can deal with this on your behalf.’

Can you have a conservatory in a small garden?

Obviously, if the garden is exceptionally small a conservatory might be out of the question, but by choosing a compact design a small conservatory is perfectly feasible and won’t mean sacrificing your entire garden. 

‘You want your conservatory to be useable whatever the weather,’ adds Matthew Currington, ‘so make sure you take into consideration the temperature throughout the year and where the conservatory faces. ’

‘Any structure north-facing will be cooler as it receives less direct sunlight. This means it won’t overheat on warm days but will need insulation and heating to make it cosy in winter.’

‘A south-facing conservatory will bask in direct sunlight for most of the day. So it’s ideal for winter sun but in the summer in may become uncomfortably warm, so plan for plenty of ventilation to allow fresh air to flow.’

‘And if you do want to use your conservatory all year round, it’s worth ensuring it’s properly insulated, so you don’t lose the heat in the winter. Install blinds and curtains to keep the temperature consistent.’

Is a small conservatory worth it?

A small conservatory is always worth it, to gain not only more space but give your home a different perspective.

Not only will going small help keep your conservatory budget down. It will also most likely come under 'permitted development' regulations so you will not need planning permission (as long as the conservatory is separated from the house by external quality walls, doors or windows). Check The Planning Portal for the most up-to-date regulations.

What can you do with a small conservatory?

You can do wonders with even the smallest conservatory, adding square footage and an element of open design to your existing home layout. There are plenty of designs and materials to choose from, from classic styles with timber frames to more modern looks with aluminium or uPVC structures.

Once you've taken these key points into account you can lift your setting with colour, pattern and themes to create the ideal small conservatory that is right for you.

Amy Cutmore is Editor-in-Chief, Homes Audience, working across the Future Homes portfolio. She works on titles including Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens, Livingetc, Real Homes, Gardeningetc, Top Ten Reviews and Country Life. And she's a winner of the PPA's Digital Content Leader of the Year. A homes journalist for two decades, she has a strong background in technology and appliances, and has a small portfolio of rental properties, so can offer advice to renters and rentees, alike.  

15 wonderful ways to boost light and space |

(Image credit: Conservatory Craftsmen / Landmark Photography)

Looking for conservatory ideas? Our love affair with conservatories can be traced back to the botany-mad Victorians, who would retire to their ‘glasshouses’ to cultivate rare and exotic plants.

Since those days, design, technology and engineering have come a long way, making the once-traditional conservatory one of most flexible rooms in the modern-day home. Efficient heating and air conditioning systems, plus heat-control glass and insulated window treatments ensure the space is comfortable year round, making a conservatory suitable for a home office, play room, dining room, or to use as a relaxed living space.

Below, we bring you conservatory ideas, both traditional and modern.

Conservatory ideas

The informality of a conservatory is perfect for modern-day living and, as interior designer Steven Payne of Maison AD explains: 'I’m often asked to design conservatories that open up the back of older houses. Well-planned sunroom ideas bring the outside inside so that even on chillier days you can still enjoy a sense of being outdoors.’

1. Take inspiration from nature

(Image credit: Westbury Garden Rooms)

If you are looking for home addition ideas with a view of the garden but a deep connection to the house, a conservatory should be high on your list. Careful styling and clever color choices can transform a conservatory into a true restful retreat from which to enjoy the glorious garden views. 

‘This space boasts super large double doors on both the rear and side aspects that ease out into the garden for a harmonious indoor/outdoor lifestyle,’ says James Upton, Managing Director and Designer of Westbury Garden Rooms .

(Image credit: Future / Emme Lee)

If adding a conservatory would require planning a home addition, consider adapting shed ideas or a greenhouse to your needs instead. 

While most people use their greenhouses for horticultural reasons, as you would expect, many are using their greenhouses in a more multifaceted way introducing living, relaxation, dining and lifestyle elements into their greenhouse or garden room use. The same goes with sheds.

While these spaces may be too warm for some, you do have the added benefit of being able to set your greenhouse right in the middle of your backyard or garden, so you can feel fully enveloped by nature.

3. Choose a traditional style conservatory

(Image credit: Malbrook)

Many house styles lend themselves naturally to classic white conservatories. These white frames not only look beautiful from the outside, they help bounce light around. While uPVC frames were popular for many years, painted wood is becoming a stronger choice. 

‘Traditional sustainable hardwoods are recommended,’ says Mark Wild, designer at Malbrook . ‘New ultra efficient eco glass specs will also future proof the new extension to add value to any home.’ Add further interest with decorative frames, such as gothic arches. 

4. Or, go completely contemporary

(Image credit: Conservatory Craftsmen / Landmark Photography)

If your conservatory ideas are contemporary and to be a new addition, maintaining the architecture of the main portion of the home creates a seamless flow.

'There are many design considerations when planning a conservatory,' says Evan Cohoe of Conservatory Craftsmen . 'The biggest it the existing architecture. When you hear conservatory most think of something Victorian but we can also go ultra modern,' like they did for this conservatory at a modern Minnesota home.

5. Double up 

(Image credit: Vale)

Why have one conservatory when you can fit two? Double up on your conservatory ideas by building two styles to achieve the best of both worlds. In this elegant project, there is a classical orangery on one side, incorporating full panel sliding sash windows within a framework of decorative pilasters and entablature. 

‘The main orangery provides a living room from which to enjoy spectacular views of the garden. Adjacent is a more solid construction housing sliding doors and a roof lantern, which provides a formal room for dining,’ says Lisa Morton, Director, Vale . 

6. Opt for a wooden structure

(Image credit: Prime Oak)

Oak conservatories are a wonderful choice, especially for homes in the country. ‘Oak has been used for construction for centuries due to its remarkable beauty, strength and durability,’ notes Jonathan Stackhouse, Planning Manager at Prime Oak . 

‘A timeless material that matures gracefully over time that also offers a sustainable eco-friendly solution, designed to be enjoyed for lifetimes to come. Today oak still provides unrivalled quality and a well-maintained oak building would add value to any property, regardless of its age. To help maintain and keep the building looking new, we recommend an oil based waterproof coating, usually to be reapplied 1-2 times a year, as required.’

7. Capitalize on a view

(Image credit: Conservatory Craftsmen)

A conservatory is the original room with a view, so it makes an excellent choice for a home addition in a panoramic setting.

'This room was intended for dining, housing  greenery and gazing out at beautiful Lake Geneva,' says Evan Cohoe of Conservatory Craftsmen, about this Minnesota home. 'This is technically an orangery. In the summer the plants live on the patio terrace. In the winter the plants are pushed in. This is the way the Victorians used orangeries also.'

8. Be sympathetic to the main building

(Image credit: Julius Bahn)

Historic homes can often benefit from the addition of a light enhancing conservatory, as they often feature small windows resulting in dark rooms, but ensure you are careful.

 ‘A successful orangery design on a period home should not over-dominate the appearance of the existing building but be visually subservient to it,’ says Jonathan Stackhouse, Planning Manager, Prime Oak. ‘Oak framing utilizes traditional construction and carpentry methods which local authority planners often welcome in period settings.’ 

This project from Julius Bahn also carefully matched the new roof to the existing roof tiles in order to blend harmoniously with the existing home.

9. Boost light with a roof lantern or skylight

(Image credit: David Salisbury)

One of the most common reasons to build a conservatory is to boost the amount of light that enters a home, and exactly how much extra light you want will depend on the intended use of the space.  

‘Orangeries with roof lights are ideal for kitchens as they provide a controlled amount of light through the roof and an opportunity to focus this above a kitchen island or dining table; whereas a conservatory, with its typically fully glazed roof will be the ideal design for plants to thrive,’ notes Karen Bell, Sales Director at David Salisbury .

10. Dress the windows

(Image credit: Blinds 2 Go)

Adding blinds into your conservatory not only adds an extra splash of beauty to the space, but will also help the space to be as functional as possible. 

‘As your conservatory is likely to be the brightest room in the house, you’ll need blinds that adequately cut out enough sunlight to ensure the room is habitable in summer and on those blindingly sunny winter days too,’ says Leah Aspinall, Head of Design at Blinds 2go .

‘Another consideration is the heat. As conservatories tend to be mostly glass, they can get extremely hot in the summer months and cold in winter without adequate window coverage,' she says.

11. Make it modern with a glass box

(Image credit: Jonathan Gooch / Future)

From modern box to traditional conservatory, a glass-walled addition will boost your living space, brighten your home and provide a greater connection between indoors and out.

There is now a huge variety of high performance glass available, designed to improve energy efficiency and control solar glare. The type of structure and direction in which it faces will dictate what type of glass is most appropriate. ‘A north-facing conservatory will have a different glass requirement to a southwest-facing one, simply because it is exposed to less direct sunlight,’ says Lee Vaughan, managing director of Breckenridge Conservatories.

12. Opt for a sunroom addition

(Image credit: Future / James Balston)

A conservatory doesn't have to be an addition, it can also be a freestanding structure. Building a conservatory out in the garden allows it to double as a potting shed or greenhouse.  

13. Create a space for rest and relaxation 

(Image credit: Jody Stewart / Future)

The defining feature of a conservatory paints this option as a bit of an add-on as opposed to integral part of the building. A conservatory should have a lockable door to the main house and not share heating and plumbing services. But most conservatory specialists are happy to build conservatory-style extensions that flow with the main house and which have connected services that can support a kitchen, and certainly a comfortable living, dining or office area.

'Years ago, homeowners simply had a conservatory bolted to the back of their homes as sunrooms for use during warm weather,' says Paul Schofield, Apropos' technical sales manager. ‘These days, conservatories and other glass-heavy home additions are a fully-integrated part of the home thanks to improved thermal ratings, so homeowners can use and enjoy them all-year round.' 

Conservatory structures are usually made of uPVC, wood or aluminum, with all three available in a huge range of colors. ' The choice is mainly aesthetic,' adds Paul, ‘although aluminum is particularly strong, yet light and is also resistant to corrosion, unlike wood which will require maintenance.'

14. Optimize an indoor and outdoor space

(Image credit: David Cleveland / Future)

A successful addition can dramatically improve your lifestyle – and the value of your home. Whether you’re based in the town or country, there’s a solution to suit every property. Here wall-to-wall modern glazing at the back of this rear extension completely opens up the kitchen-diner-living room to the garden. Continuous stone flooring inside and out link the interior to the outside space. Adding a conservatory or orangery to the back of a period property may require planning permission.

15. Make more living room

(Image credit: Parish Conservatories)

There are plenty of creative ways to use a conservatory, but they're also suited to meet the simple need for more living space.

Paul Zec, of Parish Conservatories in Connecticut, says he's quoted conservatories for use as aviaries, orangeries, and pool shelters, but the company designed the space above as a living area for a homeowner that wanted a sunny room to relax in. 

How to choose the right conservatory?

While the range of conservatory styles – from Victorian glasshouses and Edwardian pavilions to minimalist boxes – has never been wider Mark Jones, of Town and Country, specialist in bespoke designs, says the market is dominated by two distinct looks. 

‘On the one hand we still have lots of requests for traditional Victorian conservatories which look wonderful in a range of settings. On the other side, we are increasingly being asked to design a more hybrid, orangery-style structures. Typically these have solid timber or masonry walls with semi glazed roofs and tall windows or folding doors opening on to gardens or patios.’

Proportion is key. ‘Cheaper kit-form conservatories are often made for new-build houses so the design will be dwarfed by larger Georgian or Colonial properties,’ explains Mark Jones.  

Privacy is another priority especially if you live in dense areas where fewer windows may be a more prudent option.

You will also have to consider the location. The best planned conservatory will capitalize on views of your garden. Do you need storage? If so, then an orangery style with more wall space will be more practical then a fully-glazed construction. For larger open plan spaces, roof lanterns placed above separate eating and kitchen areas add definition.

Will a conservatory add value to my home?

According to the Chartered Institute of Surveyors, a conservatory can add at least 5 percent in value to your property but only, says architect Jeremy Preston-Jones of Malbrook Conservatories, if the scale and quality of the glasshouse matches your existing house. 

‘I’d say that most of our customers spend between five to ten percent of the property value on their conservatories. So, if a house is worth $900,000 a budget of $90,000 is realistic.’

What are the types of conservatory available?

Whether you choose to call it a conservatory or orangery there is a range of styles and design features to choose from. What you pick should ideally reflect your house style.

If you opt for a bespoke design, one idea is to replicate features from your house, such as arched windows or gabled roof in the conservatory to link the two structures. There is no reason to be slavishly faithful to the period of your house either. A sleeker modern style on a farmhouse could work just as well as a more conventional model, provided the scale and silhouette is complementary.

Victorian

The quintessential Victorian house style bleeds into conservatory design, with features such as a pitched roof with ornate ridges and facetted front, like a bay window.

Edwardian

Often square or rectangular, the early 20th century conservatory is less ornate than Victorian styles with a flat sometimes pedimented front and more useable floor space.

Orangery

The classic orangery combines stone or timber walls and corners with tall windows and a flat roof with glass skylight.

Lean-to

The simplest shape with a single-sloped roof and the longer wall adjoining the house. Can be useful for filling in corners and to avoid taking up too much space in a small garden design.

Gable Fronted

A vertical and front and steeply pitched roof that can be plain or ornamented. The design creates a generous ceiling height.

P-Shaped

Typically combines a Victorian-style section with a lean-to structure to make the P-shape.

T-Shaped

A symmetrical design featuring a larger middle porch section and wings that make a T-shape.

Lantern

Featuring a two-tier conservatory roof, the overall impression is of height, light and grandeur.

Do you need zoning or planning permission to build a conservatory?

In the U.S.

In most instances, if the conservatory is extending the footprint of your home or requires moving walls, you will need building permits before breaking ground. The exact regulations and types of permits you will need depend on the city where you live, since these regulations are governed at a local level. Your town planning and zoning commission is the best resource for information on building permits for a sunroom or conservatory.  

In the U.K.

The recent brouhaha surrounding the Government’s proposed relaxation on planning has drawn attention to conservatories. According to Jonathan Hey of Westbury conservatories, planning rules and building regulations are often conflated. ‘Planning permission applies to the look and size of a structure, not it technical specifications. Like any extension, the conservatory will be subject to planning permission if it exceeds the permitted development area around a property. 

‘It’s vital that you check your contractor or designer is up to date with the latest regulations’ says Jonathan. According to the Conservatory Association, ggf.org.uk, planning permission is often not needed for a smaller domestic conservatories that meets the criterion listed below. However, rules are constantly being updated so always check with your local planning office.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

With contributions from

photo ideas and recommendations for creating - INMYROOM

In recent years the winter garden in a private house has become very popular, photo of this beauties fascinate, attract with their originality, unusualness, mystery and luxury. The most amazing thing is that all this wealth can be made with your own hands, properly equipped and landscaped.

Types of winter gardens and their characteristics

Warm summer days last not so long, giving way to another long cold days. But sometimes you really want to take and extend this warm period for at least some time to have time to once again inhale the aroma of your favorite flowers, admire the green leaves and the amazing colors of summer nature.

Self made hands, the winter garden is an evergreen corner, thanks to which you can continue to admire all your favorite greenery at any time of the year.

Ornamental greenery can be placed both in a country house and in a small city apartment. For this, the most important thing is to choose a suitable place. Although if we are talking about a private house, then this suitable place can be created specially.

Winter gardens are divided into its location and functionality.

1. Buffer garden. it annex, which is part of a private house and is glazed veranda.

2. Residential conservatory in private house. It can be a specially designated corner or personalized building (attachment). The garden can be full or partially glazed. This room can accommodate a living room, dining room, a recreation area, and in each of these environments coziness and comfort will be provided. AT an artificial microclimate is created in the room, thanks to which the inside is always a certain temperature is maintained and it becomes possible to grow various flowers, fruit trees at any time of the year and regardless of weather.

3. Greenhouse winter garden in the house. This is a non-residential building, equipped with an artificial climate. In such the room is very convenient for cultivating plants brought from different parts of the earth. Greenhouses located in large areas, allow you to create entire multifunctional front gardens with alleys, ponds, recreation areas and flower beds. Thanks to this multifunctional placement you can not only create a unique winter garden, but also get a great place for rest and relaxation.

Methods for creating a winter garden in a private house

The process of creating greenhouses are not the easiest and easiest thing to do. This process will require not only a lot of time and effort, but also financial security. But the resulting creation is able to give such pleasure that in the end it will not be a pity for any money, no strength. After all, this garden will become a summer corner throughout the year.

Importance in creating a winter garden plays a choice of location. It is best to build a structure with edges from the cottage, which will save on energy carriers and maximize use all the possibilities of the resulting garden.

When choosing the right places, it is important to pay attention to some nuances:

creating a garden plays and the right choice of materials. They must be reliable and durable. Therefore, you should not save on building materials. To make a winter garden in a private house, use:

1. Glass. Allows transmit up to 98% of light, withstand loads, it is not afraid of snow or hail, no strong wind. Disadvantages - high price and heat transfer.

2. Polycarbonate. Advantages - low cost, flexibility of the material, transparency 88%. Disadvantages - low thermal efficiency, which will lead to the need additional heating of the building and additional monetary costs.

3. PVC bags. Advantages - heat preservation and efficiency. The disadvantages include a large the weight.

4. Plexiglas. Will be useful for creating side walls indoors. Advantages - ease of use. The disadvantage is heavy weight.

With equipment greenhouses, it is necessary to carefully consider the system of heating, lighting, watering and ventilation. In order to have enough heat, it is necessary to install a heating system. There are a large number of heating installations. Choice rests on the budget, as well as the size of the heated room itself.

Ventilation system necessary for the normal growth and development of plants. In additional many flowers and shrubs need lighting, so such plants should be equipped with separate fluorescent lamps. Although there are shade-loving plants. Therefore, when considering lighting, it is necessary to take into account the "wishes" of the plants.

Moisture sufficiency also directly affects the normal development and growth of plants. by the most the best option for irrigation is a drip method that allows you to saturate moisture root system.

Design methods and ideas

Winter garden decoration carried out only at the personal discretion and wish. Design idea can fully reflect the flight of fantasy of the owner of the greenhouse. Although not desirable experiment with plant selection. To get the best result, you need to follow some rules:

If accepted the decision to make a winter garden on your own, it is important to remember the most important thing rule is the correct combination of plants among themselves, distributing them according to criteria:

It is important to understand that it is impossible to collect all the plants from different parts of the earth in one place. Each of these plants needs the necessary conditions, which are more realistic reflect their familiar environment and environment.

Create in one indoors, various microzones are very difficult, which is why it is worth giving preference for plants belonging to the same category.

Where to arrange

1. Winter garden on veranda. Creating a winter garden on the veranda of a private house is quite easy without special material costs. The room is filled with natural light, which penetrates through the walls and roof of the building. To change the destination is simple verandas, and turn it into a winter garden, you only need to install ventilation systems. They will help prevent condensation in the winter, and will not let the plants wither in the summer from the heat.

2. Winter garden on the roof. In this option, it will not be necessary to build a foundation, which will be very significant building advantage. However, you will need to do other more significant structures. For example, you need to assemble a frame that will be similar to the ground structure. You need to take care of the unhindered flow of snow and water from the roof of the garden. On the roof will need somehow climb, so you will need to consider options for stairs, railings and doors. AT air vents can act as a ventilation system for a roof garden, due to which there will be constant air circulation. This type of garden is very convenient. and a functional option, because lighting, ventilation and heating will occur exclusively in a natural way.

Become an owner anyone can have a living garden. If a person does not have a private house, a winter garden can be arranged on the balcony, equipping it in accordance with the rules insulation and ventilation. The main thing is to arm yourself with an idea and a desire to build something unusual and beautiful.

Winter garden presents is a complex architectural structure that allows throughout the year enjoy summer beauty. Thanks to such a simple idea, summer will last all year round. To achieve beauty and harmony, you need to properly equip the room and choose the right “inhabitants” of the garden so that they please you as long as possible its beauty and amazing fragrance.

Video

The best winter gardens and greenhouses in the house - 42 photos. Beautiful interiors and design

If you decide to create a winter garden in a private house, then we congratulate you! Whether you live in a village or a big city, you will fill your life with joyful and pleasant moments. Fill your winter garden with exotic plants, make it an additional living room - at any time of the year you will be in harmony with nature. Whether you're hiring builders or creating a winter garden in your home, we've got some good tips for you.

Natural stone walls add comfort to the winter garden

Winter garden glazing

Glazing is, of course, the key to creating a winter garden. Glass must be insulated. When designing a roof, its slope plays an important role. Calculate how the sun's rays fall in winter: the roof should be at right angles to them. Then in the winter you will be able to collect all the solar heat, and in the summer you will be able to hide from the scorching sun. All year round, your garden will be maintained at an optimal, comfortable temperature.

Add a couple of fresh accents using furniture

The glazed terrace as a winter garden

Winter Garden-Orange

Durability

is in the first place about the southern regions. mild winter, yet pay attention to a very important point: cheap materials are not even considered here! Glass and moving mechanisms must be of the highest quality if you want to spend time in your conservatory all year round. Regarding the choice of materials, we recommend contacting our partners: oknafdo.ru.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast or read a wonderful book in this winter garden

Why not celebrate the New Year in the winter garden?

Winter garden decoration

Of course, the winter garden can be used to store plants in the winter. You can also make a greenhouse out of it, where you can grow your own vegetables all year round. However, let's consider the option where the interior of the winter garden resembles a living room where you can gather with the whole family, enjoy nature and fresh air at any time of the year and in any weather. In the first place - comfort and coziness! Use comfortable upholstered furniture or beautiful rattan garden furniture. Set up a comfortable table and don't forget the lamps. Thus, sockets will also come in handy for you.
Plants are without a doubt the soul of a winter garden. Fill the room with greenery. The very embodiment of comfort, round full of flowering plants, your winter garden will become an oasis where you can fill up with strength for new achievements!

Classic furniture in an aluminum winter garden

Do you think that the vine is only a summer plant? By no means!

Great idea: winter garden dining room

Glazed terrace as a winter garden

If you already have a wonderful veranda or terrace where you like to spend time in good weather, why not glaze it? A small family does not need a large winter garden, a glazed veranda is enough - a calm corner with fresh air, where you can spend winter evenings.

Winter garden with protection from the scorching sun

Large winter garden with a domed structure

We publish for you photos of completely diverse, but without a doubt, the best winter gardens and greenhouses.

Cozy interior of the Winter Garden

The strict design of the winter garden in red-black colors

Large Winter Garden in private house

Grace
9000 9000
Small winter Sad in brown

Interesting design of the winter garden

Combination of different areas - dining and living room in the winter garden

Winter garden as a room where you can do what you love

Large colonial winter garden

Not enough space? No problem!

Winter Garden with Liana Plants

Winter Garden at

Place for Greens

Photo: deavita.

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