Conservatories are beautiful, light-filled connections between our indoor and outdoor living; but they can feel a little uninviting when the weather starts to cool down.
We would all love to have an en-vogue orangery but keeping up with the times can be costly - not to mention the overwhelm associated with the wealth of furniture and accessories available online.
To get the best out of these rooms during autumn and winter, we’ve put together some practical conservatory décor ideas to help create a warm and cosy space. And the good news is, they are not too time consuming and will instantly make an impact.
From installing a wood burner to styling your space with decorative rugs, there are so many ways to keep your conservatory cosy throughout the colder months.
Warm Lighting
Stark lighting can be harsh, so consider a dimmer option or a couple of floor lamps instead. You could also consider lanterns or fairy lights to create a warm, cosy glow.
Colour Scheme
Even though conservatories are filled with light by day, in winter they can still feel claustrophobic. Avoid this by choosing a pale colour palette for the walls and floors – oak laminate is always a good choice for a cosy, warm finish.
Add lots of soft lighting at various levels, using lamps and candles and try to avoid unnecessary furniture such as big bookshelves and cabinets - use a console instead.
Hang Curtains or Blinds
As well as adding character, curtains and blinds will retain heat in your conservatory during the cooler months.
If you’re not sure which style to go for, stick to soft greys, beiges and other neutral tones. If possible, choose floor-to-ceiling options that retain the heat and can be tied back in summer.
Textures
Texture is often an overlooked component of interior design. Adding texture to a décor scheme gives it depth. Natural furniture – such as wood and rattan – will create a subtle effect., while leather and bright accent fabrics will make a statement. Add layers by subtly varying the fabrics and colours. A neutral backdrop – like linen – can be livened by sumptuous velvet or silk fabrics.
Turn it into a Workspace
You could consider turning your conservatory into a creative home office corner, where you can spend your working hours facing your gorgeous garden view. 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. Consider a unique, vintage desk and a botanical blind to shade yourself and your computer screen from the glare.
Upcycle an Old Chair
Conservatories offer a quiet space for us to relax and engross ourselves a book or podcast, whatever the weather.
In contrast to rest of the house, they allow us to relish in the light of the outdoors, while protecting us from the elements.
So, whether you're a millennial in the mood for a modern idea, or a family looking for an upcycling project - painting an old wooden chair is a cheap and affordable way to revitalize a tired room.
And if you live in an area where the weather is unpredictable, bring your old furniture inside for its interior makeover. Not only will it stop it from eroding, but you're likely to get more use out of it in the conservatory.
Install Shelving or Peg Rails
Being so close the garden, you'll want all your tools nearby to carry out your maintenance tasks such as seeding and weeding - especially if you haven’t got a shed or summer house to store your wares.
By installing shelves or peg rails, you can have your spades and shears to hand, while keeping the rest of your house spic and span.
Create a Seamless Space with Indoor-Outdoor Tiles
By using the same flooring in your conservatory as your garden patio, you will create the illusion of a larger landscape. Light coloured, slip-resistant tiles add style and substance and work well in areas where food is prepared. Even in winter when the doors are closed, it creates a connection to the outdoors.
Don’t Forget the Wine
Wine racks are a cheap and practical way to decorate any room, but in a conservatory, they’re a cheap and cheerful accessory - if you do it tastefully.
Consider filling them with flowers from your garden or create beautiful candle holders. You could also consider re-potting your conservatory plants in recycled jam jars for a unique design. And when spring arrives, you could consider growing a few fruits in there too.
Ribbons and lace are a lovely addition. If you’re feeling creative, you could buy some glass paints and ‘go to town’. When light reflects off the glass, it’s creates stunning patterns across the room.
Seated Sophistication
A comfortable hammock is an essential element of any contemporary conservatory room - instantly making you feel welcome and at home. However, if you’re working with a smaller space, then a window seat lined with colourful cushions can make for a dreamy reading nook with plenty of natural light.
Whatever type of seating you choose, there is no need to compromise on comfort or style. Opt for some new accessories to add some sophistication to the room. Try a selection of foliage and plants, hang some second-hand art on the walls or make use of some scented candles to create a luxurious atmosphere.
Cushions
Replacing your cushions are a quick and simple way of revamping your conservatory décor. But cushion covers can come at a cost, especially if you’re after trendy fabric!
Instead of buying new cushions, you could transform them into a masterpiece by adding a simple trim stitch, buttons, ribbon, or any other haberdashery pieces you have lying at home.
You can also use old fabric offcuts to create new cushion covers. This is a great way to upcycle old pieces of fabric. Cushion covers are surprisingly easy to create and there is no better feeling than beautifying your abode with something you created yourself.
To read more about our process and potential conservatory design, click the link:
https://hallmarkglazedextensions.co.uk/design-ideas/conservatories/
