Designing the Perfect Conservatory for Your Property

Posted on 27th July 2023

---

Adding a conservatory to your property is an excellent way of increasing the size of the liveable space on it. Adding one can also help you bridge the gap between your outdoor and indoor spaces by allowing you to include outdoor elements in a comfortable and beautiful relaxation space.

The main challenge you might face when adding one to your property is its design. The reason is that, beyond considering the cost, you should also consider materials, placement and other factors that will affect its design and architecture and how comfortable and welcoming it feels.

Essential Things to Keep in Mind When Designing the Conservatory

Before you can get to making it comfortable and welcoming throughout the year, there are some factors you need to consider in the building stages.

Adequate Ventilation

A conservatory can get uncomfortable if you do not ensure its ventilation is adequate for the space you end up with. Hot air rises and should be exhausted through vents installed on the roof. Adequate ventilation ensures its interior environment remains comfortable, and helps avoid condensation that can be unsightly when you consider the conservatory will likely have clear walls and roof.

Heating and Cooling

Adequate ventilation can help with the cooling, but you need a system that ensures the internal space stays at a comfortable temperature, especially in cold weather. You can get air conditioning units for conservatories to ensure yours remains comfortable and usable throughout the year, even during periods of extreme heat and cold.

Materials

Your conservatory can be built out of aluminium, timber or uPVC/PVCu. UPVC conservatories have become popular in recent years because they are easy to install, maintain and fabricate. They are also an affordable option compared to wood and aluminium and are much more customizable.

UPVC conservatories also have excellent thermal properties that ensure the conservatory remains cool during summer and warm during the winter. Remember that it has to be fabricated and installed properly for it to give you these benefits. You can contact the experts at The Home Design Group to discuss the available options and have a conservatory that matches your exact needs.

Plants

Plants do a great job of making a space look better, more inviting and alive. Consider whether you will add plants as part of your conservatory decor. If you will, consider where you will place them during the design phase.

You should ensure the plants you pick can survive in the conditions you will create in the conservatory. Think about how they will flower so they do not obstruct your view, and whether they will need support to they get sunlight.

Designing the Conservatory

With the important considerations out of the way, let us look at the actual design process.

The first thing to consider when designing the conservatory is its position and direction. Both will determine how much sunlight it will receive and the time of day it will receive it. You will also need to consider the conservatory’s use and how it will improve how you enjoy your home.

The most popular uses for conservatories are dining or living rooms, even though some people also use them as extensions for their breakfast rooms and kitchens.

Note that the home’s position and direction can limit where you place the conservatory. If you find that the design and position forces you to place the conservatory in an undesired position, you can use an air conditioning unit and UV filters to create the exact environment you are going for.

Style and Design

The style and design will be unique to you and your home, and the good thing is that there are several design and style options to choose from. Some of these include:

• Edwardian – Suited for homes with a modern look due to its rectangular or square shape and contemporary style.
• Lean-to – A flexible option that allows flexible window, door, and finishing designs which makes it popular with many homeowners.
• Victorian – The best option for Victorian homes.

You also have modern, bespoke, and orangeries.

Companies that build and install conservatories will be glad to discuss the different options they provide to help you get a style and design that matches your home and preferences.

Size

The conservatory will be a great addition to your home if designed and placed well. However, you also need to ensure that it is the right size. Checking that it is the right size ensures that it fits your home perfectly and is proportional to the space you will place it in so that it does not look out of place.

It is often a good idea to prepare and mark the space where the conservatory will go before it is installed. Doing so will help you know how much space you will have for furniture and other items once it is done. Also, the conservatory’s size will determine whether you will need planning permission.

Lighting

Glass or uPVC conservatories benefit greatly from natural light, meaning you will only need to add lighting for use at night. However, you can still add tasteful lights that enhance the space’s ambience during the day.

You should call an experienced and qualified electrician to install lighting points in your conservatory. They can also add some power outlets if you wish to use the conservatory as an office.

It is best to plan for the lighting and outlets during the design stage so that everything looks harmonious and you do not have to run unsightly wires once everything is done.

A conservatory is an excellent addition to your home as it adds liveable or usable space you can utilise in different ways. You should think about its design beforehand and talk to experts who will install one for you so they can tell you what you need to know or answer any questions you may have.