How to make the most of a conservatory with glass walls
Conservatories are excellent additions to all kinds of homes, creating an extra living space that connects the inside and outside by providing views of the outdoors from a sheltered area that’s flooded with natural light.
There are various types of conservatory structures with different names, including the following:
- Conservatory – a structure with a glass roof and glass walls connected to the house
- Sunroom – an extension or attached structure with more extensive glazing
- Orangery – a sunroom with more brick or stone solid construction
- Garden room – a solid room leading to the garden with large windows or bifold doors
They can also be called solariums or sun lounges in some cases – but what they all have in common is that they rely on large windows or glass walls to form a bright and airy space, which can be used as a living room, dining area, or more.
However, a conservatory is only as inviting and enjoyable as its furnishings and décor. Without the right interior design solutions, you won’t be able to make the most of the light and views through your glass walls and/or roof.
If you’re not sure how to create an appealing modern space, whether it’s part of an extensive renovation or a simple makeover, here are some top design tips to help you make the most of your conservatory or sunroom.
Comfortable furniture
It may seem obvious, but the key to creating the perfect comfy retreat is choosing the right furniture – not just to suit the intended purpose of the space, but also to match the scale and avoid overcrowding.
If you want an elegant dining area, opt for a wooden table with upholstered chairs to match the natural wood textures from outside. Or to furnish a restful relaxation area, choose a squishy sofa or cushioned armchairs with a glass-topped coffee table to maintain an open, spacious atmosphere.
Multi-functional furniture like under-table storage or ottoman footstools offer extra practicality – as do materials like wicker and rattan that maintain the natural look while holding up well under sun exposure.
Cosy textiles
While minimalist furniture designs are the most versatile, soft furnishings allow you to bring more textures and colours into the room, which can easily be adjusted with the seasons.
From stylish table dressings to soft cushions and throw blankets, textiles are key to making the space feel homely and snug – especially during colder months. This also includes elements like your choice of blinds or curtains and rugs on the floor, which can help to insulate the area.
It’s also a good idea to look for design motifs in the main home that you can carry through to the conservatory to connect the spaces, whether that’s a colour, pattern or shape. From plush pillows or decorative accessories, remember to choose fabrics that won’t fade too fast in direct sunlight.
Multi-functional layout
The way furniture is positioned can make or break a sunroom. Ideally, the main seating area will be arranged to make the most of the view on the other side of the windows or glass walls – whether your garden is beautifully landscaped or you let nature run wild beyond your back door.
However, if your current set-up feels tired and uninspired, changing the function can shake things up and make your conservatory feel fresh again. For example, transform a basic sitting room into a bougie dining room for almost-al fresco meals, or upgrade it to the ultimate reading nook or gaming corner.
The best way to utilise a sun lounge is to make it as multi-functional as possible – e.g. creating a conversation area with a coffee table that extends into a dining table, or choosing seating that can fold out into a bed for lazy afternoons with a book.
Curated lighting
Many people don’t realise quite how much lighting contributes to the perception and function of a space, but it’s never more true than for a conservatory or sunroom, where an abundance of light during the day is the primary attraction.
In the height of summer, though, the room can become a bit too bright and hot – which is why it’s important to have blinds or curtains that allow you to filter the amount of sunlight.
On the other hand, in winter, there are fewer hours of daylight to enjoy, so it’s crucial to have suitable ambient lighting that can illuminate the space to a comfortable level. For example, the warm glow of a lamp or twinkling fairy lights will create a cosy vibe, especially when reflected in the glass.
Neutral colour palette
Overall, it’s best to stick to a neutral palette for the walls, floor, and large pieces of furniture, and use exchangeable soft furnishings for pops of colour instead, as this helps to maintain a serene feeling throughout the seasons.
Painting the walls is one of the fastest methods for drastically improving how any space looks – and a fresh coat of white paint is ideal for sprucing up window frames or walls that aren’t glass.
Pale shades are a must if you want to make the most of spreading light around the room, but if you want a slightly warmer tone, off-white and cream colours make a great alternative. Should you prefer something a bit brighter, stick to lighter greens and blues that complement the view of nature outside.
New flooring
With glass walls drawing the eye upwards, you might not look underfoot all that much – but your choice of conservatory flooring can make a big statement, whether it continues from the main home or uses a completely different type to distinguish the room from the rest of the house.
If you wanted to do something different and amplify the cosiness, you could lay carpet instead of just a rug, but this may not be ideal if people will be going in and out of the garden.
Modern options that are easy to keep clean include laminate wood-effect flooring, polished concrete, or tiles. Introducing one of these sleek styles can enhance the upmarket feel and help to bounce the light around coming through the glass.
Lots of plants
Conservatories and sun lounges are designed to provide a panoramic view of the garden and allow as much natural light inside as possible. Historically, this helped with growing exotic plants – so why not bring the outdoors in with conservatory plants?
Strategic greenery can blur the boundary between the inside and outside, so you truly feel at one with nature every time you chill out in the sunroom – even if the plants aren’t real!
Sunlight and natural scenery are great mood boosters, and foliage can add vibrancy to an otherwise neutral living area without overpowering it. From hanging baskets to floor pots, large leafy plants and eye-catching blooms will brighten up the place.
Smart technology
For a supremely comfortable sunroom, tech integration is the way to go. It could be worth investing in smart technology that’s easy to control and convenient to adjust as needed.
Smart technology can help you set the scene perfectly according to your mood, from blinds, light bulbs, and thermostats to audiovisual systems for playing music or ambient sounds or watching television or movies.
Though it’s a high upfront expense that takes a while to pay for itself over time, there are many benefits to installing underfloor heating in a properly insulated conservatory, too – ensuring you can use the space even in the depths of winter.
Glass partitions and doors
Conservatories and sunrooms are typically extensions added onto the back or side of an existing house, often accessible through the kitchen with a standard door.
However, if you want to optimise the amount of light coming into the rest of the house, you should use glass doors – or even better, open up the connecting area by installing a glass partition with a sliding glass door.
This helps the conservatory to feel like its own separate space when you’re spending time inside it, while offering a virtually seamless transition between rooms – extending the benefits to the rest of your home.
If you’re interested in toughened glass partitions and doors for your sunroom or anywhere else in your home, why not get in touch with the Glass Interiors team to find out how we can help?
Call us on 0203 793 5455 or email info@glass-interiors.co.uk to discuss your custom glass partitions today.
