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Five Picks For a Conservatory or Garden Room

The conservatory or garden room is often a neglected space, mainly because they tend to be cold in Winter and hot in Summer. Advising on such issues is beyond the scope of this blog and specialist advise should be sought. However, there is no doubt that they provide valuable living space at this time of year when it can be simply too chilly to be completely al fresco. So assuming your conservatory or garden room is fit for purpose here are some tips for giving it some style.

Furniture

Image of two rounded rattan armchairs in a conservatory. They have white seat cushions. In between them is a a wire basket style side table

The conservatory or garden room is a link between the indoors and the outdoors and I think that you want to have that connection with the outdoors. It therefore makes sense to have furniture that could work in both situations. Natural materials such as bamboo and rattan are very popular at the moment and are being seen increasingly in living room furniture. Choose a style that would work equally well in either space. This has the added advantage that if you need extra seating in your living room at say Christmas you can bring the chairs in. Depending on the size of space opt for individual chairs or a settee. As with any seating, check to make sure it is comfortable. You need somewhere to rest your mug or glass of wine. Much garden furniture comes as a set and includes a table. Going for seating that isn’t categorised as garden furniture means that you can create a more bespoke look. If you are lucky you may even have space for a dining set. Conservatories and garden rooms are often used as a dining area.

Flooring

Image of a conservatory with rattan sofas in an L shape piled with cushions. There is a grey and white patterned rug on the floor with a design of chevrons diamonds and squares

Conservatories and garden rooms tend to have tiled or stone floors which can be cold underfoot if you don’t have underfloor heating. Adding a rug not only solves this problem but gives more of the feel of a living room. If you choose a rug that is suitable for outdoor use you can take it outside when dining al fresco.

Lighting

Image of a conservatory roof with a ceiling fan/light. The fitting comprises four arms and the blades have a metal frame with canvas insert resembling a sail.

Any room needs lighting if it is to be used to it’s full extent and don’t forget that if the conservatory or garden room leads on to a patio or deck, the lighting will provide additional lighting (or indeed may be the only light source) for your outdoor lighting. The traditional ceiling fan is perhaps rather outdated but a fan can be useful and if one is needed there are some contemporary designs out there. Otherwise you want a pendant light that fits with the style of your furnishings – a shade in a natural material such as rattan or more sophisticated if that is the style of your furniture. You may want task lighting if you are using the space for reading or evening dining. You also want some decorative lighting in the form of a string of LED lights, lanterns and of course candles. These will create atmosphere.

Soft Furnishings

Image of an outdoor space with slatted screen. On the ground are a mixture of cushions in a colour palette of white black and ochre and varying styles. Some are intended for sitting on and others to go on chairs. Ther eis a metal topped side table with hairpin legs alongside

Any scheme needs soft furnishings. If your conservatory or garden room is to be used as a dining space then this should include a table runner, place mats and napkins. Bearing in mind that the aim is to create a space that links indoors with outdoors I recommend natural fabrics such linen and crockery or stoneware for tableware. If the space is going to serve as a seating area, or include seating then you want cushions and throws and possibly ceramics. It’s worth having some at least that are in a waterproof material suitable for outdoor use.

Greenery

Of course no conservatory or garden room would be complete without lots of greenery. You could treat the space like a greenhouse and add lots of exotic foliage and/ or flowering plants. If possible, try to have plants at different heights including ones suspended from a ceiling or wall mounted bracket, on shelving as well as at ground level and use plants of different heights. A planter is a great way to display plants and could also be used in a hallway.

I hope that these tips have been helpful. If you are thinking of giving a conservatory or garden room a makeover (or are planning any interiors project) and would like some help then do give me a call on 07745 876182 or e mail me at judith@homestyle4u.com. I offer a free 30 minute no obligation consultation so that you can learn more about me and what I do. I cover Wirral, Cheshire, North Wales and the North West.