4 Things to Consider When Decorating a Conservatory

As more homeowners across the UK opt for conservatories as their building project of choice to provide vital additional space and functionality to their homes, decorating a conservatory requires careful consideration to strike a balance between style and space.

We want you to understand the key components of creating a perfect space for the entire family, by choosing complimentary colours, considering the flow and functionality of the room, and finishing with the finer details to ensure your conservatory is in usable condition all year long.

Let’s dive in and discover how you can create a stunning and inviting conservatory.

1. Choose complementary colours

One of the most crucial aspects of conservatory decoration is selecting complementary colours that enhance the space and create a harmonious ambience, while also reflecting your personal taste and style. When choosing the colour scheme of your conservatory, consider the following:

Neutral palettes: Lighter colours prevent heat from being locked in, which ensures that your conservatory does not become overheated during the summer and limits the issues of sun bleaching for soft furnishings. Furthermore, using lighter colours such as greens, blues and earthy tones, seamlessly blends your conservatory into the natural, outdoor environment.

Reflective surfaces: While this may seem counterproductive to a conservatory that is all made from glass, incorporating reflective surfaces, such as light-coloured furniture, mirrors, and glass accents, can maximise the natural light infiltrating and give the illusion of more space.

However, the placement of these surfaces must be strategic as glass and mirrors can reflect light and cause overheating, so when designing your space ensure that these features are not always within direct sunlight

Bold accents: While a neutral palette is favourable for the desired spaciousness of a conservatory, incorporating pops of colour through the use of accessories such as cushions, rugs, vases, or artwork can add flair and personality, as well as being a subtle way of connecting to the rest of the homes interior design.

2. Consider the purpose of the room

Before embarking on the decoration process, even before the construction of the conservatory, it’s crucial to determine the purpose of the space. Is it a relaxation area, an additional dining or entertainment space, or a home office? Understanding the function of the room will guide your design choices. Consider the following:

Seating and sizing: If you envision the conservatory as a relaxation area, comfortable seating options like plush sofas or loungers would be ideal. Always consider the space before purchasing furniture, this includes the height of windows and locations of additional heating units as blocking these can cause your conservatory to be draughty and cold during the winter.

Storage solutions: If the conservatory was built for additional storage and is more of a functional family room, then making use of the space with furniture that doubles as storage is an absolute must! 

Bench seating can provide additional seating for dining and can be hollowed to work as additional storage. Shelving units or sideboards can provide a practical storage option without taking up any necessary floor space.

Indoor greenery: For busy home offices, creating tranquillity is crucial. When designing your conservatory you should consider where the light is being reflected throughout the day and design around this. To incorporate more of the outdoors into your space, consider adding potted plants or a vertical garden for better oxygenation which can help concentration.

3. Accessories with outdoor elements

To strengthen the connection between your conservatory and the outdoor environment, incorporating accessories that reflect the outdoors or are made from ethically sourced natural material is a clever approach to the theme. Consider the following ideas:

Natural materials: Selecting furniture and accessories made from natural materials such as rattan, wicker, or bamboo is a great way to furnish and decorate a conservatory. These textures will add an organic touch while also withstanding changing temperatures and light compared to other materials like silk or cotton.

Reusing furniture: While opting for sustainable materials is a positive first step, it should also be considered that purchasing second-hand or repurposing other furniture from around the house essentially does wonders for the environment as well as your decorating budget.

Outdoor-inspired decor: For a more coastal-themed conservatory that encapsulates the feeling of summer all year long you can add decorative elements like seashells, pebbles, or driftwood that are easy to collect and repurpose. For greenery and a closer connection to the outdoor space, adding windchimes, potted plants and even installing a small water feature can add soothing sounds of nature and bring tranquillity to your conservatory.

4. Optimise light with the right blinds

Choosing the right blinds is an important decision that is often overlooked. The right window dressing can stop UV damage to your soft furnishings, control the temperature within your space, and add privacy. All of which increase the functionality and comfort of your conservatory. Consider the following options:

Pleated blinds: Pleated blinds are an excellent choice for conservatories, as they offer a soft, diffused light effect while being incredibly energy efficient due to their layered design. 

Roller blinds: Roller blinds are versatile and provide a fresh, modern look. They come in a variety of finishes, prints, and colours that can add the necessary detail to your room as well as control the light and temperature throughout the year.

Roman blinds: Roman blinds have a similar coverage to roller blinds but can come with a more detailed fitting and level of adjustability which could be preferable for those wanting more control over the light in their space.

Venetian blinds: Venetian blinds allow for precise control of light and privacy levels due to their slatted design and versatility. These blinds are making a resurgence in modern design due to their simplistic style and variety of finishes including wooden, PVC, and faux wood for adding warmth and elegance to your space. 

With the right kind of installation, blinds can transform your conservatory into a stylish and inviting space that seamlessly merges with the natural surroundings and can be enjoyed at all times of the year.

For a professional blind fitting as the finishing touch to your decorating journey, get in touch with our team today.