Conservatory Decor

Abi Clewley

BY Abi Clewley

Published: 27 June 2023 Updated: 25 March 2024

Conservatories

Conservatories are charming spaces that bridge the gap between the indoors and outdoors, allowing you to enjoy nature's beauty while being sheltered from the elements. Read on for inspiration on making the most of this great feature.

Conservatory Decor Ideas

To truly make the most of your conservatory, it's essential to consider both its decor and window furnishings. Read on as we explore various inspiring conservatory decor ideas and discuss window furnishings that enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your space. Whether you want a cosy retreat or a vibrant entertainment area, these ideas will help you create a welcoming and stylish conservatory.

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Where to begin?

Conservatories are beautiful structures that typically incorporate an abundance of glass, allowing natural light to flood in and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you have a traditional conservatory or a modern glass extension, these versatile spaces offer endless possibilities for both decor and utilisation. Before you can work out your conservatory decor, you need to ask yourself two questions - what kind of conservatory do I have, and more importantly, what do I want my conservatory to be.

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Victorian Conservatories

Inspired by the architectural style of the Victorian era, these conservatories exude timeless elegance. Featuring ornate detailing, a steeply pitched roof, and a bay front, Victorian conservatories are a popular choice for homeowners seeking a touch of classic charm. They often incorporate intricate crestings and finials, allowing them to blend seamlessly with period properties.

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Edwardian Conservatories

The Edwardian conservatory style emerged during the early 20th century, embracing a more simplistic and symmetrical design. Characterised by a square or rectangular footprint, a flat-fronted structure, and a hipped roof, Edwardian conservatories offer a spacious and versatile living area. Their clean lines and understated beauty make them a popular choice for modern and traditional homes alike.

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Georgian Conservatories

Drawing inspiration from the Georgian architectural period, these conservatories celebrate symmetry and balance. With their rectangular or square shape, large windows, and elegant rooflines, Georgian conservatories provide a refined and harmonious space. Their timeless design makes them suitable for various architectural styles, from traditional to contemporary.

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Gable-Ended Conservatories

Gable-ended conservatories showcase a distinctive triangular front elevation, resembling the end of a house with a gable roof. This design not only enhances the overall appearance of the conservatory but also provides a generous ceiling height and excellent natural light. Gable-ended conservatories are an excellent choice for homeowners who value both style and practicality.

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P-Shaped Conservatories

For those seeking a grand conservatory that offers maximum space and versatility, the P-shaped design is a fantastic option. Combining the characteristics of a lean-to and a Victorian or Edwardian conservatory, the P-shaped conservatory creates a unique and eye-catching structure. With its double-ended layout, it can be divided into distinct living areas, accommodating different activities simultaneously.

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Lean-to Conservatories

Also known as Mediterranean or sunroom conservatories, lean-to conservatories offer a practical and cost-effective solution. These conservatories feature a single-sloped roof that leans against the existing wall of the house. Their streamlined design makes them perfect for properties with limited space or those seeking a minimalist aesthetic. Lean-to conservatories often integrate well with modern and bungalow-style homes.

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Orangery Conservatories

While technically not a conservatory in the traditional sense, orangery conservatories deserve a mention due to their similar purpose and stunning aesthetics. Orangeries originated in the Renaissance period and were initially built to protect citrus trees during winter. Today, they combine solid brick or stone pillars with large glazed panels, striking a perfect balance between a traditional extension and a conservatory. Orangeries often offer enhanced insulation and privacy while still providing an abundance of natural light.

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And so to style

Now that you know what design you have, think about the ways in which you want to use your conservatory, its primary aim or function.

Dining space

Utilise your conservatory as a dedicated space for dining and entertaining. Install a large dining table and chairs, complemented by ambient lighting fixtures. Create an inviting atmosphere with stylish table settings, candles, and decorative centrepieces. With its connection to the outdoors, your conservatory provides a unique dining room experience, allowing you to enjoy meals with beautiful views of your garden or surrounding landscape.

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Relaxing

Whether it's afternoon tea or a catch-up on the phone, your conservatory can be a great place to have a relaxing break in your day, or to catch up with friends or family. Comfy sofas and a convenient coffee table do all the hard work while you sit back and relax.

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A Part Time Home Office

Working from home has become increasingly common, even if it’s just a couple of days a week and a conservatory can a good choice for a serene home office space. Choose flexible furniture that can double up as a desk on work days and become a dining table when required – an extending table like this is perfect. Personalise your office space with inspiring artwork, plants, and decorative touches that motivate you and make the space feel inviting

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A Quiet Reading Nook

With its abundant natural light and tranquil ambience, a conservatory makes an ideal reading nook. Create a cosy corner with a comfortable armchair or chaise lounge, accompanied by a side table to hold your favourite books, magazines, and a cup of tea. Incorporate some soft cushions and throws to enhance the comfort, and add potted plants to bring a touch of nature closer to your reading sanctuary. Whether you prefer a thrilling novel or a thought-provoking non-fiction read, your conservatory can become the perfect haven for literary escapes.

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An Exercise or Yoga Studio

Utilise your conservatory as a personal exercise or yoga studio, promoting health and wellness within your home. Clear the floor space, invest in a good-quality exercise mat, and consider adding mirrors to create the illusion of a larger area and assist with proper form during workouts. Install a sound system to play energising music or calming tunes, depending on your preferred exercise routine. A dedicated space for physical activity within your conservatory can motivate you to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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A green oasis

Capitalising on the abundance of natural light, your conservatory can serve as a miniature greenhouse, allowing you to indulge in your passion for gardening or cultivating indoor plants. Create a green oasis by placing potted plants, hanging baskets, and shelves filled with an array of botanical beauties. Consider incorporating a seating area where you can relax and immerse yourself in the lush greenery. Depending on the plants you choose, your conservatory can become a haven for exotic flowers, aromatic herbs, or a collection of succulents, creating a serene and captivating space.

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Nature-Inspired Themes

To maintain a connection with the outdoors, consider incorporating nature-inspired themes into your conservatory decor. Choose earthy colours like greens, browns, and blues for walls and furnishings. Bring the outside in by adding potted plants, hanging baskets, and vibrant flowers. Consider using natural materials such as rattan furniture or wicker or bamboo for furniture and accessories. Additionally, use natural textures and patterns in cushions and rugs to create a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

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Artistic Haven

Utilise your conservatory as an artistic haven by transforming it into a studio or creative space. Opt for a large table or easel for painting or crafting activities. Ensure adequate natural light by facing out towards the glass and then using sheer curtains or blinds that diffuse sunlight and protect delicate artwork or materials from direct exposure. Display your finished creations to create an inspiring gallery-like atmosphere.

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Privacy and Sun Control

While conservatories are designed to bring in natural light, it's important to consider privacy and sun control. Install blinds or shades that allow you to adjust the amount of sunlight entering the space. Specialist blinds can have coatings to repel the heat, or be crafted in a honeycomb shape that traps the heat at the window and they can often be motorised too for ease of use. Shutters provide excellent privacy while still allowing natural light to filter through and good quality vinyl shutters won’t warp or crack in the heat of the sun.

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Versatile Furnishings

Opt for versatile furnishings that can adapt to different purposes and seasons - and it doesn't necessarily need to be specific conservatory furniture either. Choose modular or foldable furniture that can be rearranged or easily stored away when not in use. Incorporate multi-functional pieces like storage ottomans or coffee tables with hidden compartments to maximise space. Use neutral colours for the window dressing and you can change colour throughout the year with accessories.

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Conclusion

Your conservatory can become a versatile and welcoming space with the right decor ideas and window furnishings and even a small conservatory can create a big impact. Whether you prefer a nature-inspired retreat, a cosy reading nook, a vibrant entertainment area, or an artistic haven, there are numerous ways to enhance the beauty and functionality of your conservatory. By selecting appropriate window furnishings that offer privacy, sun control, and versatility, you can create an inviting space that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding nature. Embrace these ideas and let your creativity flow.

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