Five easy ways to update your conservatory
If your conservatory could do with a makeover to become a more enjoyable place in which to relax, here are some simple tips to inspire you.
1. Add chill-out seating
If you have the space and budget for a stylish swing seat, this can become the focal point of your conservatory and ensure the family will be racing to be first to enjoy lounging on your new seating. If this is out of reach, shop the sales for a large, squashy sofa or wicker seat to add comfort.
2. Give it a French-inspired makeover
By painting the exposed brick in clean white and adding brightly-coloured accessories and accents, you can create a stunning French country look on a shoestring budget. Be sure to add a bunch of cut flowers for the finishing touch!
3. Dress your windows
Whether you prefer crisp white or neutral fabric blinds, slatted wooden blinds, voluminous curtains or floaty voiles, dressing your windows can really change the whole look of your conservatory. It is important to choose the perfect match for your style.
If your conservatory has more wall and less window than you would like, consider adding a further window to break up a solid wall and add another aspect to the space.
4. Add plants
You can bring the outside in by adding one large or several smaller plants – just make sure you are choosing plants that can cope with conservatory conditions. You will need plants that love a lot of sunlight and can handle the heat of sunny days but also the chill of winter. You might need to move plants around or protect them during extremes of temperature, but it will be worth it.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has a handy guide on the best plants for conservatories, along with advice on each. Trachelospermum asiaticum, for example, copes extremely well in cold winter temperatures.
5. Use texture to create a cosy atmosphere
Rattan has long been favoured for conservatories because it is lightweight, pretty and light in colour, meaning it perfectly matches the bright, airy feel of most conservatories. Rattan also has a homely, welcoming feel without compromising on style. You may also want to consider the heating in your conservatory. If you have been using electric heaters and want to look at having the conservatory added to your heating system you may want to contact a company such as Essex Boilers company, who will be able to discuss updating your system and installing heating into this additional room for you.