Once used by nobility, conservatories have developed from luxury greenhouses to home extensions suitable for everyday use.
Conservatories have become comfortable and energy-efficient, and many homeowners use them daily and all year round. A conservatory or orangery is now more of an extension to a home rather than an occasional outdoor room.
Modern insulation makes a conservatory a much more practical investment than in years past, when conservatories were made from glass and plastic, which were cold in the winter. They were often too warm to enjoy in the summer.
Many people in the UK today choose to add a glass-enclosed orangery or conservatory to their homes so they can enjoy nature’s beauty no matter the weather.
Some furnish their conservatory with the type of furniture you would use on a patio or terrace; to give an outdoor feel. This may be made from cane, wood, metal, plastic, or other weatherproof materials. Some even include a canopied swing for that extra garden feel.
Others prefer to furnish their conservatory as a second dining room, with less formal furniture than their regular dining area, but used for mealtimes rather than just a relaxing area. In this case, they would probably choose lighter woods or white or bright-coloured paintwork to give a more summery look than their indoor dining room: Rattan and cane furniture for a conservatory used for a dining area are an excellent choice.
Still, others choose to furnish their conservatory as the sole dining room of the house, giving them more space in their home or living room for other pursuits. In this instance, they could move the furniture from the original dining area. In this case, the conservatory should have a solid roof, as if it is the home’s only dining room, you will want it to be at a comfortable temperature all year round.
Some homes are built with a conservatory already constructed as part of the building, and homeowners who buy this type of house will decide how they will use the conservatory and how it will be furnished. For example, a widespread use of orangeries and conservatories nowadays is as a home office, a computer gaming room, or even a studio for the artistically inclined. You could also opt to furnish the space as a bed-sitting room, where the family can relax or with a guest bed where visitors may sleep, or even a family member if they want a change of scenery at night.
Conservatory furniture is available in many assorted designs and built in such a wide range of materials that homeowners have plenty to choose from. From traditional dark woods and antique designs to modern lightweight furniture made from glass and metal, it is possible to suit all tastes and budgets when furnishing a conservatory. Even the most angular modern designs can be surprisingly comfortable.
Choosing conservatory furnishings allows for plenty of scope, as families can make their conservatory a formal area or a place to relax and select a whimsical design as deckchairs and raffia flooring.
With a bit of imagination and a basic idea of design, price range and comfort level, homeowners should have great fun choosing their conservatory furniture.
