Conservatory vs Orangery
Conservatory vs Orangery: Which Is Better?When looking to extend your home, the age-old debate is whether to go for an orangery or conservatory. The truth is, today, they are very…
Conservatory conversions are becoming increasingly popular because they allow you to turn the additional space into a functional space year-round. Conservatories are known for being too cold in the winter and sweltering in the summer. So, by converting it using the latest high-performance materials, you can create a room that stays at a comfortable temperature no matter what the weather is outside for you to enjoy at any time.
So, how do you go about converting your conservatory?
At Single Storey Extensions, we are conservatory conversion specialists, and we can work with you to redesign your conservatory into a space you can use however you like, without the worry of whether it will be too hot or cold. In this blog, we share five tips you should use for a successful conservatory conversion.
Tip 1: Decide on the Purpose of Your Conservatory Space
One of the biggest benefits of converting your conservatory is that you can be in complete control of the design. This means it will fit your needs.
However, for this to be successful, you need to know how you want to use the space so that you can design it around that.
Common uses of a conservatory conversion include:
- Home office
- Additional living space
- Dining room
- Playroom
- Home gym
The purpose of the room will impact every aspect of the design and decor, from materials used to furniture and lighting installed.
For example, for a home office, you will want to ensure there is plenty of storage space and the furniture is ergonomic. Meanwhile, for a home gym, you will want plenty of space for the equipment and ventilation for when you use it.
Tip 2: Select a Design That Complements Your Home
When converting your conservatory, you can make sure that the extension blends in with your home. Traditional conservatories were predominantly made of glass, which looks smart when first installed but doesn’t always complement the style of your home.
Converting the space will allow you to choose a design that integrates seamlessly with the style and feel of your home.
You will get complete control over every aspect of your conversion, from cladding colours to door accessories, flooring, finishing touches and even the natural light being let into your room.
Each element will work together to create a cohesive look that will reflect your home’s style, creating a space that blends in. This is important because it creates a room that feels like a natural extension of your home rather than a separate unused space; it makes it feel more inviting, so you get more use out of it.
Tip 3: Insulate for Year-Round Comfort
As mentioned, conservatories are infamous for their extreme temperatures. That’s why proper insulation is vital in a conservatory conversion.
By using materials that offer supreme insulation, you will have a space that will stay comfortable all year round, and you can save some money on your bills.
Modern-day conservatory materials and roofing have additional insulation, so the structure prevents heat from leaking from the room in winter and the hot air from penetrating the room in the winter.
Insulation includes:
- Double or triple-glazed windows and doors
- Insulated flooring
- Roof insulation
As these will stop heat from escaping or entering, you won’t need as much energy to warm or cool the place when you want to use it, which is why choosing the right insulation can also save you money in the long run.
Tip 4: Maximise Natural Light and Ventilation
One of the biggest concerns we hear from people looking to convert their conservatory is that the space will lose its natural light, which was why they had opted for a conservatory over an extension in the first place.
This is a valid concern to have, but not one that needs to stay around for long because no matter what type of roof you choose, there are solutions to allow plenty of light into the room.
- Pitched roofs can have skylights
- Flat roofs can have lanterns
On top of this, as with any room, you need to make sure there is proper ventilation for the room to get fresh air and reduce condensation. Windows and doors will facilitate this, as could roof vents.
Natural light and good ventilation are essential for creating a bright, airy space that’s enjoyable to use.
Tip 5: Add Functional Furniture and Storage Solutions
Of course, it will go without saying that your new space will need functional furniture so the space can meet its purpose.
Choosing the furniture for your newly converted conservatory is exciting, but you need to make sure that it fits how you intend to use it, as well as the look and feel you are aiming to create.
If you want space to seamlessly blend in with the rest of your home, the furniture will need to match what you already have to some degree.
It is also likely that the space will accrue bits and bobs as you use the space more and more, so you should think about where and how you are going to store these things.
Can you add shelves or storage benches to the space? Or is there a piece of storage furniture that you could add?
Thinking about these as you go through the conservatory conversion process will enable you to enjoy the space as soon as it is completed and continue to use it over the years without it becoming cluttered.
Conservatory Conversions With Single Storey Extensions
For a successful conservatory conversion, you need to think about five main things:
- The purpose of the building
- The design so complements your home
- Insulation
- Natural light and ventilation
- Furniture and storage
If you carefully consider these as you go through the process, you can create a functional space that you can use all year round.
At Single Storey Extensions, we are passionate about helping homeowners create spaces they are proud of and can enjoy. We are conservatory conversion specialists and have a wealth of experience in this area. This means that no matter the state of your conservatory, we can work with you to design and renovate it into a space you love.
Through offering customised solutions, we give you the chance to produce a room that meets your unique needs while fitting the style and feel of your home, so it feels like one cohesive space rather than a separate space.
If you are interested in converting your conservatory, get in touch with us today by calling 07511 874434 or completing our online contact form to request a callback.
Alternatively, you could visit our showroom and factory to see some examples of our work up close.
