Crystal clear
Above: Conservatories (Kent Life Magazine)
Above: Conservatories (Kent Life Magazine)
Above: Conservatories (Kent Life Magazine)
The idea that conservatories are freezing in winter and stiflingly hot in summer is a common misconception. Advances in technology means that the temperature in your conservatory can be easily controlled and maintained throughout the year.
Roof vents and windows are a great way to let heat escape, while triple glazing and underfloor heating help retain heat. Blinds serve a number of purposes, reducing the amount of heat and light entering, reducing heat escaping and also offering privacy in what is essentially a glass box.
Solar control
Pilkington Activ Blue is an attractive blue tinted glass specifically designed for conservatories. It combines dual-action, self-cleaning properties with solar control technology to help to prevent conservatories becoming unbearably hot in the summer. The blue tint allows considerably less heat into the room compared to standard glass, making it a more comfortable environment to enjoy.
Blinds are also very effective in controlling light and heat. Julie Bratton, marketing manager at Thomas Sanderson, says: “Installing blinds is a simple yet stylish way of transforming your conservatory into a fully functional and comfortable living area to be enjoyed in every season.
“They can turn a modest conservatory into a professional home office, a haven for relaxation, dining space, home bar or even a fun playroom for children.
He adds: “Bright sunshine is often a cause of concern as it can fade furniture or upholstery, as well as glare on a computer or television screen. Our pleated blinds are made from a solar reflective fabric that reduces glare while allowing natural sunlight to flood in, and also provide protection for furnishings.
Make your conservatory can provide a tranquil haven in which to enjoy stunning garden views
“Pinoleum conservatory blinds filter the sun’s glare into a soft textured light, and are available in a wide choice of beautiful weaves and styles.”
So now that you are able to use your conservatory all year round, you need to make sure your ‘room with a view’ has a stunning view to enjoy.
“A conservatory is an easy way to extend living space, providing a tranquil haven in which to enjoy stunning garden views,” says interior stylist, Alison Davidson.
“While being beautiful in the summer, the gloomy winter environment can often mean that the garden lies colourless and dormant and a conservatory will go unused for months.”
So with some careful styling and minimal seasonal maintenance, you can ensure your conservatory and garden is suitable for year-round use
Top tips
¦ Choose furniture that will look good in winter and summer, something neutral so that you can change the accessories with the seasons, and with a low back so that you can make the most of the view into the garden.
¦ Choose plants that flower at different times of the year so that you have colour all year round. Evergreen trees such as Maiten (Maytenus Boaria) and Luma (Myrtus Luma) have green leaves all through the winter and produce flowers in spring and summer. A Virginia creeper is also ideal as it has green leaves in summer and red leaves in autumn.
¦ Bring plants in pots closer to the conservatory so that you can enjoy them in the winter. Rearrange the furniture to have a seat in the conservatory by the windows so that you can see into the garden but you are warm inside.
¦ Trees with ornamental bark such as Chinese Paperbark Maple (Acer Griseum) and Manchurian Bird Cherry (Prunus Maackii) make for interesting winter garden features.