Conservatories were once the go-to addition to our homes. In the early 2000s, whether you were looking to add value or add space to your home, a conservatory was often the answer. But fast forward 20 years, and like anything, trends have moved on. Nowadays, extensions are more popular than conservatories and this has caused many conservatories to become redundant, instead being used as storage rooms or dumping grounds.
If you’re looking to transform an old, unused conservatory into a once again usable living space, here are some ideas of how you can do just that.
How To Upgrade A Conservatory
Before you go to town transforming a conservatory into a functional living space, you may need to carry out a few upgrades. If you’ve not updated your conservatory recently, there’s a good chance you’ll need to carry out some work on the roof, windows and doors.
Consider ways in which you can insulate your conservatory so it stays warm during the winter, and cool during the summer. You may want to explore insulated roof panels, double-glazed windows and even blinds or curtains to block out the sun.
A tile roof for a conservatory can also modernise your conservatory whilst also improving the temperature within. Once you’ve carried out the work needed to make your conservatory a comfortable space once again, you can get to work on the interior.
6 Ideas To Transform A Conservatory
Games Room
Your conservatory offers the perfect space for a games room. Most conservatories are big enough to house a pool table which can form the centrepiece of your games room or man cave. If your conservatory was installed with all glass windows, consider replacing them with a wall so you can mount a darts board and a television.
If you’ve still got space left over, adding a home bar to your conservatory games room will give you everything to become the envy of your friendship group.
Play Room
If you have young children, you’ve probably experienced the troublesome task of trying to keep your home tidy despite a sea of toys often covering your floor. A conservatory offers the perfect place to house your child’s toys, whilst also giving you the freedom to create the dream room for your child.
Adding solid double doors to your conservatory will give you a way to cover up your conservatory, leaving your child to make as much mess as their heart desires without it being visible to visitors.
Reading Room
If your children are a little older or you’re a child-free household, a more mature option for your conservatory might be transforming it into a reading room or a chillout zone. In terms of interior design, you’ll want to go a little more minimalist to ensure a welcoming room with relaxing vibes.
A minimalist design should also highlight your book collection which should be the focal point of your room. Compliment it with a cosy reading chair, some vibrant lighting and a stylish coffee table to give you everything you could ever need in your chic reading room.
Indoor-Outdoor Dining Space
If you’re fortunate enough to live in warmer climates, consider replacing your conservatory doors with sliding patio doors that create an indoor space that can be converted into an outdoor space during the summer.
If you are a fan of indoor-outdoor spaces, dining rooms are usually the best function for these types of spaces. It’s worth pointing out that this can be one of the costlier options for transforming your conservatory but results can be spectacular if done right.
Home Office
Since the pandemic, remote working and hybrid working have become the norm. Whilst the majority of us enjoy working from home, it left many people scrambling to find a space in their homes that they could convert into a home office.
An unused conservatory can offer the perfect space though. Even if your home has a small conservatory, you’ll be able to add a desk and a chair. If you’re fortunate enough to own a larger conservatory, your home office could even be combined with other options like a reading room or a games room to serve a double function.
Open Plan Extension
Many modern houses choose to merge different living spaces into one space in an attempt to maximise space and create a consistent flow throughout the home. This is one of the reasons why conservatories have seemingly been replaced by extensions.
Ditching your conservatory doors and creating an open-plan room can help to expand your living room. You might want to use your conservatory as a dining area without it being seen as a separate room in your home. This is a great way to add value to your home whilst also enhancing your living space.
