Forget the notion of dated wicker chairs with tie on seat pads, conservatory furniture ideas have come a long way. In fact there's no reason your conservatory furniture has to feel any different from that of your living room furniture in some cases.
Typically, rattan and cane conservatory ideas feature heavily in a traditional these glass-clad rooms. But if traditional woven chairs and tables aren't your style, there are also many modern conservatory furniture ideas out there waiting to be discovered.
Conservatory furniture forms the focus of any garden room or glass extension, determining how to use the multifunctional living space.
Clever conservatory furniture ideas
'As with any room in the house, consider the use and scale of the space' advises John Lewis & Partners home design stylist Emma Valerio. 'How do you wish to use the space? Is it for sitting and enjoying the garden, or do you hope to dine in the conservatory? If so you need to include a large enough table to accommodate potential guests.'
Hanging chairs are the on-trend piece of garden room furniture du jour. Often made for indoor and outdoor use these modern cocoon chairs are perfect for conservatory ideas – providing the perfect cool alternative to classic armchairs.
Hearty corner sofas maximise the space for social gatherings, creating an additional living room area – often off the kitchen. A sizeable table and chairs set is ideal to zone the area as a dining space. Bespoke window seating can help to make the most of limited space.
Whatever size or style, we've compiled the best conservatory furniture ideas to help furnish your space to suit your needs.
1. Set the scene for dining
(Image credit: Future PLC)
If the focus is on using a conservatory to extend your dining and entertaining space you will need to think about accommodating a large dining table and chairs. Dedicate the majority of space to this purpose, ensuing you have plenty of room for chairs to sit comfortably around the central table.
2. Swing with fashionable furniture choices
(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)
The swing chair, egg chair, hanging chair whatever you wish to call it – it's THE style of chair dominating our indoor/outdoor rooms right now. This cocooning design is perfect for setting the scene for relaxing in style. Standing on free-standing frame this popular chair choice is ideal to move outside to enjoy the sunshine, retreat back inside when it's not so pleasant out.
3. Make use of multipurpose furniture
(Image credit: Furniture Village)
Choose conservatory furniture that offers a multifunctional purpose or a smart design to make the most of this space. For instance this extending dining table, to allow for a functional dining or home office space during the everyday but with the functionality to extend to allow more seating when entertaining. A smart design means the furniture isn't taking up more space than necessary in a limited space.
If there's space add a sideboard ito the mix, to allow for storage and easy access to dinnerware while using the room for entertaining.
4. Embrace an eclectic look with mismatch furniture
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Jon Day)
Emulate a vintage tea room vibe by thoughtfully mixing furniture styles. From woven chairs around a wrought iron table to a worn leather armchair. This look is a great way to upcycle furniture pieces that have perhaps outgrown another room in the house. Uniting them in an eclectic vintage-style setting gives them a new lease of life.
Adding pretty linens and shabby chic wire pieces adds charm to the overall look.
5. Make the space feel larger with all-white
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Carl Hodgson)
Whether you want the space to take shape as a dining room or an extra lounge, adopting a uniformed white colour scheme can create the illusion of space. This works especially well when the conservatory frame is all-white too.
Choosing sideboards, tables, chairs or sofas in white too can help to make the room feel bigger by reflecting the light. Keep the walls and floors neutral too, to maximise the impact and not distract the eye.
6. Maximise space with bespoke built-in seating
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme)
If your conservatory space is narrow or restrictive consider bespoke furniture solutions. Clever built-in window seat ideas can frame the rooms, providing adequate seating while taking up minimal floor space. Simple cushions seat cushions beneath the window provide the perfect place to perch with a cuppa and your favourite mag (Ideal Home of course).
Bench seating, in the same style, around the perimeter of the room would also create extra storage underneath the ledge, if space allows.
7. Use a statement corner sofa to dominate the space
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)
If your conservatory is a small space embrace it for one sole purpose. A large corner sofa will dominate the room, but that's no bad thing if you want the space to be an extra entertaining area. A generous comfy sofa will make the small space feel all the inviting. With no more room for extra furniture, except maybe a co-ordinating coffee table, it's clear this conservatory is for relaxing and socialising only.
8. Style the space like an extra living room
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Jeremy Phillips)
Keep your furniture choices simple if you want to use the space as an overspill from the main living room. A small sofa and coffee table are enough to mimic the feel of a style living room. Furnish the space with a patterned rug and fabric window blind ideas to add colour
9. Mix modern furniture with traditional decor
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dan Duchars)
Don't be afraid to mix furniture styles. Especially if you have an existing traditional kitchen table, you can merely update the look by adding new modern chairs – such as these woven bucket chairs. This works particularly well when they can be colour co-ordinated if you want a seamless look. Alternatively use this as a way to add accent colours.
10. Dress a dining area to define its purpose
(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Merewether)
Open-plan living is becoming more and more popular within the modern home. But often we still want different rooms to hold a different purpose. So how do we have the best of both worlds? Simple, yet effective zoning can be achieved with our furniture choices.
Here this conservatory is off the kitchen. And while the rooms feel united, thanks to the matching wooden furniture pieces they are distinctly obvious which is kitchen and which is dining. The dining chairs are dressed with formal linen covers to exude more of an elegant dining room feel, rather than merely kitchen chairs.
11. Consider furniture for smart storage
(Image credit: Future PLC)
When furnishing your conservatory don't overlook the need for storage. When looking for storage solutions for small spaces it is beneficial to be savvy, to make the most of all available space. Look for concealed storage, within a footstool or bad of day bed etc, or vertical stoarge to elevate any accessories off the floor and stacked neatly against one wall. As this tallboy unit demonstrates perfectly, a multitude of useful everyday items can be neatly displayed and stored in one handy place.
12. Make a conservatory space sing with colour
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Nicholas Yarsley)
As a room that attracts the sunshine we like to associate it most with happy vibes. An instant way to make the room feel all the more joyous is with a splash of colour. Painted tables and chairs can add a bold splash of hue to this sunny room. As a room so often over looking the garden and filled with plants, the conservatory is the ideal choice for embracing shades of green.
13. Create a cosy corner in a small conservatory space
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Brent Darby)
Use a comfy armchair and adjoining footstool to utilise a tight corner space. Using signature living room furniture staples instantly makes the space feel inviting enough to spend an allotted amount of time relaxing. An elegant French-style armchair affords a conservatory the same sense of style as that of a living room.
14. Transform a conservatory into a home office
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Spike Powell)
Generally speaking the conservatory is placed with a view of the garden, making it ideal to create a tranquil environment in which to work. This doesn't require much in way of furniture to transform the space into a garden home office idea of sorts, a simple desk and dining chair can serve the purpose. We would add a cushion to ensure the chair is as comfy as possible while seated at the desk. Being located near the kitchen is a bonus too – perfect for frequent tea breaks.
15. Opt for a multifunctional day bed
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Brent Darby)
If space allows, consider placing a daybed in your conservatory or garden room. Not only will this make the perfect place to have a snooze or enjoy a spot of reading, it can also function as a guest bedroom should the need arise. Include blackout blinds or curtains and plenty of cosy cushions and throws so your guest can enjoy a good night's sleep.
16. Build bespoke seating
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)
Save space and provide a concealed storage solution by building bespoke bench seating around the edges of the conservatory. This neat example shows how an unused corner space can be maximised by a smart window seat idea.
When choosing a bespoke furniture option you have the freedom to tailor the design to your exact spec and measurements – meaning even in the smallest conservatory you can cater for all your furniture and seating needs.
What furniture looks good in a conservatory?
What furniture looks good in a conservatory depends on the size of the space. If you have a small conservatory an oversized sofa might looks a bit mismatched, so here armchairs might work better. Likewise if you have a sizeable conservatory with only slight framed furniture floating within the space it might look a little lost. It's all about what works in the space you have.
'Materials such as rattan, willow, metal and glass are all ideal as they look light and fresh and are less prone to fading' advises John Lewis & Partners home design stylist Emma Valerio. 'Consider the space as halfway between the house and the garden and keep materials natural and the colour palette neutral.
Planting towers are a wonderful way to add height and provide a space for plants to bring the outside in, also consider earthenware or glass vases to add texture and introduce colour.'
As a general rule of thumb it's best to have at least one sofa or two armchairs to provide enough seating for you and guests.
To keep the room clutter-free it's best to have a smart storage solution in place, be that a conclude storage ottoman that doubles as a footstool or a shelving ladder to elevate storage needs.
Can you put any furniture in a conservatory?
You can put any furniture in a conservatory, however be mindful of the amount of direct sunlight – which will cause upholstery to fade over time. If you have blinds in place this becomes less of a problem of course.
'Try to avoid chunky heavy pieces such as large leather sofas as they aren't typically suited to strong sun and temperature changes' warns Emma Valerio. 'If you love colour, a great way to add this to your conservatory is through soft furnishings and these pieces are more easily moved and replaced if required.'
'Do consider lighting, as although during the day the room will be flooded with light it may require additional lightning in the evening. Consider floor and table lamps to give softer options to stark overhead lighting.'
How do you arrange furniture in a conservatory?
Arrange conservatory furniture to suit your needs. If the space is one for socialising and hosting guests offer a social seating arrangement, i.e two seating choices facing each other to invite a natural layout for entertaining. If your conservatory is small you might wish to go without a coffee table and opt for a side table. instead, to free up valuable floor space.
'Always select pieces of furniture that are in scale with the available space' advises Emma. If the aim is to view the garden, ensure you have comfortable seating which faces outside to make the most of the views, including side tables so you have somewhere to house your morning coffee or evening cocktail. Use all of the space and pull furniture into the centre of the room, don't leave it at the edges.'
'If you feel the space needs softening, incorporate an indoor/outdoor rug and a few soft furnishings to add texture. Throws are always a wonderful addition when the temperature drops a little.'
Be inspired to sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of those garden views.
FAQs
How do you make a conservatory look like a room? ›
- Choose an all encompassing color. (Image credit: Annie Sloan ) ...
- Dazzle with marble style flooring. ...
- Add seasonal flowers. ...
- Play around with shades of green. ...
- Create an all-year round space. ...
- Bounce light with a mirror. ...
- Add in a dining table for entertaining. ...
- Source reclaimed wood and recycled furniture.
A simple corner sofa and coffee table can work really well in a conservatory living room – use flowers, ornaments and brightly coloured cushions to add a personal touch. Discreet entertainment systems such as a projector and drop-down screen can also help to keep the relaxing vibe.
How do I get the most out of my small conservatory? ›Create as much space as possible in your conservatory by being sparse with furniture. Avoid large items like sofas and cabinets and instead opt for small pieces like daintier armchairs and an elegant coffee table that can be moved around.
Can you put normal furniture in a conservatory? ›Can you put any furniture in a conservatory? You can put any furniture in a conservatory, however be mindful of the amount of direct sunlight – which will cause upholstery to fade over time.
What not to put in a conservatory? ›Don't use spirit-based cleaners or thinners - even on stubborn stains – because they could attack and damage the plastic sections of your conservatory. You should also never use metallic abrasive cloths or pads as they will damage the glass units, seals and plastics.
What are the disadvantages of conservatory? ›Conservatories (Cons)
Unless it has an insulating roof and thermally efficient frames and glazing, there is a risk of a conservatory overheating in summer and feeling incredibly cold in winter.
The average life expectancy of a standard conservatory used to be around ten years, but, with experienced fitters, modern installation methods, the use of high quality of materials, and proper maintenance, buyers can now expect a uPVC conservatory to last around 25 years (and then some).
What's better than a conservatory? ›A garden room is a great alternative to a conservatory for several reasons. First, a garden room can be added to any home, regardless of the size or style of the house. Second, a garden room can be customized to match the existing architecture of the home.
What is the difference between a conservatory and an orangery? ›A conservatory is a glass structure with a brick base and a pitched glazed roof. An orangery is a brick structure with large windows and a flat roof with a glass lantern.
How to keep a conservatory warm in winter and cool in summer? ›Put up blinds
Blocking the sunlight from entering the conservatory will help to considerably lower the temperature of the conservatory. Blinds also come with the added benefit of being an effective insulator during the winter, keeping the conservatory nice and warm.
Can I convert a conservatory into an extension? ›
Yes, it is possible to convert a conservatory to an orangery or an extension but it's not as easy as it sounds. Extensions, and often orangeries, will require Building Regulations and therefore a completely new structure will normally be required in order to satisfy local authority requirements.
What type of furniture do you put in a conservatory? ›Natural rattan or cane furniture is the best type of furniture to go into your conservatory due to its natural material being used to being in heat and sunlight.
Is wooden furniture OK in a conservatory? ›Not ideally. Putting natural wood items in a conservatory, especially if they get particularly hot will cause your furniture items to dry out. No furniture item should be placed in direct sunlight.
What kind of sofa is in a conservatory? ›Wooden framed sofas work extremely well in conservatory spaces as they blend seamlessly with the natural elements of the outdoors which surround your conservatory while bridging that gap between indoors and outdoors.
Do conservatories add value? ›While conservatories generally add value to a property, it's only if they're made of quality materials and have relevant safety certificates and guarantees with them.
What is the point in a conservatory? ›Adding a conservatory to your property increases the size of your living space and enhances your surroundings with a beautiful structure which allows in plenty of natural light. If your family has outgrown your home or needs more space to relax or work in, a conservatory could be the answer.
Are you allowed to sleep in a conservatory? ›It is entirely up to you whether there is enough space to fit everything in when planning to convert your conservatory into a bedroom. However, the standard room size to fit a single bed in is around 7' x 10', so it's worth thinking about the furniture you need when deciding on your conservatory specifications.
Do people still get conservatories? ›Conservatories have their downsides, but they also have many benefits. Even though these home extensions have been around for centuries, they are still considered a modern-day renovation for many homeowners.
Do conservatories make house cold? ›Your conservatory is likely much colder than the rest of your house in the winter because it is not as well insulated as the rest of your house. It's a simple fact that glass and polycarbonate keep less heat in than a well-insulated tiled roof or a wall with a cavity.
Why we no longer love the conservatory? ›They're increasingly regarded as ugly, vulgar, outdated and environmentally unsound — especially by younger home owners. And numbers of them have plummeted accordingly, from about half a million built in 2006 to just 77,000 in 2017, down 84 per cent.
Do conservatories need ventilation? ›
A steady flow of air is essential in any conservatory to minimise condensation and reduce heat gain in those summer months. In addition, a selection of fans and roof vents are available, manually or electronically opened.
Do conservatories lose a lot of heat? ›Heat is lost in your conservatory due to the thermal values of windows. Even those that have been coated with a thermal barrier and are double glazed are far less efficient than solid walls. In a full glass conservatory that can pose real problems with heat loss.
Do conservatories stay warm in winter? ›It's no secret that conservatories can get cold in the winter, but there are plenty of things you can do to make them warmer. Radiators can be installed to take the chill out of the room, although under floor heating is a much more effective and cost-efficient way of keeping the conservatory warm.
Is a conservatory too cold in winter? ›It's a fact that conservatories can be quite cold in the winter but there could be other reasons why it's feeling a little on the chilly side. Check all windows and external doors to make sure they're closed properly and that there aren't any gaps where cold air could find its way in.
Do conservatories keep heat in? ›Modern conservatories are built with insulated materials, so you can enjoy a pleasant space all year round. However, without any heating, even the most energy-efficient extensions will feel the temperature drop during the chilly winter months.
What is a small conservatory called? ›An orangery is a home extension with a glass roof typically covering less than 75% of the overall roof area, and glass walls covering less than 50% of the total wall area.
What is a French orangery? ›An orangery or orangerie was a room or a dedicated building on the grounds of fashionable residences of Northern Europe from the 17th to the 19th centuries where orange and other fruit trees were protected during the winter, as a very large form of greenhouse or conservatory.
Do you need permission for a conservatory? ›Conservatories need planning permission if:
They are higher than the highest point of the roof. The eaves and ridge height are higher than the existing house (single-storey and two-storey) The eaves height is more than 3 metres, if within 2 metres of the boundary.
A south-facing conservatory remains one of the most popular options. It offers pleasant temperatures throughout the year because it receives more exposure to the sun for longer. A south-west or a south-east conservatory also works well if you plan to use the room throughout the day, all year round.
Do you need special blinds for conservatory? ›As your conservatory is likely to be the brightest room in the house, you'll need blinds that adequately cut out enough sunlight to ensure the room is habitable in summer and on those blindingly sunny winter days too.
Which way should a conservatory face? ›
Ideal direction for a conservatory to face
The ideal scenario is to have your conservatory facing to the south-east or the south-west, so it gets exposure to the sun for a portion of the day, but will also get some time to cool off.
- Add a natural element. Conservatories are designed to let in an abundance of natural light. ...
- Create warmth with carpets and soft furnishings. ...
- Laminate your floor. ...
- Change your doors. ...
- Upgrade your roof. ...
- Create a beautiful view.
Is it worth converting a conservatory roof? If your conservatory roof is leaky or damaged or the space is simply is too hot or too cold to use as a room it will be worth converting a conservatory roof to something with better insulation.
Is it worth replacing a conservatory? ›Under Building Regulations, a conservatory is not classed as a year-round habitable room but a conservatory that has had a solid roof replacement is. This means that from a value point of view, replacing your conservatory roof is more akin to adding an extension, and so the value of your home will increase.
What do Americans call a conservatory? ›Usually it refers to a space attached to a conventional building such as a house, especially in the United Kingdom. Elsewhere, especially in America, it can often refer to a large freestanding glass-walled building in a botanic garden or park, sometimes also called a palm house if tall enough for trees.
Are orangeries better than conservatories? ›An orangery could be seen as better than an orangery from the point of view of adding value to a home. An orangery is more of a typical extension which makes it easier to integrate into the home. A conservatory will let in more natural light than an orangery but probably won't add as much value.
Which is more expensive conservatory or extension? ›Generally, conservatories are low-risk project that usually don't incur any hidden extra costs along the way. Whereas extensions require a lot more planning, integration with the current home and materials and labour tend to come at a higher price. As you can see, conservatories do cost considerably less.
How can I keep my conservatory warm cheaply? ›Curtains or blinds are a cheap and cost-effective way to keep a conservatory warm, but their insulating qualities are often overlooked. Blind are usually the preferred option in a conservatory, but they will both reduce heat transfer in the same way.
Can you put curtains in a conservatory? ›If you're looking to update the look of your conservatory, or if you need to put the finishing touch on a new build, then fitting curtains or blinds could be just the thing you need to make your conservatory stand out from the crowd.
How do you make a conservatory usable all year round? ›By insulating your conservatory roof, you can create an all-year-round conservatory. This will help keep heat in during winter. There are many ways to do this, including adding multi-foil insulation or another polycarbonate layer.
Can a conservatory be used as a living room? ›
A simple corner sofa and coffee table can work really well in a conservatory living room – use flowers, ornaments and brightly coloured cushions to add a personal touch. Discreet entertainment systems such as a projector and drop-down screen can also help to keep the relaxing vibe.
Can I turn my conservatory into a bedroom? ›Yes! A conservatory can make a fantastic extra bedroom. It works especially well as a 'sleepover room' if you have young children who want their friends to stay, or perhaps as a spare room if you have guests of family members coming to visit.
What is the difference between a sunroom and conservatory? ›The largest difference between the two rooms is their purpose. While conservatories are designed for horticulture, sunrooms are more for recreation. For example, conservatories are great for providing plants with plenty of sunlight to grow while also protecting them from wind and cold weather.
What makes a room a conservatory? ›A conservatory is a building or room having glass or other transparent roofing and walls, used as a greenhouse or a sunroom.
Does a conservatory make a house warmer? ›Modern tiled conservatory roofs have a superb thermal performance and will make your living space much warmer. They'll also keep the interior temperature cool in summer - so you can use the room all year round.
What is an orangery? ›A brick-based structure with large windows and a flat roof with a glass lantern. A traditional orangery can be defined by a distinctive look of: Large tall windows on one side (south-facing) Stone or brick built.
What is a Florida room? ›So, What is a Florida Room? In simple terms, the Florida room is a residential amenity living space addition built onto a home's back or side wall with a roof. This addition to the home gets its name from its popularity in Florida.
What is a morning room? ›The term “morning room” comes from the 19th Century-era of interior design. It describes a place where the first sunbeams of daylight would flood the home and the lady of the house would prepare for the day.
What is a conservatory good for? ›A conservatory creates more living space
Modern conservatories are extremely versatile and secure, and you can use them for almost anything you like. A conservatory can serve as an office space, a dining room, an extra living room, a children's playroom, or whatever else you can think of.
Converting your conservatory into an extension is easier than you think and is a great choice to give your conservatory a longer lifespan. Combine the best of a conservatory and an extension with a replacement conservatory roof. Adding a solid roof transforms a conservatory to an extension, both inside and out.