For a conservatory to become a conservatory, you don't just need comfortable furniture. You also have to think about the heating and the right floor covering.
The glass addition to your own apartment or house is still very much in vogue. With a conservatory you can stay inside and still have nature right around you thanks to the full glazing. However, a conservatory is often an underestimated all-rounder. The many possible uses are often not clear at all. The winter garden does not necessarily have to function as a kind of covered and closed terrace, but can be much more. We have summarized some suggestions for you on how you can use your conservatory here.
Residential Conservatory - Features and Guidelines
So that the conservatory can be converted into a living space, it should have certain properties. The size is particularly important here. The conservatory must be at least 15 square meters in order to be able to use it as a full room. It shouldn't be any smaller - it's definitely conceivable that it's larger, and it's also a question of financial investment.
It makes sense to comply with the guidelines of the energy-saving regulations, especially for larger conservatories that are used all year round. Two very important aspects play a role here: on the one hand, an increased energy requirement can become a real cost item and, on the other hand, the environmental aspect must be taken into account. If you want to live in an environmentally conscious way, energy consumption is a measurement that should not be underestimated and must be kept as low as possible. If the conservatory is to be used as a living space, it is also subject to the requirements for heat and cold insulation in this regard.
Protection against cold and heat in the conservatory - a challenge?
No, it doesn't have to be a challenge. All you have to do is take a few thoughts with you and plan carefully. Because especially in summer, the heat in a conservatory can become unbearable in full sunshine. After all, a conservatory is one compared to an open patio rooflocked room. The conservatory quickly resembles an incubator. However, properly installed conservatory films can keep that heat out - at least to a large extent, depending on the type of film used. This in turn can depend on the particular purpose of the conservatory. A sun protection film has the advantage, especially in fully glazed conservatories, that the existing UV protection prevents objects from fading.
Not sure which slide to go with? Understandable, you can find a large selection of sun protection films on comparison and test sites on the internet. Only when your conservatory is well protected against heat and cold should you actually set about setting it up.
Heating the conservatory - what are the options?
If you opt for a home conservatory, you can find different heating systems for the conservatory. It is important to know that the conservatory should have its own heating system, i.e. it should not be heated via the other rooms, otherwise condensation can form, which in turn promotes mold growth. Two heating systems should be mentioned as examples:
- Radiators: In the classic installation of radiators, it is important to install convectors under the windows. Thanks to these, unwanted drafts and condensate can be avoided. So-called floor convectors, which are located directly under the window surfaces and flush with the floor covering, save space here. Does the conservatory have no floor-to-ceiling windows? Then modern bench heaters can also be suitable.
- Heat pump: There are also various options here, for example the air-to-air heat pump. Among other things, this has the advantages that it can be easily regulated, air purification by filters is possible, it enables additional cooling in summer and is highly efficient. However, an air-to-air heat pump must be serviced regularly, and a well-insulated conservatory is a prerequisite for use.
Less recommendable for residential conservatories that are heated all year round, electric heaters, since the running costs are very high compared to the other featured systems. If you want to be even more comfortable, you can think about installing a stove, which can be seen as a supplement to the heating system in question.
Flooring for the home conservatory
Generally isAn even and solid subsurface is important for the respective floor covering in the conservatory. Nevertheless, the options are quite varied. Floor coverings that are often used in kitchens or bathrooms, such as tiles, natural stone slabs, robust wood, linoleum or vinyl, have proven their worth.
Cork floors, soft wood floors and carpets are less suitable. Laminate is only moderately suitable for the conservatory. A high-quality laminate is then recommended, although you can also consider using a wooden floor covering. The difference in price should then hardly be of any importance.
Designing a conservatory: tips and trends
As an additional living space, the conservatory can fulfill a wide variety of functions. Think about this, because it will help you to create a new feel-good place.
The size of the conservatory is crucial here. If this is quite small, an armchair, a side table, a few plants and suitable decor can be enough to create a cozy atmosphere. For larger areas, the conservatory can be used multifunctionally, for example as an office, living room, small dining area or as an extension to the terrace.
Furniture made of wood or rattan is not only trendy, it is robust and fits perfectly into the open ambience. A conservatory that is heated all year round offers optimal conditions for plants that like it warm and sunny, such as yucca or hibiscus.
You can rely on current trends for the color design. Natural colors are currently popular in the living area, such as different shades of brown, beige or dark green. With vases, accessories or textiles in the respective colors in combination with natural materials you get a modern and cozy living ambience.