Conservatories are one of the most popular home improvement projects, largely because they add significant living space to a home which opens up many opportunities for homeowners. But what should you use this new-found space for? There are many different options for what you should consider using your conservatory for, all of which will have a real positive impact on your home life. Here at KLG Rutland, we are conservatory experts with over 50 years’ experience in glazing, and we have put together a guide detailing the best uses for a conservatory to help you envisage your future forever home.
Bedroom
A conservatory can be used as a bedroom, but there are a number of factors you need to consider before taking this decision. First and foremost, there’s insulation. Regular bedrooms keep more heat in thanks to thick insulation in the walls, whereas conservatories are largely glazed with less insulation. This could mean sleeping in the winter could be a little cold for some, but improving heating in the room can solve this issue. Another consideration is ventilation. Spending a lot of time in a conservatory sleeping without good ventilation could lead to mould build-up, but fans and regularly opened windows can help in this area. And finally, consider privacy. You’ll need good blinds and curtains to maintain a good level of privacy in a conservatory bedroom so that you don’t feel overlooked by any neighbours.
But aside from these easily-rectifiable problems, using a conservatory as a bedroom is a great idea and can be a fun alternative to a regular bedroom for the lucky sleeper. Imagine waking up on a summer day and being able to enjoy your garden from your bed or spending clear nights gazing up through the conservatory roof at the stars.
Kitchen
A kitchen is a good use for a conservatory, whether it’s extending your current kitchen into the added space or creating an entirely new kitchen in your conservatory. It’s a popular choice for many, often creating a lovely entertaining space that extends from the kitchen into the garden.
But of course there are some things you should ponder over if you are thinking about having a kitchen in your conservatory. For starters, ventilation. Cooking requires heat and heat can lead to moisture build-up and mould in the long term. There’s also the issue of pungent smells from cooking. To rectify these potential issues, you need good ventilation in your kitchen conservatory, whether that’s open windows, extractor fans or dehumidifiers. On top of this, there is also the expenditure factor. You’ll need to pay for a plumber and an electrician to fit out your kitchen with all the electricity, gas, water and appliances you need. These costs may be a touch higher in a conservatory than in a regular kitchen, but if they’re within your budget then there’s no reason to not install a kitchen conservatory if you so please.
Various different conservatory types are suitable conservatory kitchen extension ideas, all providing an amazing amount of natural light and the perfect view out into the outdoors. A simple lean-to conservatory is a cost-effective solution, while kitchen orangery extensions with roof lanterns are a popular modern option. We also offer solid and hybrid tiled roof conservatory extensions, which offer enhanced insulation and durability over traditional fully-glazed sunrooms.
Living Room
Using a conservatory as an extra living room or as an extension of your current lounge is probably the most popular choice for homeowners. It opens up so many opportunities for enjoying relaxation time at home or entertaining friends and family, all in a wondrous space lit by the sun.
If you are looking to add a conservatory to your home for use as a living room, there are still a few factors to consider to make sure you get the most out of your new space over the long term. You’ll want to maintain a comfortable temperature all year round, so a reliable heating source is needed in the winter and a good fan or air conditioning is a good idea for the summer. You could even consider a tiled roof or hybrid roof conservatory to keep temperature under control. Then there’s the subject of ventilation. Feel free to read our guide on how to prevent condensation and mould in a conservatory which will really help keep this under control. Aside from temperature and ventilation, you only really need to consider furniture and lighting. Choose furniture suitable for different temperatures and time in the sun, and choose lighting that will fill the space when the sun goes down.
For period properties, traditional conservatory designs like Edwardian, Victorian and double-hipped conservatories tend to be most suitable for homeowners seeking a new lounge sunroom. If you’re living in a modern property, you may wish to consider an orangery or hybrid roof conservatory, which our team of designers and installers will seamlessly blend into your home’s architecture.
Dining Room
Many homeowners choose to use their conservatory as a dining room or dining/living hybrid area, which is a great way to make sure you use your conservatory every day. To make your conservatory dining room as lovely as can be, we have a few ideas and suggestions.
- Greenery: Bringing the outside world in is one of the best reasons to have a conservatory, so filling your dining space with plants and flowers is a great way to merge your garden with your home.
- Furniture: Staying on the subject of nature, opt for natural-looking dining furniture. Wooden dining tables and chairs will stay in keeping with your dining space, especially those recycled or using rustic-looking woods.
- Colour: Choose bold yet natural colours for any conservatory walls. Think sage greens, soft yellows, burnt oranges or sky blues as the perfect transition from outside to inside.
- Flooring: Tiled floors are a traditional choice that has many benefits. Firstly, they look great and are in keeping with the general ambience of conservatory dining. Secondly, they’re easy to clean if ever any food and drink is spilled. Finally, any new conservatory from KLG Rutland with a tiled floor gets free underfloor heating!
The example image below is of a modern lean-to dining room extension, but many other conservatory styles are also suitable. Gable end, Victorian, Edwardian and double-hipped conservatories all work well for dining spaces, and through our combination style conservatories we can come up with an entirely bespoke design and shape to suit your property.
Office
As a result of the working from home boom, homeowners everywhere are trying to find office space within their home. One ideal solution is a conservatory, either new or repurposed as an office. A simple lean-to conservatory could be a cost-effective solution. For those going for a conservatory office, we have a few ideas of how to make it perfect.
- Potted Plants: Dotting one or two potted plants around your conservatory office space can improve air quality and focus, while also ensuring your office feels a little more homely.
- Privacy: We recommend installing blinds to give you the privacy you need to work, away from any prying eyes.
- Temperature Control: To maintain a comfortable temperature for working all year round, considering small heaters for the winter and ceiling fans for the summer.
- Furniture: As with all offices, your furniture should give you the support you need while sitting at a desk all day. Choose an ergonomic chair and maybe a height-adjustable desk, alongside any necessary drawers and storage solutions.
A lean-to conservatory may be the best choice as a home office due to pure simplicity and cost effectiveness, however any of our many conservatory types would create a suitable working space. For a high-end office, consider a tiled roof or orangery conservatory extension.
Children’s Playroom
A final potential use for a conservatory we’d like to explore is a playroom. Kids need space to learn and play, and a conservatory lit by natural light is a perfect place for them to do so. If you’re going to transform a conservatory into a playroom, please consider a few safety and comfort measures.
Firstly, flooring. Conservatory floors tend to be either tiled or wooden, which are not entirely suitable for excitable playing children. As such, we recommend investing in some soft flooring in the form of foam play mats to avoid any unnecessary injuries. You’ll also want to add some toy storage to the conservatory, often in the form of a toy box, to make sure everything is always tidied away after use. This is important for safety but also encourages good behaviour. Away from the boring safety stuff, you could look at adding some comfy seating in a corner where children can read for education or pleasure, while an arts and crafts area including an easel, paint and stationery can encourage creative expression.
Breakfast Room
A conservatory makes a beautiful, light-filled breakfast room, perfect for relaxed family mornings or weekend brunches overlooking the garden.
To create a welcoming breakfast space, consider:
- A compact dining table positioned to enjoy garden views
- Built-in bench seating to maximise space
- Soft furnishings like cushions and rugs for comfort
- Indoor plants to enhance the indoor-outdoor feel
- Blinds or shades to control early morning sunlight
A conservatory breakfast room can also double as a casual dining area, reading nook or homework spot throughout the day.
Utility
If you’re short on practical space indoors, a conservatory can work well as a functional utility area, especially if it connects to the kitchen.
To make it work efficiently:
- Install durable, easy-clean flooring
- Use tall cabinets to hide appliances
- Add wall shelving for organised storage
- Create defined zones for laundry and storage
- Ensure good ventilation and temperature control
With smart planning, a conservatory utility room can be both practical and bright, making everyday household tasks feel less confined.
Conservatories are a fantastic way to extend your home. Boasting an attractive design and a wealth of natural light alongside the added floor space created, conservatory extensions are the go-to choice for many homeowners seeking a single-storey extension.
We at KLG Rutland have decades of experience designing and installing conservatory and orangery extensions in homes across the East Midlands, including both period and traditional houses, plus bungalows and other property types. Get in touch for a quote today.