Conservatories are the hidden gems of properties, there’s so much value in them, but most people don’t use them to their full potential.
Quite often, home buyers get excited at the prospect of having another room in the house, only to discover that the temperature is too high in the summer and too cold in the winter – making it unusable for significant periods of the year.
The conservatory turns into storage or a laundry room, and all the excitement of having an extra living space disappears.
But it doesn’t have to be like that; you can reignite the spark you first felt when you moved into your house and saw the room’s potential, and one way to do that is by creating an extra lounge.
We’ve all stepped into someone’s house and wondered what good deeds they’d done in a previous life to get two lounges, and you could be one of those people.
We’re going to show you how to transform your conservatory into a second lounge so your house is the most chilled on the street.
What Are the Benefits of Turning Your Conservatory Into an Extra Lounge?
- You get extra space to relax and unwind.
- You can create more space for your stuff and avoid your conservatory becoming a dumping ground.
- Your home becomes more versatile, and you can switch the use of another room if you like.
- If you’re growing your family or your kids are, you’ll have more space.
- Adding a new room is cheaper and less hassle than moving, especially if you add a conservatory roof.
- You’ll be adding value to your house (if you add a roof).
- You’ll have an extra space to entertain guests.
What Are You Going to Use Your Lounge For?
We’re all different, and people like to use their lounge for different things. Some people enjoy reading, others want space away from their kids (you don’t have to feel guilty, we all do!), and some people need two TVs if they’ve got different tastes.
You’ll need to think about whether your idea is feasible as well. For example, installing a 50-inch TV in your conservatory probably isn’t possible unless you’ve got many walls in there, something we don’t associate with conservatories!
Determine How You’re Going to Control the Light and Temperature in Your Space
Designers wanted conservatories to bathe in light, and boy did they deliver! The trouble is when you’re trying to relax and watch TV, or your kids spend a few hours in there playing and come out sunburnt, too much light can become a problem.
Fortunately, there are solutions to managing the light in your conservatory, which include:
- Conservatory roof – a conservatory roof provides a permanent solution to excessive light entering your conservatory. You can even add roof lanterns if you do want to filter in some more light, but remember, you’ll still have windows on the side of the conservatory. The roof also helps control the temperature all year round, as light, cold and warm air don’t pass through so quickly.
- Blinds or drapes – if you want a cheaper solution, you can install blinds and drapes on all your conservatory windows, there are plenty of styles available, and they are an effective way of keeping light out. However, they won’t do too much to control the temperature.
- Window film – you can buy conservatory window film that helps keep light out, which is ideal if you want a quick fix for the time being. However, they don’t look the greatest and won’t do much to keep cold or heat out.
- Conservatory insulation – conservatory insulation is helpful as it is wedged between plastic sheeting inside and the outside. Again, it isn’t the best long-term solution and doesn’t look the best, but it will filter out light and control the temperature.
There are other ways you can control the temperature, such as heaters and lighter furniture, but getting some of the glass covered in your conservatory is the best way to do this.
Explore Different Lounge Styles
If you want to make the most of your conservatory, it’s always best to consider its style before you start decorating. There are so many styles to choose from; the only thing we’d advise is making it blend into your current home. Some styles don’t mix well at all! Here are some suggestions:
- Traditional – elegant and sophisticated, based on 18th and 19th-century styles. Looks breathtaking if you have an older home or green-room style conservatory.
- Mid-century – characterised by clean and clutter-free space, geometric patterns and simple lines.
- Country – cosy, warm, relaxed and homecoming. Usually, in the farmhouse style, it has a classic look that brings a natural feel.
- Shabby chic – light-hearted, comfortable and well-lived in rooms. Lots of painted, worn furniture that shows its age.
- Contemporary – Fundamentally, a contemporary decorating style is defined by simplicity, subtle sophistication, deliberate use of texture, and clean lines. Interiors tend to showcase space rather than things.
Interior Design Ideas for Your Conservatory
How Much Will it Cost to Turn My Conservatory Into a Lounge?
It all depends on how you choose to do it and what interior you choose. For example, installing window film and buying cheap furniture will mean your budget is pretty low, but you’re less likely to get a room you’re happy with, and it certainly won’t add any value to your home.
Whereas, if you do the job properly and get a tiled roof while blending the aesthetics of your new room into your home, you’ll get a space that you can use all year round and something more likely to add value to your home. It’ll depend on what route you want to take.
Do I Need to Pay for Planning Permission or Building Regulations?
Before 2010, there was a good chance you’d need planning permission to add a conservatory roof. However, legislation changed, and most conservatory alterations don’t need planning permission, but solid tiled roofs require building regulations approval.
This not only ensures that the work being carried out is safe and compliant but having building regulations certification is essential when selling or re-mortgaging your home.
Most established solid roof systems are pre-tailored to meet building regulations standards, and many installers will facilitate the process for you and include the cost in the price.
If not, by contacting your local council’s building control office, you can get advice on how to get the certification you need.
Would a Lounge Add Value to My Property?
If you take the correct steps when transforming your room, then there’s a good chance you could add value. It all depends on whether the estate agent sees your room as usable all-year-round or not.
And while you may have blinds or window film, it doesn’t hold more weight than an actual roof. The downside of a roof is that it costs more than any other solution, but it’s likely to add more value.
So if adding value is a priority for you, we’d always advise you to do it the proper way and not cut any corners.
Does a Conservatory Add Value to Your Property?
Start Planning Your Transformation Today
If you’re ready to convert your conservatory into a living room, get in touch with one of our specialists, who’ll help you discover whether a tiled roof is right for you. You can view our brochure.
