Make your Conservatory a Winter Retreat

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, make your conservatory a winter retreat. It’s such a versatile space – getting you close to the natural world without experiencing the extremes of temperature. In the colder months, your conservatory can really lift your spirits as you experience the beauty of the season while wrapped up warm inside.

In this guide, we'll explore how to make your conservatory welcoming in winter, focusing on furniture and furnishings tailored to your needs, whether you’re entertaining, relaxing or just hiding from the world.

Choose cosy and comfortable furniture

Changing your furniture just to suit the season is a bit extreme – even we know that. But, if you are planning new seating or dining sets for your conservatory, we recommend a style that can be transformed according to the time of year. For example, natural cane rattan: modern and comfortable, this is furniture that’s ready for your needs all year round. If you go for paler upholstery, then your winter styling will be similarly light and uplifting during the darker months.

Your options are conservatory sofas (of course), armchairs, recliners, rockers, cane swivel chairs and dining sets. Once you’ve got yourself comfortable, you’ll want everything to hand: warm drink, snacks, digital devices, books, sewing kit, drawing pad and pencil, etc. Now select a matching coffee table or footstool (especially with inbuilt storage) so everything’s in place and ready to help you unwind.

Invest in proper heating solutions

Our winters can be chilly and damp, so conservatory heating is essential to create a comfortable space in which to spend your downtime. Here are a few heating options [How can I make my conservatory usable all year round] for you to consider:

Underfloor Heating: if your budget allows, underfloor heating is a luxurious and effective choice for a conservatory. It warms the entire space evenly, not just your feet.

Radiators: fitting radiators is another way of pretty much guaranteeing heat in your conservatory. Choose from traditional, slim or chunky ‘designer’ radiators. (If you do go for a radiator connected to the heating system in your house, please remember to comply with building regulations.)

Portable infrared heaters and panels: this is a brilliant temporary and energy-efficient option for heating your conservatory. Heat exactly where you want it, when you want it then stored away in the warmer months.

Insulate your windows

Insulating your windows is another no-brainer. The most effective solution is to have double-glazed windows and doors but, failing that, thermal blinds and curtains will do an excellent job. Basically, layering your windows with insulating materials will help keep the cold out and the warmth in.

Winter-themed accessories

Accessories can help keep you warm physically, as well as create that all important cosy winter-themed atmosphere. Sitting curled up on the sofa or in your conservatory armchair, you want the extra comfort and warmth that only cushions and a soft, faux fur throw can deliver. Definitely stock up on blankets and throws.

Hard-flooring in your conservatory can get quite cold in the winter, but adding conservatory rugs will immediately help. Also, push draught excluders along the bottom of doors, especially those leading directly outside.

Some winter-inspired lighting will complete the seasonal atmosphere in your conservatory. String up warm, white fairy lights to create a magical, wintery ambiance in the evenings. While candles in lanterns or hurricane vases can create a soft, romantic glow to your conservatory. Candles scented with spices will further enhance the atmosphere of your winter retreat.

Take care when adding plants in your conservatory as they can encourage condensation. Instead, look out for artificial floral arrangements with winter blooms like poinsettias.

Conservatories are not just for the summer

Your conservatory can become a delightful winter retreat with the right conservatory furniture and furnishings. By selecting cosy seating, effective heating, insulation and winter-themed decor, you can make the most of this versatile space, even during the colder months. Close to the outside, you can also check up on spring’s progress.

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Have further questions about different types of garden tables we stock? Our friendly, knowledgeable team are always on hand to help, just give us a call or visit one of our showrooms in Wakefield or Newcastle.