Warmer weather is here, and we know spending time soaking up the sun, enjoying a BBQ and making the most of every moment with friends and family is a must. But, how can a conservatory help?
As the perfect in-between space, a conservatory offers an airy, relaxing space that’s ideal for a summer gathering. Friends, family or guests can enjoy indoor comfort with an outdoor feel, whether you’re hosting a garden party or serving al fresco dining.
If you want to get more from your conservatory, see our tips below on making yours a summer to remember.
Why a conservatory is ideal for summer entertaining
It blends indoor and outdoor spaces
Typically, a conservatory features glass walls, uPVC frames and a room, creating a sun-filled, inviting space perfect for relaxation or socialising. To create an open feel from home to garden, the use of bi-fold or sliding doors can help bring the outdoors in.
For parties and gatherings, especially, a conservatory allows your friends and family to move freely, letting them to cool off or enjoy a quieter place to unwind or play games.
If you’re serving food and drink, the extra cooler space inside can provide an additional serving area – and keeps food out of direct sun – with you able to dedicate a bar area or a games corner.
You can enjoy natural light
Conservatories bring lots of natural sunlight in, especially in the summer.
By opening blinds and keeping windows clear, you can make use of this light from early morning to late into the evening. Because of this, it also reduces the need for artificial lighting, meaning you save on energy while it creates a softer, more natural ambience.
Natural light also improves well-being by boosting moods and improving sleep patterns, so whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or hosting, your space offers a light-filled area that’s functional and beautiful.
Shelter from unpredictable weather
The weather in the UK can change with very little warning, and a conservatory allows your guests to enjoy the fresh air while staying sheltered and comfortable.
This means you don’t have to let a rain shower or a cooler breeze change your hosting plans. Plus, if you want to keep fresh air flowing, you can open the doors and windows as you need to, so the area doesn’t feel stuffy.
Designing your conservatory for summer gatherings
Open-plan layouts for seamless flow
Opting for an open-plan design makes it easier to host, providing an easy way to move around your light-filled area. It also adds versatility, especially when serving, and enables guests to speak to others without interrupting conversations.
If possible, consider positioning your conservatory near your kitchen or dining area to create a natural connection between spaces. Leaving the doors open can help the space feel more open and sociable, while still giving you the option of shutting them when you need a bit of privacy or to contain cooking smells.
To learn how to create an open plan conservatory, visit our blog here.
Choosing the right doors: bi-fold, sliding, or French
Have your conservatory feel like an open space, where people can move in between, with the use of conservatory doors.
To help you choose the right one, here is a key benefit of each:
- Bi-fold doors – Modern and space-efficient, they can be folded back to create a wide opening between garden and home.
- Sliding doors or patio doors – Sleek and classic, they consist of large glass panels that slide along tracks to open.
- French doors – Add a classic charm with French doors, which can open inwards or outwards, depending on what works best for you.
If you want to learn more, visit our conservatory doors page for more information here.
How to keep cool
No one wants an uncomfortable room and with temperatures in the UK having reached 30°C in the past, making sure your conservatory remains cool is a priority.
Here is a list of some heat control measures you can try:
- At the design stage of your conservatory, roof vents and solar control glazing can help keep temperatures down at the design stage.
- If your conservatory is already installed, blinds are an excellent way to control the temperature. Plus, it adds style and colour to your home.
- Air conditioning units are also becoming more popular in the UK. These can be wall-mounted, so it doesn’t take up valuable floor space.
At ConservatoryLand, we offer a Blue Self-Cleaning, Solar Control Glass roofing system that provides consistent temperatures throughout the year.
Styling and decorating for the perfect atmosphere
Furniture and seating arrangements for socialising
Choosing flexible and comfortable seating is key when socialising.
Opting for modular furniture in your conservatory means it can easily be rearranged if plans change and everyone has to head inside. It’s also good if you host various events, from larger gatherings to intimate dinner parties.
Having a mix of sofas, chairs and benches makes the space more versatile, and if you need additional storage, side and coffee tables can double up as easy places for drinks, snacks or decorations to sit.
Choosing the right party decor
If your party has a theme or if you’re just bringing friends and family together, it’s important to have the right decor.
Conservatories are naturally bright and airy, making them the perfect backdrop for soft textiles, fresh flowers and splashes of seasonal colour. These simple touches will build on the summery feel and make the space feel even more welcoming, while letting you make the most of all that natural sunlight.
If you wish to add more colour, table runners, cushions, and even bunting are all great choices. Each of them can help bring a theme together, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting a dinner party, and add a splash of fun to your year-round space.
Lighting ideas for day-to-night gatherings
When the sun goes down, ambient lighting helps you keep the atmosphere going.
While dependent on the vibe you’re going for, you can easily create a cosy evening glow affordably with lighting like fairy lights or strip lights.
If you’re looking to connect your indoor and outdoor areas, fairy lights and lanterns are a great touch because you can find matching ones for outdoors that are solar-powered.
Inside, floor lamps also offer a soft glow that doesn’t feel overpowering, as well as LED spotlights that can be dimmed. To create a softer touch, LED or battery candles can also help carry the mood.
For more inspiration on getting more natural light in your home, read our blog here.
Bringing the outdoors in
To connect your garden and home, consider adding plants and greenery to your conservatory to add texture, colour and help soften the room.
Think beyond potted floor plants. Hanging baskets and climbing plants can also enhance the feel of your space and create a homely atmosphere.
To complement these touches, choosing natural materials such as rattan or linen will tie your indoor area to your garden.
Making the most of your space for hosting
Setting up for BBQs and al fresco dining
A conservatory makes a great base for al fresco dining and BBQs, allowing you to set up food and drinks inside, while guests relax outside – or vice versa!
Something as simple as a foldable table can make the prep for a BBQ that much simpler, and with the extra room (and shade) a conservatory provides, it means you have a place for condiments, napkins and plates.
Entertainment features
Why not add some fun extras? A sound system, drinks trolley, bar or even a projector for movie nights can all turn your conservatory into a multi-purpose summer hosting space.
If you’re someone who likes hosting game nights, depending on the area, you can even set up a small table tennis table, pool table, or a dart board. Not only can it bring people together for some ‘healthy’ competition, but offers an entertainment option when you need people to move indoors.
Create your perfect space with ConservatoryLand
It’s easy to enjoy a more sun-filled, flexible summer with your conservatory and make the most of your hosting potential.
Whether you’re adding space for everyday living or wanting to throw more unforgettable get-togethers, there’s a conservatory design to suit every home and lifestyle – and we can help.
Start designing your perfect room for summer by visiting our quote builder to begin exploring your options.
