Sunroom Design Ideas

Editor's Prologue to Sunroom Design Ideas

In Britain they call their sunrooms conservatories. "Sunroom Design Ideas" by Danielle Haley is worth a read before designing your conservatory.  Or maybe these are conservatory design ideas to consider when designing your sunroom.

A conservatory is just a large bumpout room with lots of glass on three sides and maybe the roof as well.  Whether you call it a sunroom, conservatory, florida room, or a solarium a good plan will lead to a successful project.  A good plan starts with good ideas, so here are some sunroom design ideas worth considering.

How to Structure a Conservatory

by Danielle Haley

Conservatories are a great way to extend your home as well as providing the perfect place to sit and relax in all seasons. They are incredibly versatile structures and can have many practical uses, besides being a great place to sit and view the amazing nature and wildlife our great British garden provides.

The extra space offers an ideal place for a children’s playroom or a gym or a study. The room can also be utilised to extend your kitchen if it’s too small (and planning permission allows, of course).  Larger conservatories can offer the best of both worlds, and can often be used to combine a lounge area with a utility room, for example.

For anyone who has never arranged the installation of a conservatory, adding one to your home can be a daunting and confusing prospect. There are many factors and considerations to take into account when deciding upon your conservatory, from its shape, size and the style to its location, positioning and the appearance.

Here are the main things to take into account if you want to tailor the overall structure and shape of your conservatory to fit into the existing style of your home and suit its practical purpose.

Positioning

Now, unless you have acres of space in your garden, it’s unlikely that you will have a great deal of choice over the positioning of your conservatory. However it’s important to make sure you are aware of the benefits and the concerns of each potential location before you begin planning the construction of your conservatory.

North-facing: These conservatories will not receive any direct sunlight during the winter periods, so its design will need to include good heating and insulation properties.

South-facing: Conservatories facing the South will endure the most sunlight all year round so heating and insulation is often considered less important. In the summertime, however, the sun can sometimes be too strong and become uncomfortable, so good ventilation is a must and roofing blinds should be considered.

East-facing: These conservatories will benefit from lots of early morning sun and as such make ideal breakfast rooms.

West-facing: Conservatories positioned facing west are great for those who love to watch a sun set, so they make for a perfect place to sit and eat dinner or entertain friends.

Size

Where conservatories are concerned there are no set guidelines on the sizes available. A conservatory’s specifications are often dictated by the amount of space available in the garden. The most common size for small conservatories is 10 x 8ft, whilst the most popular size of lager conservatories is 10 x 20ft.

Most homeowners will feel obliged to build the build the biggest conservatory that they can afford to make sure that the space is used to its maximum potential, though it’s important to consider the overall accessibility and design of the garden itself. Any good conservatory design company will be able to help you weigh up your options and decide on a design that offers as much value to your property as possible but also complements its surroundings and enhances the property.

Shape

Typically, conservatories are square or rectangular in shape, but bespoke designs are really taking off these days and most structures can be built to more unusual specifications. For example, Victorian conservatories are often deemed the most luxurious as faceted fronts, ornate edges and pitched roofs are often incorporated into their overall design, but this conservatory type is not the most suitable if you have limited space for your new extension. For smaller gardens where space is valuable, a rectangular-shaped Edwardian conservatory is a more practical option.

So How Do I Choose What is Best for My Property?

The key to choosing the ideal structure and shape of your conservatory is to think with your head and not your heart – what looks great on paper may not make the most of the space, and the finished design may look a little disjointed if its shape doesn’t match the style of your property. We would always advise arranging a consultation with a conservatory specialist before committing to a construction plan. He or she will explain the pros and cons of each of your ideas and help you avoid any major structural pitfalls before you start the build.  

About the Author

Danielle Haley is a freelance copywriter who is passionate about bringing expert advice to the online community.  She is an advocate of SEO and co-directs a small but successful Essex-based online marketing agency. She also recently partnered with the team at Caulfield Conservatories, a conservatory design house based in Harrogate which specializes in bespoke projects for UK clients. 

Editor's Notes on Sunroom Design Ideas

Growing up we had what my mother called our "florida room".  It was my favorite reading room.  There was lots of light and a good couch.

As with any project consider what you want from the room.  Bounce your sunroom design ideas off your list of wants and requirements.  If a good reading nook is your primary objective design your room around this central idea.

Lots of people are willing to sell you a new conservatory, but many of them will have a limited palette.  Your sunroom design ideas may get lost in the sales pitch.  Just because they only sell one type of sunroom doesn't have to limit you.  Look elsewhere.

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