Conservatories are extremely versatile spaces – some people choose to use theirs as a room for relaxation, while others turn theirs into a playroom or an office. However, one of the most popular uses for a conservatory is as a dining room. Here are just a few reasons why.
Al fresco dining (nearly)!
One of the best things about eating in a conservatory or glass garden room is that the illusion of dining outdoors – without having to worry about the weather. You can therefore enjoy the natural surroundings without having to worry about the weather! You could even lay a rug across the floor and have an indoor picnic.
Alternatively, go a step further and bring some of the outdoors in. Conservatories are a great place to grow plants, adding to the outdoor dining atmosphere. Herbs, climbers, and potted plants work well in this environment. Some good examples include: gardenia, hibiscus, and citrus fruits.
Another benefit of eating in the conservatory is the abundance of natural light. Watch the sun come up as you eat breakfast and see it set over dinner. Of course, there will be fewer hours of daylight during the winter months. At this time of year, simply draw the curtains to create a cosy atmosphere.
Family time
For many people, mealtime is family time – and the conservatory is a lovely space for spending time with your loved ones. If you own a small property, you may not have space for separate living and dining rooms. This can often result in mealtimes in front of the TV.
While this can be relaxing, it doesn’t encourage conversation amongst the family. That’s why it’s sometimes nice to sit around a table where you can share stories from your day. A conservatory provides that additional dining area for homes with fewer rooms.
Another big advantage is the visibility you have over the garden. If the kids want to play outside after lunch, you can relax at the table while you keep an eye on them. When the sun goes down, a conservatory becomes the perfect spot for a romantic meal with your other half. After all, what’s more romantic than dining under the stars?
Entertaining
If you enjoy socialising, a conservatory is a great place to host a party. During the summer months, you’ll have the benefit of lots of sunlight. When it gets dark, just add some fairy lights to enhance the party mood.
If your conservatory is usually a dining room, why not host a dinner party? Just swap out your tableware and put some music on to create a more social atmosphere. For larger occasions, lay the table with snacks and let your guests mingle around the space.
A key benefit of hosting a party in the conservatory is the easy access to the outdoors. On warm evenings, your guests can move between the house and the garden, doubling your party space. Hosting a party outside of your living room can also help to reduce noise – ideal if you have family members sleeping upstairs!
We hope you found this article useful. For more inspiration, visit our conservatories gallery here.
[Photo by Yisroel]