Skip to content

We’re all familiar with the benefits of having a conservatory. Many of us have one at home, or know someone who does. However fewer of us are familiar with the idea of a ‘garden room’. Maybe you’ve heard of them before but you aren’t sure if one would be right for you? Here are some useful pointers to help you decide.

What is a garden room?

A garden room is similar to a traditional conservatory in many ways, but they aren’t the same thing. Like conservatories, a lot of garden rooms are positioned as an extension to the back of the house. Some feature solid walls, with large windows, whilst others are floor-to-ceiling glass. The key difference between a conservatory and a garden room is the roof. Whilst conservatories traditionally have glass roofs, garden room roofs are solid and opaque. The aesthetic also tends to be more contemporary. Unlike many decorative conservatories, garden rooms tend to have a slick, ‘no nonsense’ design.

What are the benefits?

Garden rooms are a great place to relax and watch the seasons come and go. They’re perfect for enjoying nature whilst remaining protected from the elements. Like conservatories, they’re also a highly versatile space. Some people choose to create a home office in their garden room, whilst others see it as a place for relaxation.

A key benefit of the garden room is its temperature. Some people find conservatories a little too warm in summer due to their glass walls and roofs. A glass garden room with an opaque roof will allow light in, whilst also providing some shade. When the days turn cooler, radiators or heaters can be used to warm up the space. As the heat rises, it will be trapped by the solid roof, providing greater insulation.

Another benefit of a garden room is privacy. Whilst the sides are transparent, the solid roof obscures the view from above. Full privacy can be achieved simply by installing blinds across the walls. It’s also worth noting that garden rooms aren’t always joined to a house. They can actually be completely independent structures, allowing for even more peace and quiet!

Is it right for you?

Do you like the ‘house-to-garden’ continuity of traditional brickwork extensions? Do you also want the benefits of a glass-walled conservatory? If so, a garden room is the perfect middle ground. Like a conservatory, it allows for plenty of sunlight and beautiful views of the outdoors. At the same time, the architecture of a garden room creates a smooth transition from your house. A well-made garden room should feel like a part of your existing home rather than an ‘add-on’ – so if you wish your house was a little bigger or brighter, a garden room could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

We hope this article has been useful. For more information on creating your perfect garden room, click here.

[Photo by gbeaty]