An orangery can make a fantastic addition to any home. Giving you valuable extra square footage, and boosting the functionality of your ground floor, orangeries can add style and space to kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms.
While most people think of orangeries as being summer spaces, if they’re well built and well designed, there’s no reason these useful extensions can’t be used throughout the year. Here are our top tips for getting more from your orangery.
Heating
Most people will make good use of their orangery during the summer months. The expansive glazing ensures the space is light and bright, making it a great place to relax, unwind, and socialise when it’s warm outside.
However, as @EDP24 says, “As wintry weather is ushered in by colder temperatures, it’s easy to fall out of love. After all, who wants to sit in the coldest room of the house?” To prevent your orangery from becoming too cold to use, you need to heat it.
In some cases, it will be possible to install central heating. This is an effective and efficient way of keeping the temperature up. If this isn’t an option, you might want to consider electric or oil-filled radiators. Fan heaters probably aren’t your best option as the warm air they emit will quickly dissipate.
Insulation
Good quality glazing will go a long way to keeping the cold air out and the warm air in. If there are any cracks in your orangery’s glazing, or if there are any windows that won’t close properly, get these fixed before the winter rolls around again.
It’s also a good idea to ask the company that supplied your orangery about the insulation options they offer.
Blinds
Blinds are essential if you’re going to use your orangery throughout the year. During the summer months, blinds can help you to block out the sun and keep the space cool. While, in the winter, they act as a valuable layer of insulation. Install blinds on your orangery windows to make the space usable throughout the year and to add a stylish touch.
Furnishings
If you want to use your orangery all year round, you need to furnish it accordingly. Invest in furniture that will be useful throughout the year like a dining table and chairs or a sumptuous sofa. If the space is comfortable and useful, you’ll be a lot more likely to enjoy it when the weather is chilly and to use the space when it’s warm outside.
Design
A well designed orangery will be more useful and more practical. This means you’ll be a lot more likely to use it year-round. Make sure you work closely with the company supplying your orangery to ensure it meets your needs and suits your family’s lifestyle.
Learn more about designing stylish and usable orangeries, and about making the most of your extension, by exploring our site today.