8 space-saving furniture ideas for a small conservatory
Is your conservatory on the small side? Explore 8 ways to make the most of the space you've got.
Since the Victorian times, conservatories have had a classic look. You know the one we're talking about: glass windows, a steel frame and, inside, lightweight wooden furniture upholstered in muted creams and beiges.
Many customers want to recreate that aesthetic. What's a conservatory, you might think, without rattan, wicker, cane or willow?
The trouble is that traditional furniture can be difficult to fit into a small conservatory. Sure, you can get in a table and a chair or two – but in many cases, you'll find that's your allotted space already gone.
So, what's the solution? Luckily for you, there are many ways to save space in your conservatory and make it feel spacious and uncluttered.
These range from the furniture itself to the way you arrange it in the conservatory. It also includes careful use of plants, mirrors and storage space.
1. Small is beautiful
Small furniture is best for a small conservatory. Sounds obvious, right? Yet many conservatory owners don't know the range of furniture available.
Corner sofas, two-seater sofas and armchairs with narrow arms all help you maximise the space in your conservatory. The same goes for folding chairs and tables.
And if you want to spend evenings in your conservatory curled up with a book or a box set, why not get a floor lamp with a table attached?
2. Let the light in
When choosing furniture for a small conservatory, you should go for objects that won't block the light.
This is partly a case of placement. The trick is to balance vertical furniture that doesn't take up floor space with horizontal furniture that doesn't block the light. The result? A conservatory that makes the most of natural light all year round.
3. Use mirrors
There's nothing quite like a mirror to give the illusion of depth. Careful placement can maximise both light and space. After all, there's a reason mirrors are such a staple in stately homes and palaces – they make the rooms look even grander!]
You can achieve a similar effect with glassware. Why not scatter light with a glass ornament or a tall vase?
4. Smart storage
No space-saving mission is complete without smart storage. The principle is simple: you want to keep as much floor space free as possible.
This is partly a case of thinking vertically rather than horizontally. But it's also about buying furniture that doubles up as storage space. Examples include:
- A coffee table with drawers
- A fold-out writing desk
- Banquette seating with drawers or inside compartments
More storage means more space. Go get some!
5. Window seats
If your conservatory is a place to sit as well as water the plants, you should consider getting ledge or banquette seating.
This creates a snug spot for you to sit and watch the garden. And if you want to entertain, you can use it instead of dining chairs.
In a small conservatory, a window seat is preferable to traditional dining furniture. You can get the dining table closer to the seating – and to the sunlight – without cluttering up the place.
6. Carefully choose your plant life
OK, so plants aren't furniture per se. But they can work with your furniture choices to save space in your conservatory.
A classic conservatory, of course, is a veritable jungle – Kew Gardens in your backyard. If your conservatory is on the small side, however, this isn't the best use of space.
A few choice plants can go a long way to help blend your conservatory with your garden and keep the space uncluttered.
7. Think vertically, not horizontally
Any big reader will tell you the importance of vertical thinking. Unless you want to spend your days wading through teetering piles of bestsellers, you'll need some stacked shelving.
The same space-saving principle can apply to conservatories. Get tall rather than wide furniture and you'll soon feel there's more room to stretch your legs.
Another example of vertical thinking is hanging plants – a far more economical use of space than sitting pots or tables.
8. Portable furniture
Want your conservatory to double up as a place for quiet time and a place to entertain? Portable furniture is the answer.
This could be as simple as a set of folding chairs or as sophisticated as a modular sofa. You could even invest in a trolley to wheel in dinner or drinks.
Other tips for maximising space in your conservatory
1. Install a skylight
Some tiled-roof conservatories have built-in skylights. This brings more light through the roof. Combined with lightweight furniture that doesn't block the windows and judiciously placed mirrors, a skylight can help create the illusion of space.
2. Opt for a lighter colour scheme
It's a guiding principle of interior design that smaller spaces go best with light colour schemes. This helps light bounce around rather than get sucked into dark surfaces. Colours like beige, off-white, sky blue and cream are your space-saving friends.
That doesn't mean, of course, that your conservatory has to beige in the pejorative sense of the word. You can still add a burst of pizzazz with a brightly coloured vase, rug, lamp or bunch of flowers.
3. Get space-saving doors
In a small conservatory, thin frames and sliding or folding doors are best. Alongside smart storage and vertical thinking, your choice of door is crucial to keeping the place uncluttered.
Final thoughts
Having a small conservatory doesn't have to be a problem. With well-chosen furniture carefully arranged, you can enjoy those garden views in comfort.
And if you need a conservatory installed or repaired, why not get in touch with Calder Windows? We've supplied
conservatories in West Yorkshire for more than 30 years – and all come with a 10-year warranty for your peace of mind.
Get in touch today for a quick, competitive quote – or visit us at our store in Normanton. We look forward to meeting you.
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