Using your conservatory as a dining room: ideas and inspirations

One of the best things about having a conservatory is the range of uses it can be put to. After all, a conservatory is just a room. Sure, it's a standalone room with a distinctive style. But like any room, you can do with it what you will.
A conservatory can be a place to read, relax, grow plants, do yoga, answer emails or take calls. Some people even use their conservatory as a dining room.

It's easy to see why. A conservatory dining room is like a restaurant in your back garden – albeit one where you have to do the cooking. You get an al fresco dining experience with a roof over your head and the light flooding in.
What's more, a conservatory dining room is a relatively rare addition to a home. This can make it more attractive to buyers should you decide to sell.
Sounds good, right? But before you start shifting the table and chairs into the garden, you'll need to do a bit of planning. Here are some things to keep in mind. 

The roof

Different conservatories have different kinds of roofs. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. But in the case of a conservatory that doubles as a dining room, you want a roof that provides insulation. (And that won't sound like cutlery chucked down the stairs whenever it rains.)
At Calder Windows, we provide SupaLite solid roofs . One of these will make your conservatory a place you want to be in all kinds of weather. What's more, it's built to last and looks good, too.
Other options are available – but for our money, a SupaLite roof is the homeliest of them all. Whether you're entertaining guests or having soup for one, it can make a big difference to your dining room set-up.



Heating

It's a tale as old as time. An eager homeowner buys a conservatory, anticipating hours of leisure time in every season. Instead, they find it a sweat lodge in summer and a fridge freezer in winter. Disillusioned, their would-be haven ends up as a dumping-ground for household detritus.
This is an all too common complaint from conservatory owners. But it's far from inevitable. A good, modern conservatory will come fitted with insulated glazing that helps maintain a comfortable temperature all year round.
But if it's still  a little chilly in winter, you could consider investing in a conservatory heating system.

 It could be as simple as a small radiator or as complex as underfloor heating. You can also look into thermal blinds or curtains and cooling systems for summer. We covered the most common options in our conservatory heating guide . 
The truth is that conservatory dining rooms require a bit of forethought – both at the planning stage and when you're using them for dinner. You may find you need to warm the conservatory up before you start serving the food.

Furniture

Conservatory furniture is a world unto itself. In the case of a conservatory dining room, you want furniture that's economical with space, comfortable for diners and congruent with the overall vibe.
Comfy seats, rugs, cushions and throws all help in this department. Tables and chairs made from wood, wicker or rattan can enhance the sense of indoor-al-fresco dining.
Plant life, too, can make a difference – even if it's just a tastefully placed pot plant in the middle of the dining table. If you don't have much space to play with, don't despair. You could invest in some foldable furniture or modular seating. Still need inspiration? Check out our favourite conservatory furniture ideas.

Flooring

When food's on the table, spills are a possibility. What's more, a conservatory doubling as a dining room will see a lot of footfall.
For this reason, you want to get flooring that's water-resistant and which doesn't highlight any spills or stains. Wood is a strong choice, as are tiles. Be aware, however, that not all floor materials are compatible with underfloor heating.
Most people see conservatories as a place to unwind. For this reason, you may want to cosy up the place with some rugs.

Lighting

One of the great advantages of eating in the conservatory is the natural light that comes flooding in. But if you want to eat in the evening or during the winter months, you'll want to invest in some creative lighting.
Chances are, you'll want to save on space. For this reason, ceiling lights and wall-mounted lights are the order of the day. If you've got room, you could also include a floor lamp.
Or why not have dinner by candlelight? When lighting your conservatory dining room, the only limit is your imagination.



The finer details

Plants. Place mats. Pictures. Tablecloths. All these little details can add to the cosiness and overall ambience of your conservatory dining room.
It doesn't matter whether you're entertaining guests, having a family dinner or eating alone. Small touches can make a big difference. Be sure to give them some thought when planning your conservatory dining room.

Frequently asked questions