Is a conservatory right for your home?
Although deciding to add an extension to your home is a big decision, it goes without saying that a modern conservatory is probably one of the more versatile and practical improvements you can make to your property. Traditionally used as a greenhouse, modern conservatories are often used for lounging, dining or even to extend and open up your kitchen or living room.
So what is a conservatory? And is it right for your home?
What is a conservatory?
Once reserved for the nobility, the traditional conservatory has evolved over the years from a spacious, luxurious greenhouse for the rich to an everyday extension ideal for any home.
Also known as a sunroom, a conservatory is defined as a building or room connected to the rest of your home. Modern conservatories usually have a pitched roof and are constructed with expansive panes of glass that maximise natural light. Traditionally a place to grow plants away from the elements, a modern conservatory is often used as an additional living space and as a result, will hold furniture and draperies like any other interior space within a residential home.
The history of conservatories
The very first conservatories in the UK were built by the nobility. The first known, and arguably most famous, conservatory in Britain was constructed in 1637 in the Botanic Gardens of Oxford University. After the construction of the iron-framed conservatory at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire and the Crystal Palace in London, conservatories became very popular amongst the Victorian elite.
Eventually, the purpose of a conservatory would evolve, transforming from a glasshouse extension built for the purpose of protecting plants to a space where one could host tea parties and other social events. Although popularity dipped at the beginning of the 20th century, following the Second World War conservatories once again became a popular and trendy addition to residential properties all over the UK.
On top of style, design and function, the technology used to build conservatories has also evolved in recent years. For example, many modern conservatories are now engineered with self-cleaning, double-glazed glass as a standard and feature heightened energy efficiency and security.
The lifestyle benefits of a conservatory
You may be asking yourself why conservatories are so popular in the UK. The lifestyle benefits of installing a conservatory include…
- Plenty of natural light – One of the biggest benefits of installing a conservatory is the influx of natural light. As conservatories are also fully enclosed, they can also be enjoyed at any time of the year regardless of any adverse weather.
- Expansive views – As modern conservatories are constructed from large panes of double-glazed glass, they allow expansive, panoramic views of your exterior spaces.
- Extra space – Much like an extension, conservatories also extend your living spaces and give you an additional room to enjoy.
- Indoor-outdoor flow – Perhaps most pertinent, conservatories create a seamless transition between your interior and exterior living spaces. In the warmer summer months, the doors of your conservatory can be thrown back to create indoor-outdoor flow and bring you closer to your garden, patio and other exterior spaces. In the winter, your conservatory will ensure a close relationship with your garden is maintained while also boasting exceptional energy efficiency ratings.
How much does a conservatory cost?
If you are considering installing a conservatory on your property, you may be wondering how much it will cost. The cost of your conservatory will depend on the unique specifications of your home, as well as the style you choose.
What is the difference between a conservatory and an orangery?
Although a conservatory and an orangery may aesthetically appear the same, they are both very different in terms of style and design. A conservatory usually features a pitched roof constructed from glass, with a base predominantly engineered from large panes of uninterrupted glass. In contrast to a traditional conservatory, an orangery often features a flat roof with a glass lantern and will be constructed with a combination of large windows and masonry such as brick.
Conservatories near me at Majestic Designs
Looking for conservatories near me? Look no further than Majestic Designs.
The team at Majestic Designs has been engineering our range of bespoke conservatories in our state-of-the-art factories for more than 19 years. Situated in Cheddar in the heart of Somerset, our conservatories are fabricated with 70mm frames and are reinforced with durable uPVC. Engineered with innovative welded joints for durability and strength, we use A+14 rated double glazing as a standard to ensure optimal energy efficiency for your home.
Boasting a wealth of knowledge and expertise, our experienced leading teams of FENSA accredited and MTC registered installers have cultivated a country-wide reputation for exceptional customer service and superior craftsmanship. Whether you’re refurbishing an existing conservatory in your property or installing a brand new one, you can rest assured a conservatory from Majestic Designs will keep your home sealed and secure for years to come. Our range of bespoke conservatories are also available in a range of different styles and colours, so you’ll conservatory will be entirely specific to you and your personal tastes – resulting in a truly unique flourish for your property.
If you would like any more information about our range of conservatories or are ready to book your at-home consultation, please contact Majestic Designs today.
