Indoor/outdoor living: Conservatory Furniture for Year-Round Enjoyment
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Time to read 3 min
With the unpredictability of the UK weather, which can shift from sunshine to rain within hours, conservatories are a reliable way to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors without being at the mercy of the elements. Choosing the right conservatory furniture and accessories can transform this space into one that works all year round, not just on warm summer days. Read on for some styling inspiration on how to let the outdoors in.
Conservatory furniture ideas often draw on the principles of indoor/outdoor living. Although something done since ancient times, this concept gained momentum throughout the 1940s and 50s with mid-century modern architecture - think Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, the Eames House and the open plan Californian Case Study Houses of Arts & Architecture magazine. These buildings were designed to be harmonious with nature, balancing and blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living.
&Tradition VP9 Flowerpot Portable Lamp
Although we are unfortunate not to have the Californian climate in the UK, we can still benefit from this concept with clever use of conservatories, balconies and even patios. When designing your space, think about creating a natural flow between house and garden. Bifold doors that open up to a patio or balcony, or large floor to ceiling windows will help bring natural light and fresh air into the interior. This also gives seamless access to the garden, enabling you to extend your living area outdoors on warmer days.
A beautiful bright and airy space lends itself well to Nordic or Scandinavian inspired interior styling, where emphasis is placed on natural materials and calming colours. Modern and contemporary designs also work well here, with clean and minimalistic forms that have presence but don’t compete with garden views.
When planning your conservatory, think about how the space will be used. Comfortable seating is essential, whether you prefer compact conservatory chairs or a larger sofa arrangement. Many homeowners bring outdoor furniture indoors. The key here is to choose designs that work in both spaces. The Tanso Lounge Collection by Case Furniture is perfect for indoor and outdoor use as it looks beautiful in both settings.
If the room doubles as a dining space, consider a table and dining chair combination that works equally well for casual breakfasts and evening entertaining. Our Vincent Sheppard Dining Set works perfectly in smaller conservatories or balconies.
For larger spaces, opt for a long dining table like the Drop Table by Cane-line, which is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Multitasking furniture allows you to get the most out of your home, without having unnecessary items taking up space. You can enjoy outdoor dining on the patio during hot summer days, but can move inside during colder months.
Lighting and accessories also play a vital role in the overall feel of the space. While natural light is a given, portable table lamps and floor lamps allow the conservatory to feel welcoming in the evening. Audo Copenhagen’s Ray Lamp gives cozy lighting reminiscent of a lantern. For fixed lighting, choose an outdoor pendant that allows you to open your space up, such as the Fora Pendant by Bover.
Plants are another natural addition, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors and giving the space a sense of life all year round. Browse our indoor gardening collection for planters and accessories for your houseplants.
The addition of soft furnishings such as cushions and throws can soften harder surfaces and bring warmth through the colder months.
Ultimately, the best conservatory furniture is practical, durable, and visually in tune with the home and the garden. The aim is to create a space that feels like an extension of your interior, while still embracing the benefits of outdoor living. With carefully chosen furniture and thoughtful decoration, a conservatory becomes a year-round retreat - whether the UK skies bring sunshine, cloud or rain.
Written by Tomas Dobbins
Tomas is our Store Manager, making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. When he’s not keeping the website in shape, you’ll likely find him at home with headphones on - either deep into a new game or lost in a playlist.