Conservatories are wonderfully versatile rooms, we can use them for entertaining, a playroom for the kids or simply a place of peace of quiet after a long day. But these rooms can become rather neglected in the colder months due to their chilly nature.
There are ways to insulate your conservatory and you could have heating installed, but this can be costly and not all of us have the resources to do this.
Below are 8 cheap ways to heat your conservatory quickly this winter so you can make the most of the room and not have to wait until the spring to enjoy it.
Electric Heaters
This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people do not think of this idea. Conservatory heaters come in many shapes and sizes and cater to all budgets.
You could opt for a traditional upright heater, this means you can move it around the room and even the rest of your house to get the most use out of it.
You may not have the space for this or perhaps you are looking for something a bit more stylish. Wall-mounted electric heaters are also available, some of which are so modern they look more like an art installation than a practical appliance.
Electric Blankets
Instead of heating the entire room, you can concentrate on one small space, perhaps a favourite chair or sofa. Electric blankets heat up quickly and as they are held close to the user, you feel the benefits instantly.
You don’t have to use them as a traditional blanket either, varying sizes mean you could use this as a throw so all those using a sofa can benefit. You can even lay this on the floor when the kids are playing to give the feel of underfloor heating.
Curtains
You may already have curtains or blinds in your conservatory but did you know quality curtains can really make a difference to the warmth of a conservatory? Leaving conservatory blinds open during sunlight hours allows your room to warm up and shut your curtains at night, especially if they are good thick quality, can trap this natural heat in and make a real difference to the warmth of your conservatory.
Rugs & Carpets
Many people don’t consider rugs or carpets in their conservatories as they want it to be an extension of their garden and they can easily become ruined from trampled mud and debris.
But in the winter, when you won’t be using your garden as much, it is definitely worth getting a rug, this will insulate the room and give a snug feeling.
You will also feel the benefit immediately on your feet, you don’t want to always have to wear slippers!
Throws
Just like an electric blanket, throws are a great way to warm up but without the worry of electrical elements and loose cables. They add an extra layer to your furniture to help insulate and this is perfect for the leather furniture that isn’t great at retaining heat.
Rattan furniture is incredibly popular in conservatories but can feel cold on our bodies when we use it, throws can eliminate this and make the room more appealing to the whole family.
Draught Excluders
Many of us use draught excluders throughout the rest of our homes, so why not in your conservatory? They prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from blowing in. If your conservatory is rather old, seals may have broken down on windows and doors and can cause a loss of heat quite quickly.
You can even make your own by using old clothes and cutting the legs or arms off and purchase some filling from a haberdashery. This way, not only will it be cheap but you’ll have full control over the colours and patterns so you can keep your new draught excluder in the theme of your room and turn them into an accessory.
Heated Airers
These can serve two purposes. It can be a nightmare in winter when doing the laundry and having to wait days for your clothes to dry. A heated airer speeds up this process while also providing heat to your conservatory.
The great thing about these compared to an electric heater is you don’t have to worry about turning them off when you go out as they do not pose the same fire risk as electric heaters.
Underfloor Heating
Ok, so this may not be as inexpensive as the other options but it is certainly the most effective and worth the investment. This will require special installation but you will reap the benefits quickly.
There are energy-efficient options available which could dramatically reduce heating bills and it does mean you will be using your conservatory all year round without any concern about the temperature of the room.
If you have tried all options and nothing seems to be working, it may be worth looking at the condition of your conservatory. What are the windows and doors looking like? Is the sealant in a good condition or perhaps you may have cracks or holes in the roof? If the structure isn’t adequate, you will always struggle to keep the room warm. If in doubt, have a surveyor round to have a look, the work may be costly but will be a good investment for your home.