29 conservatory interior ideas – these top decorating and styling tips will turn this space into your favourite room in the house

A conservatory is a space that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors – the interior of your home and the area of your outdoor space, the garden. So your conservatory interior ideas should reflect that.

From the way you decorate the space to the finishing styling touches, all of your conservatory ideas should contribute to a consistent scheme, in terms of colour palette, style and theme.

‘A well-styled conservatory should feel like a natural extension of your home rather than an afterthought,’ says Lucy Mather from luxury homeware retailer Arighi Bianchi. ‘If there’s enough space, you could create areas for different activities.’

Conservatory interior ideas

Just like with decorating any other room in your home, there is everything from conservatory furniture ideas to paint ideas to consider and make decisions about.

But Mark Holloway, interior expert and founder of Holloways of Ludlow, says that before you do anything, it should all start with the purpose of the space. ‘When decorating a conservatory, first decide how you want the space to be used. Is it for relaxing, hosting, or as a functional space for dining? This will help you decide on the correct design pieces to start with when decorating the space.’

So take these expert-approved tips as inspiration more than anything else – as at the end of the day, the way you’re going to decorate your space depends on the way you’re going to use it.

1. Go for a soft, natural colour palette

A light, soft and nature-inspired colour scheme is not only a good small conservatory idea, but the ideal way to go for a conservatory of any size. For one, it’s because this type of colour palette will seamlessly connect the space to the garden. But it’s also for practical reasons to protect your conservatory furniture from sun damage.

‘Start with a natural colour palette to keep the mood light and fresh – think white, sage green, blush pink, and warm neutrals,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.

Mark at Holloways of Ludlow continues, ‘I recommend avoiding decorating the space in very dark shades such as black. Not only are these likely to fade in the conservatory, they can also make the room feel smaller and dull the naturally bright feel of the space.’

2. Add natural textures

It’s best to steer clear of synthetic materials and plastics as they can not only become brittle due to the sun exposure, but it also hinders the nature-inspired look and feel of the conservatory that connects it to the outdoors. Instead, incorporate various natural materials and texture.

‘You can easily soften the space with textiles, like throws and cushions, which helps a conservatory to feel cosy and more like an extra living room space,’ says Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James. ‘However, you need to be mindful to rotate or cover them when not in use to prevent sun damage.’

Lucy at Arighi Bianchi confirms, ‘Layer with different textures – jute rugs, linen cushions, and plush throws add instant cosiness.’

3. Don’t forget about lighting

There are so many cool lamps and light fixture currently available on the high street. And similarly to the living room, layering various sources of light is one of the top lighting trends, as well as clever lighting ideas.

‘A mix of lighting - table lamps, floor lights, and strings of fairy strings - adds ambience and gives the room versatility from day to night,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.

4. Avoid items that can’t handle light and heat

There are certain things, accessories and pieces of furniture, that are best left out of the conservatory due to their materials that would not be able to take the sun and heat exposure.

‘I’d also be cautious of placing tech or electronics in a conservatory. These spaces can get extremely warm in summer, and many devices simply aren’t designed for that level of heat,’ Chloe at Laura James says.

Mark at Holloways of Ludlow adds, ‘The main thing to avoid when decorating your conservatory is any furniture or accessories that can't withstand fluctuation in temperature and lighting. The spaces are open to all elements, much like garden decor, so before adding any decor to your space, consider – would you put it in your garden?’

5. Opt for tiled flooring

While there are various flooring options that can work in a conservatory, none are quite as efficient as tiles, for several reasons.

‘When it comes to decorating a conservatory, don’t overlook the flooring,’ says Ashif Kazee from Roccia. ‘Tiled floors are not only practical – they’ll also be a stylish foundation for the entire space. Large-format porcelain tiles are particularly popular, and for good reason. They help create a seamless, expansive aesthetic that visually extends your indoor living space into the garden, perfect for achieving a cohesive indoor-outdoor flow. Choose tiles in natural tones to enhance the connection to the outdoors.’

He adds, ‘Wood-effect porcelain tiles are a fantastic choice for conservatory flooring. They provide the warmth and texture of timber, without any of the worries about fading, warping, or upkeep that come with a real wood floor in a sun-filled room.’

6. Choose an all encompassing color

Go all out with a bold interior colour – from floor to ceiling and everything in between. It will create a cosy feel in the cooler months and a joyful look in the summer.

'Maximise sunlight and bring warmth to any room using Chalk Paint in Arles,' says Annie Sloan, paint and colour expert. 'A warm ochre inspired by its namesake town in France where earthy yellow ochres are dug straight from the ground. It's the perfect colour to maximise sunlight and add warmth on days when the weather isn’t providing as much as one might wish for.'

7. Dazzle with marble-style flooring

Don't overlook flooring, it's an important aspect to get right and you can either have the same as the linking room from the interior of your house, or, it could be unique and more of a statement.

A floor that reflects a little will help to bounce light around a small conservatory, for this you could use polished stone or a high gloss floor paint if you have floorboards. For extra shine use metallic and glass accessories and a side table or two.

8. Carry your flooring from inside to outside

Speaking of flooring, ‘taking the same tile across your whole space, from inside the conservatory to your outside patio, will help to make a room feel bigger and airier, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living,’ suggests Mike Whitfield, interiors expert at Lusso.

And ‘creating the illusion of more space will immediately make your conservatory feel more luxurious.’ Porcelain tiles are durable enough to be used both within the home and in gardens. ‘For a sleek and cohesive look, opt for tiles which have been rectified, meaning that during production, all sides of the tiles have been finished to the same size, offering precision and accuracy. This offers an aesthetic that appears as one large tiled area, meaning that less grout is required,’ Mike continues. ‘Non-rectified tiles require more grout, which is often visually noticeable.’

9. Create a breakfast room

Imagine starting your day off right in your very own breakfast room. ‘Rather than turning it into a full-size conservatory dining room, you can make it your space for gently easing yourself into the day,’ says Ryan McDonough, interior design expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk.

All you need is a small bistro-style table and chairs and you could even create your own coffee station so you don’t have to keep traipsing back and forth to the kitchen for a top-up.

‘With views of your garden and loads of natural light, enjoying your breakfast here will put you in the right frame of mind for facing the rest of the day,’ Ryan continues. And we have to agree. It certainly beats grabbing breakfast to go and would be such a lovely way to ease yourself into your day at the weekends too.

10. Add seasonal flowers

Colour and texture can be added to your conservatory in the form of fresh seasonal flowers, there's nothing prettier than using varieties cut from your own garden is there? Look out for more unusual ways to display them, we love vintage crates as they are great for plants, but we're partial to a basket or two as well.

'Baskets are great storage solutions for every room in your home, especially if you’re working with limited space,' advises Hayley Ker, senior buyer at Dobbies. 'Their versatility means they can just as easily be used as a place to store extra blankets and throws as they can be a quirky container for large houseplants and flowers. Group different-sized baskets together for a more curated look and have fun with colours and texture as a way to add some personality to your interiors.'

11. Play around with shades of green

'Bringing nature into an old conservatory using hints of green can inject a new lease of life to the space. Greens like Bancha, Beverly and Green Smoke will harmonise beautifully with the surrounding garden and create a relaxing sanctuary,' advises Charlotte Cosby, creative director at Farrow & Ball.

You can also use different green shades in your accessories too, if you opt for darker and lighter coloured cushions and throws than the paint colour you've chosen you'll create a contrast which will make your conservatory space more interesting visually.

12. Add a cosy reading corner

If you love to curl up with a good book you might have already considered adding a reading corner and your conservatory is a brilliant spot to integrate one. ‘Start by finding the perfect corner that gets a good amount of sunlight, and position a comfortable seat of choice underneath, such as an armchair, facing inwards and away from any glare,’ recommends Ellie Kennedy, interior expert at 247 Blinds.

‘Make sure you accompany your chair with a side table for you to rest a drink, whether that's a cooling lemonade or warm cup of tea, and keep a basket with a couple of throws nearby for easy access when the night starts to get chilly and you need to keep yourself snug,’ she continues. Having the right conservatory blinds and lighting also allow you to cosy up with your book come day or night.

13. Create an all-year round space

There's no reason why your conservatory can't be used all year round with a bit of clever planning. It's about being adaptable with your accessories – seasonal throws and blankets, and choosing key furniture like a versatile sofa that will work all year around.

'Create a space you and your whole family can enjoy all year round with a sofa that's large enough to seat all of your loved ones,' says Francesca Hadland, interiors expert at outdoor furniture specialists Bridgman.

'Whether you're snuggling up with some hot chocolate in the winter, enjoying warm summer evenings playing games with your doors open, or simply spending some quality time relaxing together, a large L-shaped sofa will play the perfect host for your seasonal activities.'

14. Bounce light with a mirror

When a conservatory is part of an extension they can often be more of a rectangular shape so it can be a case of juggling furniture to fit. Depending on the aspect they can be darker too, this is where clever interior design tricks like adding mirrors can come in.

You could have a trio along the main wall of the house, or choose one large one that will help to bounce the light around the space and reflect the garden perfectly. Keep the frame light in colour – ideally match it to the woodwork in the rest of your conservatory for cohesion.

15. Add in a dining table for entertaining

There's no reason why you can't dine in your conservatory during the warmer months, in fact, they make great spaces for entertaining, just pop in a table and make sure there's plenty of seating options for guests.

'By simply adding a dining table and chairs to your conservatory you can create a light and airy space that is perfect for dining,' says Debbie Leigh, design manager at fabric company ILIV.

'Bathed in natural light with views to your outside space, conservatory dining spaces can be used all year round. Good quality, lined curtains or blinds are worth the investment offering temperature control and privacy.'

16. Utilise space-saving furniture

While some conservatories are spacious, others can be quite snug, using space-saving or multi-functional furniture is key. ‘An ottoman is the perfect functional but multi-purpose item which can be used as extra seating and also for storage of throws or extra cushions,’ says Ryan. While ‘nesting tables stack neatly when not in use but provide surfaces for drinks, games and snacks when you are using the room.’

You also don’t want to go too large with your choice of seating as this can swallow up the majority of the floor space in a smaller layout.

17. Source reclaimed wood and recycled furniture

With sustainability at the forefront of our minds look to buy second-hand furniture for your garden room or conservatory. If you're handy at making things then a pallet sofa will work a treat, or make one using reclaimed wood. Flea markets are ideal for finding one-off vintage chairs, just give them a clean-up and add thick squishy seat cushions and throws for cosiness.

Indoor/outdoor rugs are so versatile and can add a touch of pattern to a plain floor, use printed cushions made from vintage fabrics for a burst of colour and repurpose other pieces like coffee and side tables.

18. Change your floor coverings with the seasons

You might already switch up your decor to reflect the changing seasons but changing your conservatory floor coverings can be a great way to make the space feel as charming as possible.

‘In spring and summer, a natural jute rug looks the part and will take plenty of punishment as people walk in from the garden,’ Ryan at MyJobQuote.co.uk asserts. But ‘as the nights draw in, you need something softer and more inviting such as a thick, wool rug in a warm colour. Sheepskin rugs also look great draped over wicker or cane furniture, adding softness and colour.’

19. Display textured pots in a corner

Make the most of every corner by placing good-sized pots and planters filled with interestingly shaped plant varieties like cacti. The sculptural qualities will certainly add interest to your conservatory corners. Use home decor discount codes to pick up a whole section in varying shapes and sizes.

'There’s no better time than spring to invest in some good-quality pots and planters,' says Hayley from Dobbies. 'The trend of terracotta and clay designs is showing no signs of slowing down and these classic designs will last for decades if cared for properly, making them a great value buy for your home.'

20. Create a harmonious scheme

Make the conservatory feel like an extension of your immediate living space by coordinating the decor. Rather than seeing the conservatory as a separate space, one you only use during the summer or to access the garden, give it a greater sense of purpose by making it a room you use everyday.

Use the same colour palette throughout the adjoining rooms to unify the living space. Dress the room with living room staples to add a homely touch.

21. Welcome the outside in with plants

There are a range of house plant ideas that will help make the transition from indoors to outdoors a seamless one in your conservatory.

'Houseplants are another favourite conservatory accessory of mine. Palms or a fiddle-leaf fig can bring real character to them, helping to create a gorgeous indoor-outdoor space. The plants love it too, as they thrive in the warmer environment,' Chloe at Laura James says.

Choose structural shapes and tall plants to fill empty corners and hang baskets from the ceiling to immerse the room in nature. Dressing a conservatory with an abundance of greenery ensures that even on rainy days you can feel at one with nature. Even if you can't venture outside.

Keep the decorating palette neutral, with soft shades of off-white or taupe grey. This will accentuate the fresh shades of green with the outdoor tones of your house plants and the garden beyond the windows.

Keep things classic by choosing natural textures such as rattan and sisal to ground the look. Take these choices into consideration for an outdoor living room to create the perfect living space in your garden.

22. Stay in control of the light

As well as adding some much-needed colour, in place of wall paint, there is a range of window blind ideas to choose from that give an advantage over the direct sunlight. Having the ability to filter the amount of sun allows you to utilise the space at all times throughout the day, from morning through to nightfall.

'Blinds are a quick win with big impact,' says Matt Thomas from Apollo Blinds. 'They add texture, soften harsh sunlight, and instantly make the space feel more refined. It’s important to protect your furniture from sun damage, so installing smart window blinds - like Pleated or Duette® blinds – in a conservatory not only enhances the look of your space but also helps regulate temperature and shield furnishings from fading. Their solar-reflective fabrics and tailored fit make them a stylish, practical solution.'

Without conservatory blinds, you're likely to face times of the day you'd choose to avoid sitting in the conservatory due to direct sunlight.

Being able to block the sun also provides temperature control too. This makes better use of the conservatory at all times of the day, throughout the year.

23. Welcome a feature wall with wallpaper

Many conservatories will have an adjoining structural wall from the house, in contrast to the other glass sides. Make a statement on this wall to give the decor more of a classic living room vibe by hanging wallpaper.

A captivating wallpaper idea will give the interior a more homely feel. It makes the room feel more like an extension of living space rather than a seasonal garden room.

24. Have fun with finishing touches

Garden rooms and conservatory extensions can often look bland due to the stark white structure. So, don't be afraid to add a pretty display of personal treasures. Hang on-trend exposed bulb lights for a statement conservatory lighting idea or add interest with on-trend macrame plant hangers.

'Embellish the room with foliage, big plant pots as well as hanging baskets which will connect you seamlessly to nature. This transitional room performs brilliantly all year round but really comes into its own in summer,' says Francesca from Garden Trading.

Make the conservatory a true extension of your home with tactile fabrics for upholstery and soft furnishings such as rugs. Substantial furniture like the coffee table are key for that real furniture feel that will last all year round. Add an armchair set up around said coffee table – inviting you to spend time entertaining or enjoying family time all year round.

25. Refresh the furniture

With limited walls to decorate, due to traditional conservatory structures being primarily windows, introducing colour can be tricky. Look to add colour through soft furnishings, from tablecloths to cushions. These can add both pattern and a pop of colour.

Or how about through an upcycled furniture idea instead. This example shows how a splash of paint can revive old wooden furniture pieces, to invigorate the space with colour. Look for the best paint for furniture, to carry out a quick and easy fixer-upper job.

26. Build a multifunctional bench

Conservatory interior ideas can be traditional or contemporary. But why not update a classic conservatory with the addition of a modern, multifunctional seating solution. To make the most of any limited space opt for an on-trend, built-in bench seating will be a worthwhile investment all round.

Firstly it will maximise the space to allow for more seating around the dining table, while utilising unused corners and areas under the windows. It can also double up as hidden storage, if the seat lifts up to reveal a concealed storage compartment.

27. Invite a splash of colour to the structure

'Don’t be afraid of adding colour to your conservatory. Create a bold, eye-catching space with the use of a maximalist decor style and statement colours. Using yellows, blues and greens in the space can make it really pop,' Mark at Holloways of Ludlow says.

Refresh and invigorate the framework of an older conservatory with a splash of colour. Same as you would when painting a front door or window frames, you can buy a specialist paint to give a wooden, metal or PVC frame a coat of on-trend colour.

The type of structure will determine what paint material is most suitable to use. Take inspiration from this modern conservatory with its attractive shade of sage green, painted on the roof lantern structure to break up the neutral colour scheme on the walls.

28. Keep the layout simple

Give your conservatory space a dedicated focal point, be it a fabulous swing seat or an extendable dining table. Choose just one key piece of furniture to avoid overwhelming the space.

This stylish swing seat is the perfect reading spot, whatever the weather! Make this the place you choose to relax in with a good book. Complete this natural-style look with meadow-inspired cushions and throws.

Group indoor plants in containers of different shapes but similar materials and styles, so the look says ‘conservatory’ rather than ‘potting shed'.

29. Mirror the outside greenery in your decor

With floor-to-ceiling windows, a conservatory can often need livening up with soft furnishings. Brighten up the windows with eye-catching patterned blinds. Create a fresh feel with botanical prints in leafy greens teamed with shades of white for a light and natural look.

Choose a fabric with a bold leafy design for cushion covers, blinds and a table runner to match. Fabrics with splashes of zingy lemon will really freshen up the look.

FAQs

How do you decorate the inside of a conservatory?

Conservatories aren't dark and gloomy, so harness the natural light by keeping the decor light and inviting all year round.

'By their very nature, conservatories are light spaces so people often opt for a white to reflect the natural sunlight, enhancing this already bright space,' says Helen Shaw, marketing director at paint company Benjamin Moore. 'However, a touch of colour is a great way to add character whilst maintaining that light and airy feel.'

'Take your inspiration from the vista – pull colours from our natural world and bring the outdoors in,' continues Helen. 'Think pastel blues, yellows and sage greens to fully immerse yourself in the outdoor environment whilst in the comfort of your own home.'

'Once furnished, the best way to decorate the inside of a conservatory is by using soft furnishings,' adds Debbie from fabric specialists ILIV. 'Soft furnishing has a significant impact on the overall feel of any space and will help a conservatory feel finished – add layers of textiles, such as throws, cushions and curtains to create a comfortable space that you can enjoy all year round and for many uses.'

What not to put in a conservatory?

While it is exciting to decide which pieces of furniture or decor to add to your conservatory, there are actually a few things that shouldn’t be housed in your indoor-outdoor space. For example, ‘furniture covered in polyester, rayon or acrylic is particularly prone to fading in the sun, so these fabrics should be avoided for conservatory furniture,’ warns Ryan. ‘Similarly, leather furniture can dry out and crack in the heat and sunlight and valuable art could fade,’ says Emma Cottrell, marketing manager at BoConcept. Instead, opt for cane, wicker and rattan.

‘Solid wood furniture can also be susceptible to warping, splitting, and fading when exposed to sunlight and fluctuating humidity levels,’ according to Jade Oliver, interior stylist at Express Bi-Folding Doors. ‘If you choose to use wooden furniture in your conservatory, consider options with a protective finish or treat them with appropriate sealants to help mitigate damage.’

Additionally, heavy curtains can obstruct natural light and airflow in a conservatory, stopping it from feeling as open and airy. Opt for lightweight or sheer curtains as an alternative.

How do I make my conservatory look modern?

Look for contemporary elements like sleek furniture, marble flooring and metallic accessories. Is your doorway big enough? Bi-fold doors are a fabulous way to really open up a space whilst giving it a modern look. Check out your lighting too, spotlights and lamps will be a better option than a single hanging pendant.

'Instantly infuse your conservatory with contemporary style by introducing organic materials and textures,' says Francesca from outdoor furniture company Bridgman. 'Introduce wood, stone, cane and fur to provide depth and contrast with any plain white windows or doors.'

Overall, 'one of the simplest ways to make an old conservatory look good is by embracing colour,' says Francesca from Bridgman. 'Look to the vivid magentas, dark forest greens and rich navy blues that have proven so popular in recent years to enrich your space with a new sense of wealth and warmth.'

Invest in new lighting and flooring and source furniture styles that you love, comfort is key as with all rooms in a house. Consider new blinds if it gets too hot in the summer or you're overlooked and decide if you want to link the style with your existing house interior. Finish with new accessories and enjoy!