Small conservatory ideas – 22 ways to make the most of the sun-filled but compact extension of your home

A small conservatory is by no means a rarity – let’s be honest, who has the space for a super large conservatory after all?! Perhaps a select few. But having a conservatory to begin with is something of a luxury – and there are plenty of space-savvy small conservatory ideas to make this compact extension of your home functional and stylish.

From the best small conservatory-friendly furniture to the colours and accessories to opt for, these conservatory ideas cover everything you need to know about decorating a conservatory that’s on the smaller side.

Just like with any small space, you’ll need to get more creative and clever with your solutions but that’s also part of the fun. And small is not necessarily a negative thing anyway – small can also easily translate to cosy which is a feeling we’d all welcome in a conservatory design.

Small conservatory ideas

‘The aim with conservatory styling is to utilise the room as a sun-drenched, bright and functional space,’ says Mark Holloway, interior expert and founder of Holloways of Ludlow. ‘And, if you have a small conservatory, maximising this will be key.’

A conservatory exists on the edge between the interior of our home and the outdoor space. So whether it’s small or large, this duality of the space can prove it challenging to decorate. But the best approach is to embrace both sides of it and reference them throughout, while also expressing your own style and taste.

1. Go for slimline pieces of furniture

Similarly to the best small living room ideas, avoiding bulky furniture and opting for slimline, airy styles instead will ensure that your conservatory space doesn’t end up looking cramped and dominated by one (or more) piece of furniture.

‘When furnishing a small conservatory, look for lightweight, slimline furniture that won’t dominate the space, such as rattan or compact bistro sets to keep the space airy and functional,’ says Helen O’Connor, product and trends manager at 247 Blinds.

2. Opt large tile flooring

Tile flooring is among the most practical when it comes to conservatories. But going for large format tiles is perfect for small conservatory layouts as it will visually expand the space.

‘Using large format porcelain tiles can significantly enhance the perception of space in a small conservatory,’ says Ashif Kazee from luxury tile brand Roccia. ‘The larger the tile, the less grouting they need – resulting in an uninterrupted surface that draws the eye across the room, making it feel more open and airier. Focus on creating a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor areas by opting for the same tiles across the conservatory floor and outdoor patio. It’s a clever design choice that’ll work wonders to enhance the sense of space.’

3. Create zones

Even in a small conservatory, there’s space for creating various themed zones, however tiny. And this conservatory interior idea is especially worth it because it will make the space appear bigger than it is.

‘To make a small conservatory feel bigger, start by creating zones – such as a dining area or reading nook. Zoning in this way not only helps the space become more functional but also can give the illusion of a larger, more thoughtfully designed room. For example, add an overhead light to a lounge corner to make the space work for relaxing or reading. To carve out space for a dining area, place a compact table and chairs on a rug for an easy way to zone the space, without overwhelming the space with furniture,’ Mark at Holloways of Ludlow recommends.

4. Incorporate mirrors

Mirrors are an ingenious tool in creating the illusion of space when it comes to any room – and conservatories are no exception. We're currently loving this bobbin wood-frame wall mirror from John Lewis that would look so chic in a conservatory.

‘If your conservatory backs onto garden views, utilise mirrors in your space to bounce and reflect the light from the garden, helping to create the feeling of a bigger space, reflect the light around the room and to bounce colour and greenery from your garden inside too,’ Mark at Holloways of Ludlow says.

5. Build a banquette

Banquette seating ideas are a great space-saving solution for any room, but by building one in a conservatory, you can ensure you're making the most of both the space and the light in one hit. Rather than have to leave space for dining chairs, you can push a dining table much closer to banquette seating, and generally get a lot more bums on seats compared to chairs!

They are surprisingly easy to make too so if you're wondering how to build a bench seat, look no further.

If you can make it so the inside can be used for storage then that's a huge bonus, and by covering the top in a plethora of patterned cushions, you'll create statement seating that can be mixed up with the seasons. 

6. Go for green

Since garden rooms connect you closer to nature, it's a no-brainer to decorate with colours and patterns that convey this. Starting with a bright, white backdrop, add in shades of green in the form of patterned fabrics, accessories such as lighting and of course a smattering of fresh and faux plants too.

Opting for simple, black furniture like the sofa shown here, will help keep the space feel modern and grounded. If you already have some wicker or rattan furniture in a lighter colour, you could look to spray-painting it black to give it a quick face-lift. 

7. Add a splash of uplifting colour

With a room that should be guaranteed to be filled with natural light, adding a splash of colour could be the ideal way to make a style statement in your small space. Think shades that evoke joy like hot pinks, sunny yellows and aqua blues, and use to paint furniture or pick out features such as skirting boards.

Paint ideas are a great way to change up a space, so if you're looking for small conservatory ideas that are easy to complete, paint could be a great place to start.  

8. Create an inviting indoor/outdoor dining space

Even the smallest of small conservatory ideas provide a great way of extending existing living space and creating a bright and sunny spot that you can enjoy whatever the weather.

If your indoor layout is feeling a little overcrowded because you’re working from home or have a growing family, then why not free-up some space and use a small conservatory as a dining room instead. With views out to the garden, it makes a lovely spot to sit and relax at mealtimes and will provide plenty of extra space for a more generously-sized table and chairs.

9. Don’t lose your cool

However you decide to use a conservatory, one of the key factors to think about is the windows. Even small conservatories can become exceptionally hot during the summer months and cold over the winter so to make the space comfortable to sit in, window blinds are a must.

‘Conservatory blinds offer more than just a decorative element to a space,’ says Natasha Painter, head of marketing at Blinds2go. ‘By nature, rooms with large scale glass doors or conservatories are wonderful additions to a home, flooding the room with natural light and helping connect the outside in.’

Helen at 247 Blinds adds how to keep a conservatory cool with the help of blinds, 'For comfort and practicality, blackout thermal blinds are a smart choice, as conservatories can get very hot in summer. Honeycomb blinds are particularly effective – their cellular structure traps air, helping to regulate the temperature and keep the room cool.'

If you're after some blackout blinds for your conservatory, these FURNISHED roller blinds from Amazon available in several different colourways would be our top budget-friendly pick.

10. Opt for fade-proof furnishings

While sun-drenched small conservatory ideas are wonderful to sit in, over time the sun’s UV rays will fade and discolour furniture and furnishings. While quality roof and window blinds will help prevent fading to an extent, some fading is inevitable, so it’s worth bearing this in mind before choosing furniture and thinking about conservatory interior ideas.

Materials like silk and cotton are susceptible to light damage, while dark colours and rich brights that will fade easily are best avoided too. Sturdy woven furniture in wicker and rattan is less likely to be damaged by heat and opting for natural upholstery materials like canvas and calico in pale tones will help reduce sun fading. Rotating cushions regularly and moving furniture from time to time will limit the effects of hot sun too.

11. Blur the boundaries with natural colours

Take inspiration from your surroundings when deciding on a colour palette for the exterior of your small conservatory ideas, so that the lines between the structure and the background blend together. 

Opting for a frame in natural shades like sage green, duck egg blue or pebble grey will blend easily with outdoor foliage or old stonework and create a seamless transition between the two. Try to mirror the natural theme inside too with flooring and soft furnishings in complementary colours for a harmonious look.

12. Extend your decor indoors and out

Link indoor and outdoor spaces so that the whole area works as one. Treat your conservatory as an extension of your interior by choosing the same colour palette to run throughout. Complementary colours will help the spaces flow more easily, transitioning from one area to the next with no harsh visual breaks, and will mean that you’re likely to get greater use out of a conservatory large or small.

Bring a modern conservatory to life by working in plenty of accents of fresh green on soft furnishings and accessories. Cushions, throws and rugs are great for adding a splash of pattern and lush colour. 

Combine small prints with larger motifs in shades of leaf green, jade and turquoise. Nature-inspired prints like this will also give a visual link to the garden beyond and help to unify the whole downstairs area.

13. Make full use of a small layout

When it comes to small conservatory ideas, utilising every inch is key to making the most of a compact layout. As much of a conservatory is glazed, it will mean that wall space is limited, so making clever use of what space there is can be a way of packing more in.

Using the lower section of wall space (below windows) is a savvy way of utilising wall space fully. Built-in window seats can be constructed to mirror the shape of a conservatory - whether square, rectangular or hexagonal - and will give useful extra seating around the perimeter of the space. Add lift-up seats and you’ll be able to use the space underneath for extra storage too…so it’s a win all round!

14. Save space with flexible seating

Floor space can be tight within small conservatory ideas, so try not to overcrowd the area with too many bulky pieces of furniture. If the space is to be predominantly used for sitting and relaxing, then a compact, corner-shaped sofa or modular seating arrangement that can be configured to suit the shape of the layout are well worth considering.

Once you’ve chosen the best arrangement to suit your space, then keep the rest of the furniture to a minimum in a small conservatory, so that the walkway to the garden isn’t obstructed. Use a large outdoor rug as an anchor point for your seating area. It will create a visual resting point as you enter the conservatory and help to better define the space.

15. Arrange furniture to create a natural flow

An alternative furniture arrangement that can also be effective within square-shaped small conservatory ideas is to position two sofas opposite each other. A face-to-face arrangement like this encourages conversation and feels more sociable, so is ideal if the conservatory is to be used as a living area or for entertaining family and friends.

Having sofas positioned opposite each other, with side tables and footstools arranged symmetrically, creates a sense of balance with a layout that naturally leads out to the garden beyond. Try not to impede the route outside with a bulky central coffee table - instead, opt for a slimline trunk or wicker chest that will be easier to manoeuvre around.  

16. Paint the interior a soothing shade

White is often the go-to colour when it comes to painting the interior of a conservatory, whether whitewashed brickwork or painted plasterwork, as pale colours will instantly make a small space feel brighter and more spacious. 

Painting the interior in natural, muted tones is another option that can work well in a small conservatory ideas, from soft sage greens to pale, dusky blues that will merge with the outdoor surroundings and create a sense of calm. 

Painting walls to match the existing framework of your conservatory can also help to add a sense of spaciousness, creating a seamless effect that enlarges the space with no break in colour to interrupt the sightline.

17. Go big with greenery

Plants and greenery are the obvious choice when it comes to adding life and colour to a small conservatory. Plants thrive in a warm and sunny environment and an abundance of greenery where the house meets the garden can help blur the boundaries between the two and create a space-stretching impression. 

'Conservatories are a wonderful extension of your home and provide a natural connection to the outdoors, making them the perfect room to incorporate botanicals. Opt for plants which thrive in lots of natural sunlight to help breathe life into the room and add a vibrancy that other decor cannot. Instead of clustering everything at ground level, experiment with different heights: place taller plants in corners and use hanging planters to draw the eye upwards. This adds height and depth without overwhelming the floor space,' Helen at 247 Blinds says.

Give plant displays extra height by making use of surfaces to display them on. Use window ledges and upper shelves as a display area and bring in hanging baskets and containers at staggered heights to add colour at different levels. Include taller plants in floor-standing tubs and planters for extra height – using handled baskets or pots on castors will make it easier to move plants around and add colour where needed most.

18. Take the pressure off the living room

Make a small conservatory a second chill-out zone in your home, creating an open-plan living room. This peaceful TV-free spot is perfect to relax in.

The exposed brick wall adds a natural style and depth while the hardwearing floor is pale and elegant to maximise the space. Choose a cosy yet lightweight corner sofa that can be easily moved out into the garden on warmer days for an alfresco change.

19. Don't overload the space with furniture

In a smaller conservatory, particularly one squeezed into a side return extension, it's very important not to over furnish the space.

Avoid large items of conservatory furniture like sofas and dressers and instead pick small items that can be easily moved around – as demonstrated by these armchairs. A large rug can help zone a conservatory that's open-plan within a larger room.

20. Make sure there's plenty of storage

In this neat small dining room idea, banquette seating not only makes sure there's somewhere for everyone to chow down on their Sunday roast. It also doubles as plentiful storage – something hugely important in a small space, since the tiniest bit of clutter can ruin the look.

Just lift the lids and hide school books, toys, paperwork and more out of the way.

21. Keep the colour scheme light

Even though light will flood into the room by day, a small conservatory is in danger of feeling claustrophobic at night and in winter. Avoid this by choosing pale colours for the walls and floor – a washed oak would work well as it still gives you a cosy, warm finish.

Add lots of clever conservatory lighting at different levels using lamps and candles and try to avoid 'heavy furniture' – a console table, for example, would be preferable to a chest of drawers.

22. Dedicate a cosy spot for 'me' time

Create a captivating place to escape to and enjoy the views. Lime-washed furniture and a linen armchair and stool create an elegant coastal living room feel in these small conservatory ideas.

Pastel cushions and blankets keep the nook cosy while an indoor bay tree adds a shot of natural colour. Be sure to add plenty of storm lanterns to give the room an intimate atmosphere at sunset.

FAQs

What is the smallest size for a conservatory?

A three by three-metre conservatory is compact, but the perfect size for a small conservatory that will still offer plenty of extra space and be a welcome addition to any home.

‘Generally speaking, you don’t need planning permission when adding even small conservatory ideas s as they are considered a permitted development,' says Matthew Currington, technical director at the The Lighting Superstore. ‘However, it does need to meet certain regulations, otherwise you might be fined and your conservatory altered or demolished.’

‘It’s exempt from planning rules as long as it’s no more than 4m high and lower than the highest part of the existing roof, covers no more than 50 percent of the land around the ‘original house’ and glazed with an external door linking your house and conservatory.’

‘If it doesn’t adhere to these requirements, planning permission may apply. If you’re still worried, registered installers have extensive experience dealing with planning permissions, so can deal with this on your behalf.’

Is a small conservatory worth it?

A small conservatory is always worth it, to gain not only more space but give your home a different perspective.

Not only will going small help keep your conservatory budget down. It will also most likely come under 'permitted development' regulations so you will not need planning permission (as long as the conservatory is separated from the house by external quality walls, doors or windows). Check The Planning Portal for the most up-to-date regulations.

What can you do with a small conservatory?

You can do wonders with even the smallest of small conservatory ideas, adding square footage and an element of open design to your existing home layout. There are plenty of designs and materials to choose from, from classic styles with timber frames to more modern looks with aluminium or uPVC structures.

Once you've taken these key points into account you can lift your setting with colour, pattern and themes to create the ideal small conservatory that is right for you.