Why Conservatories and Shutters Are the Perfect Match
The onset of summer means that many more people will be spending time in their conservatories or considering adding one to their home. The Bespoke Shutter Company supply and install conservatory shutters to properties in Essex, Hertfordshire and across London. Here we look at the history of this type of extension, what it’s used for, and why shutters and conservatories are the perfect match.
The History of the Conservatory
The forerunner to the conservatory was the orangery. These were outbuildings to country or manor houses that were built from the 18th century onwards. Usually built of stone, with solid roofs and large windows, they were separate to the main house and were designed to capture as much light as possible. Orangeries were an ideal growing environment for fruit trees, particularly oranges, hence the name. However, they were only affordable for the very rich, the cost of the glass being just one factor.
Once the price of glass came down and its availability increased orangeries evolved into conservatories (not everyone wanted to grow fruit trees) and became more popular, although there was a downturn in the first half of the 20th century. This was due in part to the two world wars and the fact that glass was needed for war products, and also because they weren’t as comfortable as the main part of a house. However, in more recent years, advances in technology mean conservatories are light, strong, well-insulated and affordable.
The Definition of a Conservatory
A conservatory is “a building that has not less than seventy-five percent of its roof area made of translucent material, and not less than fifty percent of its wall area made of glass,” according to the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
It also needs to be built at ground level, be less than 30 square metres in size, have its own independent heating system, and be separated from the main house by external walls, windows or doors.
Does it count as an extension and, if so, need planning permission? Possibly not, as these have solid roofs and walls (rather than glazed ones), and are ‘open plan’ with the rest of the house. However, if you aren’t sure, it is always best to contact your local planning authority.
What Can You Use it For?
Conservatories have traditionally been used for growing plants (in a nod to the original use of the orangery), as reading rooms, or dining rooms (particularly in the summer). In more recent years they have been used as games rooms, home offices (particularly in the coronavirus pandemic), playrooms for children, storage areas, and (for the more imaginative) home cinemas and gyms.
Why Shutters are the Ideal Companion for Conservatories
One of the big complaints about conservatories is that they are too cold in winter, and, unless you only use them in the evening, too warm in summer (particularly if they are south-facing).
That’s not the case if you have some made-to-measure shutters installed. These can help keep direct sunlight and heat out, but still allow for effective air circulation. All you need to do is adjust the angle of the louvres or panels.
Shutters also act as an effective insulator in winter, keeping the heat in. They stop convection (when cold air enters your conservatory from the outside), and conduction (where warm air escapes outside). All of this means you will get maximum use out of your new conservatory.
Conservatory Shutters in Essex from The Bespoke Shutter Company
Our made-to-measure shutters can fit any size, shape or angle of window. For instance, you will be able to fit them to cover windows directly overhead and protect you when the sun is at its highest and hottest.
They also offer plenty of privacy and security, and could add plenty of value to your home as and when you decide to move on. They are easy to clean too, needing only the occasional wipe down, which is important if some of them are unusual shapes or are directly overhead.
If you would like to know more about our range of shutters (which also include many other differently-shaped shutters), then you can book your free quotation survey by clicking on this link and filling in the online contact form.
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