For many homeowners, extending their property can mean a difficult trade-off between gaining much-needed indoor living space and losing a sizeable portion of the garden. If your garden is small or you’ve already invested vast sums of money in its landscaping and upkeep, covering it with bricks and mortar could be a decision you come to regret, and one that you didn’t need to make.
When contemplating how to extend your living space while embracing the beauty of the outdoors, a conservatory or a glass room can be an ideal solution. Both offer a unique way to enjoy the natural environment from the comfort of your home, whatever the weather, but have distinct characteristics and benefits that you should consider before embarking on your design project.
What Is The Difference Between An Outdoor Glass Room And A Conservatory?
As an alternative to an extensive extension, conservatories use high-quality frames and glass panels to create an intimate space that fuses year-round indoor and outdoor living. Bifold or French doors can be fitted to open up the space in warmer weather, allowing you to enjoy easy access to the garden or even to simply sit inside and enjoy the influx of fresh air.
In comparison, glass rooms focus on maximising light and space through the use of glass walls and a glass roof. The key difference between the two structures lies in the ratio of glass used: glass rooms maximise the glass area for a near-seamless outdoor experience, while conservatories balance glass with other structural elements for a more traditional look.
Design And Aesthetics
A glass room’s design usually blends seamlessly with the existing structure of a house, often appearing as a natural extension of the living space. These structures are designed to be minimalistic and plain, allowing them to complement a variety of architectural styles. Conservatories, on the other hand, are often unique and distinctive. They can have a more ornate appearance and may be customised to match the style and aesthetics of your home. The choice between a glass room or conservatory largely depends on the visual impact you wish to create and the architectural design of your existing home.
Functionality And Use
Glass rooms are a versatile addition to any space with the capacity to be transformed into a dining area, a home office, or a lounge, providing a comfortable and functional extension of the home. The benefits of a conservatory, however, are often associated with relaxation, as it provides a tranquil space to unwind, surrounded by the beauty of nature. From a conservatory, you can relax after a long day, enjoy evening cocktails with guests while enjoying the garden, or even bring the plants indoors to take advantage of the continuous warmth inside.
Unobstructed Views
A striking feature of a glass room is the unframed panels that create an illusion of being outside. Unlike a conservatory, which typically includes frames to secure the glazed elements, glass rooms offer unobstructed views of the outdoors which can enhance the feeling of openness. While glass rooms are ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in their natural surroundings without leaving the comfort of their home, conservatories retain a stronger sense of being part of the home, in a similar way to an extension but without the claustrophobia created by walls, ceilings, and a small window.
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To view our range of conservatories, please contact us to request a brochure today.
