Building an orangery is an excellent way to add more functional space to your interior. What once was used for growing exotic plants and fruits can serve today as a multi-purpose extension for both period and modern homes. For instance, you may use an orangery as a home office, a dining area, a reading nook, or even an indoor garden — whatever suits your fancy.
If you want to build a functional glazed extension and create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, you can install both openable and electric hinged flat glass rooflights to let more natural light in and provide proper airflow to the space. Other than that, depending on the primary purpose of your orangery, you can mix and match dining chairs for a rustic look, incorporate rattan elements, fill the space with living plants, and add some textiles for colourful accents.
Here are some excellent ideas to create an orangery space you will love:
Install Rooflights
The design of your orangery should consider the amount of natural light you want to let in. If you are going to use your extension for entertaining, enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, or simply reading a book, you need to install rooflights that will create an open and airy space. This way, you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort and luxury.
There are two types of rooflights you can choose from: openable and fixed. The first ones are excellent for providing proper ventilation, while the latter ones let in more natural light and offer excellent insulation. If you are still on the fence about which option to go for, you can always consult with a professional to help you make the right decision.
Add Mismatching Dining Chairs
You must create a comfortable and inviting space to use your orangery as a dining area. For that purpose, you can consider using dining chairs to add a touch of elegance to the room. You can either go for rustic wooden chairs or opt for something more modern, like metal or plastic chairs — or mix and match different styles together for a unique feel.
Once you are at it, do not forget to add a table in the middle of the room. It can be a round table for a more intimate setting or a rectangular one if you want to accommodate more people. And, if you aim to create a cohesive look, choose chairs and tables that match in terms of style and material.
Incorporate Rattan Elements
Consider incorporating rattan elements into the design if you want to give your orangery decor a more rustic look. Rattan furniture sets are not only incredibly stylish but also very comfortable, which makes them perfect for creating a cosy and welcoming space. Moreover, investing in them is also a great way to add some texture and visual interest to the room.
Rattan furniture pieces you can use in your orangery decor include armchairs, sofas, coffee tables, and side tables. And, if you want to add even more warmth to the space, you can use throw blankets and pillows in coordinating colours.
Fill Your Orangery With Living Plants
To create an indoor garden in your orangery, you could fill the space with living plants. Not only will they add a touch of nature to the room but also purify the air and make the space more airy and lively. Besides, plants are a great way to add colour and freshness to the room.
Some of the best plants to use in an orangery include ferns, palms, and rubber plants. However, go for plants appropriate for the room’s sunlight; otherwise, they might not thrive and even die.
Add Some Textiles for Colourful Accents
If you seek ways to add some colour and pattern to your orangery decor, you can do so by incorporating some textiles into the design. For instance, you can use throw blankets, pillows, curtains, or rugs in complementary shades.
Additionally, do not be afraid to experiment with different patterns and textures. Adding a striped rug or a floral curtain might be just what you need to make your space stand out. Just make sure to choose textiles that match the room’s overall style.
Hang a Hammock Indoors
Having a hammock in your orangery is an excellent way to relax. It is a simple idea to implement, as there are many hammocks that you can hang between two walls or even from the ceiling.
For the best effect, opt for a hammock with a colourful pattern to make it the focal point of the whole extension. This way, you will make the design feel more cohesive and thought-out.
Keep in mind that you need to suspend your hammock correctly. Otherwise, it might collapse and cause injuries. Therefore, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to adding a hammock to your indoor space.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, you can use plenty of orangery decor ideas to create a functional and inviting glazed extension. To create a suitable space for yourself and your whole family, consider the amount of natural light and ventilation you need in there, the primary purpose of your orangery, and what kind of furniture you want to use.
For example, you might want to add some rattan elements to make your orangery a bit cosier. Conversely, you could add eye-catching and colourful textiles to create a joyful atmosphere.
If you are unsure where to start, feel free to browse more ideas online and ask for help from a professional. With expert advice, you should have no issues creating an orangery that you will love!
