A conservatory is one of the most uplifting rooms in a home. Its full of light and space. But once the temperature drops, it can also be one of the chilliest. With so much glass and minimal insulation, heat escapes easily, and many homeowners find themselves avoiding their conservatory until spring.
With a few smart updates, though, you can turn it into a comfortable, energy-efficient retreat all year round. Here’s how to keep your conservatory warm without the need for constant heating.
If your conservatory still feels cold even when the heating’s on, it’s likely due to where heat escapes most quickly. Glass conducts heat faster than solid walls, and even tiny gaps around frames and doors allow draughts in.
According to home improvement specialists SEH BAC, as much as 80% of a conservatory’s heat loss can occur through its roof if it’s made from older or poorly insulated materials.¹ That’s why focusing on the roof and upper glazing first can make such a dramatic difference to comfort levels.
By sealing draughts, improving insulation, and using effective blinds, you can retain warmth and make the space feel instantly cosier.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep warmth inside is by adding insulating blinds. While ordinary roller blinds provide a small buffer, Duette® honeycomb blinds go further — their clever air pockets trap heat before it escapes through the glass, reducing heat loss by up to 55%.
Made to measure for each window and roof panel, they fit neatly against the glass to stop draughts sneaking in around the edges. Open them during the day to let sunlight flood in; close them at dusk to lock that heat in place.
By improving insulation, these blinds not only make your conservatory more comfortable but also help lower your energy bills, proving that style and substance can work beautifully together.
You don’t need a complete renovation to feel the difference. A few small, thoughtful changes can quickly make your conservatory warmer and more inviting:
Seal gaps and draughts using self-adhesive weatherstripping around windows and doors.
Add rugs or carpets with insulating underlay to stop heat escaping through cold floors.
Layer soft furnishings such as cushions, throws and upholstered seating to make the space feel snug.
Fit insulating blinds to both windows and the roof to reduce heat loss through the largest glass areas and keep warmth circulating evenly.
Use thermal curtains only for connecting doors — for example, where a conservatory opens onto a living room or through patio doors — to prevent warm air escaping into cooler areas of the house.
These simple steps work together to make a surprisingly big impact on overall comfort.
Heating a conservatory efficiently can be a balancing act, but there are several ways to achieve consistent warmth without excessive running costs:
Electric panel heaters are easy to install and ideal for occasional use.
Underfloor heating provides an even, radiant warmth — particularly effective beneath tile or stone.
Radiators connected to central heating offer steady warmth but can take longer to heat large glass areas.
Infrared panels warm people and furnishings directly, reducing wasted energy.
Pairing any of these systems with energy-efficient blinds will make the heat you generate go further, keeping you comfortable for longer.
A tiled or insulated ‘warm roof’ can dramatically improve temperature control, making a conservatory feel like an integrated extension rather than a seasonal space. It’s a significant investment, though, and alters the bright, glazed look that many homeowners love.
For a simpler, more flexible solution, insulated roof blinds offer many of the same benefits. They help prevent winter heat loss and summer overheating while preserving the conservatory’s light and openness.
It’s an ideal middle ground for those who want better insulation without the cost or disruption of structural work.
Warmth isn’t just about temperature — it’s also about how a room feels. Soft textures, warm lighting and natural tones all help create a sense of comfort.
Try layering wool or velvet throws, add cushions in earthy or muted shades, and use lamps or wall lights instead of a single overhead bulb. When combined with insulating blinds, these simple touches make your conservatory a place you’ll want to retreat to on even the frostiest days.
To get the best from your conservatory, think about how it can work with the seasons. On sunny winter days, open your blinds to welcome in the free heat from the sun. As daylight fades, close them to keep that warmth locked inside.
Smart electric blinds make this effortless, allowing you to schedule or automate when they open and close. It’s an easy, elegant way to save energy and maintain comfort without lifting a finger.
Keeping a conservatory warm doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few thoughtful improvements — sealing draughts, improving insulation and installing efficient blinds across windows and the roof — you can transform it into a space you’ll use every month of the year.
Add cosy textures, efficient heating and clever design touches, and your conservatory becomes not just a seasonal space, but a true extension of your home.
With Duette® blinds, available through our trusted partner Hillarys, you can enjoy the perfect balance of light, warmth and energy efficiency, beautifully tailored to your space.
¹ Source: SEH BAC – “How much heat is lost through a conservatory roof?”
https://www.sehbac.com/blog/how-much-heat-is-lost-through-a-conservatory-roof
