5 Tips on Designing a Small Conservatory for your Bungalow

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Bungalows don’t have to small, or cramped. In fact, without an upper level, installing extensions may be a lot easier to manage. Everything is right in front of you on one simple floor! When thinking about conservatory designs for smaller spaces, there are a few points and factors you are going to need to consider closely. Conservatory designs for bungalows arrive in all shapes and sizes!

Here at Conservatories Orangeries, we are always happy to help bungalow owners find compact, practical ways to extend their properties into their gardens. Conservatories are wonderful additions to any homes. However, to be able to make them work in a bungalow setting, you need to be mindful of the rest of the look and build of your home.

Here are a few tips we’ve shared with our customers along the way. If you’re keen to look for conservatory designs which fit bungalows and smaller homes in particular, read on and get the full lowdown.

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Pitch Your Roof Low

To be able to neatly install your conservatory under your bungalow’s roof, you’re going to need to think compact. The best place to start is, of course, the roof. When it comes to bungalow extensions, opting for outlandish or high-pitched roofing is a no-no. It’ll stand out, and not in a good way!

Think about installing a conservatory with a humble pitch. It could still have a few classy touches, and may even have a few ornamental pieces around the sides or on the top. However, it’s going to need to be much lower than your bungalow’s roof for the best results. This is especially a good idea if your space is already seeming a little awkward!

 

Look to Lean-Tos

Lean-to conservatories are usually recommended for bungalows as they can be easily adjusted. As bungalows are tight spaces to begin with, you are going to need to set up an extension which won’t crowd your area even further. It should also create enough space for the work to have been worthwhile.

Lean-to conservatories can be angled in one direction, which means it can rest beneath the upper level of your existing roof. Thinking along the same lines as roof pitching above, these conservatory designs for bungalows will make sure that you get plenty of elbow room. However, you won’t get so much that your extension sticks out like a sore thumb. There is a risk that a conservatory could overpower or overshadow the look of your home, which is something you are going to need to consider closely.

Let The Light In

Getting light in through a bungalow means having to go all-out on where you place your windows! When it comes to conservatory designs for bungalows, we recommend you look at including as much glass as possible. For the best results, consider having a glazed roof installed. This will let daylight flood your extension.

This will be a wonderful effect to walk into from your other rooms. Natural light is something you should always optimise for in smaller spaces. What’s more, as bungalows are already fairly limited in terms of light and space opportunities, you can really let your conservatory pick up the slack!

Family in conservatory

Get Creative with Shapes

It’s also a good thing to start thinking about shapes. You may think that most conservatories come installed in a set number of shapes and styles. You’d certainly be forgiven for believing as such! However, with certain shapes of conservatories, you can snugly fit extensions into tight spots while really maximising the amount of room you get when you walk in.

One of the most popular shape choices for conservatories, and one which really does maximise space while being very flexible is the octagon. Some Victorian-style conservatories opt for a traditional, octagonal conservatory hub as it offers a great amount of space for a wide variety of needs. What’s more, it is one of the least awkward conservatory design ideas to accommodate.

You may want to add on a conservatory or orangery which is rectangular or square. This is absolutely fine! However, do think about the look of your remaining property. Do also bear in mind how much garden space you have, too! An octagonal or even circular extension design gives you lots of room for a study or dining room zone, or even as a playroom. The more creative the shape of your conservatory is, the more time people will want to spend there.

Tiny House Made Easy™

 

Consider Size

One major design consideration when buying a conservatory for your bungalow is size. Miniature conservatories may be perfect for some bungalows which simply need a porch or an elongated window box to hold plants and flowers. These small boxes, which often clip onto the back of a property as a stylish veranda or outbuilding, are great for bungalows as they effectively extend the building without taking up too much space.

It’s also important to consider how much space you really need from your conservatory. Make sure to discuss your extension and space needs with an expert before you get started with any conservatory designs. If you have a small bungalow, and simply want somewhere nice to host some of your favourite plants – or somewhere small to sit and enjoy your garden from afar – you may not need much floor space. Where possible, try and save space!

 

Getting the Perfect Look

Installing a conservatory for a bungalow may not seem like something which is particularly easy to do. However, with a little bit of creativity in design, and with the best in local tradespeople to hand, there is no reason you won’t be able to set up a stunning glazed extension as part of your level property. Don’t ever be afraid to reach out to local companies.

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