Can I Turn My Conservatory into a Bedroom?

Miles Procter
5 April 2024
If you're thinking about converting your conservatory into a bedroom, here's everything you need to know, including planning, costs and conservatory bedroom ideas.

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Have you been wondering if your conservatory can become a cosy bedroom retreat? Many people never consider the versatility of their conservatory beyond its typical use as a sunlit lounge or dining area.

If you’re wondering about turning a conservatory into a room, you’re not alone. While conservatories are renowned for their ability to bring the outdoors in, they also present an opportunity to expand your living space creatively.

Converting your conservatory into a bedroom offers an opportunity to blend unique design and practicality, providing an additional sleeping area that gives an adaptable space within your home.

There are several considerations that need to be addressed to understand the feasibility and steps involved in transforming your conservatory into a comfortable and useable bedroom.

Why transform your conservatory into a bedroom?

There are many reasons homeowners consider having an extra bedroom:

  • Guest accommodation: A spare bedroom provides a dedicated space for guests to stay overnight, offering them comfort, privacy, and convenience during their visit. Whether it’s friends or family members, having a cosy bedroom allows them to feel welcomed and accommodated.
  • Flexibility: An additional bedroom offers flexibility in how you use your space. It can serve as a multipurpose room, accommodating different needs such as a home office, reading room, or exercise space when not in use by guests.
  • Growing family: For growing families or those planning to expand their household in the future, having an extra bedroom provides room for children as they transition from cribs to beds or for accommodating new family members.
  • Rental income: A spare bedroom can be utilised as a rental space, providing an opportunity for supplemental income through short-term rentals or long-term leases, contributing to your financial stability.

Overall, a spare bedroom adds value to your home by increasing its functionality, flexibility, and potential for accommodating various lifestyle needs and preferences.

Whether it’s for hosting guests, adapting to changing family dynamics, or maximising your home’s potential, having an extra bedroom offers numerous benefits for homeowners and can be an attractive concept.

Using a conservatory as a bedroom

Yes, technically, but there are factors to consider. From a legal standpoint, converting a conservatory into a bedroom involves certain considerations and regulations that must be followed to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations. It’s a fairly feasible idea, and a cost-effective too. As you can see from this discussion, knocking down an old conservatory and building a new bedroom in an extension could cost anywhere between £35,000 and £80,000. Theoretically, you can convert a conservatory to a bedroom for a fraction of that cost.

While it’s technically feasible to use a conservatory as a bedroom, several things need to be evaluated:

Building regulations

Local building regulations may dictate specific requirements for habitable rooms, including minimum ceiling heights, ventilation, fire safety measures, and structural integrity. Before converting your conservatory into a bedroom, it’simportant to verify whether the existing structure meets these regulations or if modifications are necessary to comply.

Planning permission

Depending on the scope of the conversion and local planning policies, obtaining planning permission may be required. Converting a conservatory into a permanent bedroom could constitute a change of use, requiring approvalfrom the local planning authority. It’s advisable to consult with a qualified architect or planning consultant to determine whether planning permission is necessary for your project.

Insulation and energy efficiency

To be considered a habitable bedroom, the conservatory must meet specific standards of insulation and energy efficiency to ensure comfort and liveability throughout the year. This may involve upgrading the conservatory’s roofing system, installing double or triple glazing, and improving thermal insulation to regulate temperature extremes and reduce energy consumption. Conservatory roof is definitely something to consider carefully before moving in. Excessive noise level and heat transfer may make it difficult to use conservatory as a bedroom. If you’re in for a full overhaul, you may even consider tiled conservatory roof cost as one of your options, however, our insulated roof panels are a great alternative if you don’t want to change the appearance of your property.

Fire safety

Bedrooms must comply with fire safety regulations, including the inclusion of suitable escape routes, fire-resistant materials, and adequate smoke detection and alarm systems. Assessing the conservatory’s proximity to existing escape routes and its ability to facilitate safe exits in the event of a fire is key for ensuring safety.

Accessibility and facilities

Thought should be given to accessibility features and appliances associated with bedrooms, such as access to bathroom facilities, lighting, privacy, and room for storage and furnishings. Looking at the conservatory’s layout and accessibility in relation to existing amenities within the home is essential for determining its suitability as a bedroom.

While it’s possible to convert a conservatory into a bedroom, taking a good look at the legal and regulatory requirements is important to ensure compliance with building standards and safety regulations.

Talking with professionals familiar with building regulations and planning policies can provide valuable guidance and assistance throughout the conversion process.

How to convert a conservatory into a bedroom

Converting your conservatory into a bedroom involves several key steps to ensure comfort and functionality.

Insulation: Proper insulation is crucial to maintain a comfortable temperature in your bedroom conservatory throughout the year. Consider installing double-glazed windows and insulated roofing solutions like CosyPanels. These panels offer superior thermal efficiency, keeping your space warm in winter and cool in summer.

Noise Reduction: Conservatories can be prone to noise disturbances, especially if they’relocated in busy areas. To minimise noise infiltration, opt for soundproofing materials such as acoustic panels or insulated roof panels. Additionally, sealing gaps and cracks in windows and doors can help reduce external noise, ensuring a peaceful sleep environment.

Ventilation: Good ventilation is essential to prevent condensation buildup and maintain air quality in your conservatory bedroom. Ensure adequate airflow by installing ventilation systems or check there are well placed windows and vents to promote natural ventilation. This not only improves comfort but also reduces the risk of dampness and mould growth.

Year-round comfort: Look at ways to improve year-round comfort in your conservatory bedroom. CosyPanels not only provide excellent insulation but also create a cosy atmosphere, and with their CosyPanels+ collection, they even offer customisable designs. With options like integrated LED lighting and acoustic properties, CosyPanels offer a way to transform your conservatory into a comfortable bedroom space.

How much does it cost to convert a conservatory into a bedroom?

The cost of converting a conservatory into a bedroom varies depending on several factors, including the size of the conservatory, desired insulation solutions, and additional features. On average, homeowners can expect to invest anywhere from £5,000 to £40,000 for a complete conversion.

However, picking energy-efficient solutions like insulated roof panels can help reduce long-term energy bills and maintenance costs, making it a worthwhile investment in the value and comfort of your home.

Conservatory bedroom ideas

Once you have sorted the practical elements you can then focus on the creative ideas to transform your conservatory into a stylish and functional bedroom retreat.

Furniture

Maximise space in your conservatory bedroom by choosing multifunctional furniture pieces. Consider a daybed or sofa bed that can double as seating during the day and a comfortable sleeping area at night. Pair it with compact side tables or wall-mounted shelves to save floor space and enhance functionality.

Soft furnishings

Add warmth and personality to your conservatory bedroom with soft furnishings like cushions, throws, and rugs. Select pieces with textures and patterns that complement your decor style and create a cosy atmosphere. Layering textiles not only adds visual interest but also adds comfort and insulation.

Lighting

Create a relaxing ambience in your conservatory bedroom with soft, diffused lighting. Incorporate a mix of overhead lighting, task lighting, and ambient lighting to cater to different activities and moods. Consider installing dimmer switches or smart lighting systems for added convenience and flexibility.

Greenery

Bring the outdoors inside by incorporating plants and greenery into your conservatory bedroom. Not only do plants add visual appeal and improve air quality, but they also create a calming and fresh environment to help relaxation and sleep.

 

What’s next?

Transforming your conservatory into a comfortable bedroom is an exciting opportunity, offering new possibilities for upgrading your living space.

With the right planning and considerations for factors like ventilation, insulation, and noise control, you can create a peaceful room that expands your home.

If you’d like to discover the potential of your conservatory, contact us and learn more about how you can transform your space.