The funny thing about conservatories is that no one ever thinks about what they’re going to do with them at night. When the sun streams in during the day, they’re bright, warm, and welcoming. But unless you get your lighting right, at night, your conservatory can become a wasted space. So, what do you need to consider when choosing conservatory lighting?
How to Keep Your Conservatory Alive After Sunset
Decide how you’ll use the space at night
Before picking any lighting for your conservatory, think about what you want from the space after sunset. Cosy reading nook? You'll want warm, layered lighting, with wall lights and table lamps. A dining area? Overhead lights and dimmable options are essential. A lounge or entertaining space? Accent lighting, festoon lights, or smart bulbs can add mood and flexibility. Whatever your plans, your lighting should reflect the function of the space.
Layer your lighting
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: in any well-designed room, layered lighting is essential. Start with your ambient lighting for general illumination. You might choose downlights, like the Osca, a flush light, like the Dune, or a pendant, like the Balance. Next, you’ll need task lighting. So, that could be a floor lamp, like the Franklin, to read by. Or a selection of table lamps, like the Moreto, or the Sponge, which is conveniently portable. And then, you can turn your attention to accent lighting to set the tone. Perhaps an Ascoli spotlight to highlight pot plants. The Winchfield picture lamp to ensure that your artwork is never overlooked. Or wall lights, like the Serifos, to highlight interesting architectural features.
Think about glare and reflection
The beauty of the conservatory is all that glass, creating an almost seamless link between the home and garden. At nighttime though, that can result in a lot of reflection. By choosing light fixtures with diffusers or fabric shades, you can soften the light and reduce the glare. Wall-mounted lights with shades, like the Park Lane Grande are a great option. You can also choose low level lighting, like the Borgo wall markers for when you don’t need full illumination. Floor level or wall uplighters can also help minimise harsh reflections on glass surfaces.
Make the most of dimmable lighting
When you want control over the mood, dimmable lights are a must. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or curling up with a book, you can adjust the brightness to match the vibe. Ceiling lights like the Cosma are compatible with household dimmer switches. While wall lights, like the Velo, can be matched with a dimmable bulb. Giving you the lighting you want when you need it.
Think energy efficiency
Most people’s energy bills are high enough already, so it makes sense to choose energy-efficient lighting. LED bulbs are a great place to start. But because your conservatory will receive so much natural light, solar lamps can also be a great way to save money. You could choose solar wall lights, like the Rica, or portable table lamps, like the Miyi. They can help to keep your energy bills lower without compromising on performance.
With the right lighting choices, your conservatory can become a functional and beautiful family hub at all times of the day and night. It doesn’t have to shut down when the sun goes down.
Are you looking for lights to bring your conservatory to life after dark? View the complete First Choice Lighting conservatory collection.
