Conservatories offer plenty of natural light thanks to their large panes of glass. But when the sun goes down, you’ll need to use internal lighting to illuminate the room.
In this guide, we’ll explore how you can get the most out of your conservatory lighting, what factors to consider when choosing the right lights for your space and some lighting ideas.
Things to consider when choosing conservatory lighting
The right conservatory lighting will be based on personal preference, but there are various factors you should also consider.
Conservatory positioning
You might receive plenty of natural light through your conservatory, depending on the direction it faces.
Your conservatory’s position can influence your reliance on additional light sources.
For example, if your conservatory is south facing, you’ll have natural light from sunrise to sunset, so you’ll need fewer internal lighting sources.
In contrast, most north-facing conservatories stand in the shade during the day, so conservatory lighting is more crucial since you can’t rely on natural light.
Conservatory glazing (including roof)
The type of glass you choose can affect how much light enters your conservatory. Some types of glass will reduce the amount of light entering the space, so it’s a good idea to do your research before starting the project.
At ConservatoryLand, we offer a range of conservatory glazing types so that you can choose the right option for your budget and needs.
Conservatory purpose
The amount of lighting required for your conservatory will depend on the room’s purpose. You might use the space at specific times of day, so how much light you need will vary.
If you use your conservatory for reading, you may only need a lamp for the evenings.
Conservatory roof shape
The type of roofing you choose for your conservatory will determine whether or not you can have a central ceiling light.
If your conservatory ceiling has a more irregular shape, you might be limited to using wall lights or free-standing lights as your main source of lighting.
So, you should factor in the type of lighting you want when designing your conservatory.
Conservatory lighting ideas
There are a range of options for conservatory lighting you can choose from, depending on the style of your space and your personal preferences.
Here are some of the popular options:
Low-level lighting
If you don’t need a primary lighting source, you may opt for multiple low-level lighting sources such as table lamps.
Table lamps are versatile options — you can add or reduce the level of lighting required as needed.
Floor lamps
Free-standing floor lamps are an ideal conservatory lighting solution, especially if you plan to have your conservatory as a reading room to relax in.
Floor lamps are strong enough to distribute the light throughout your conservatory but are also perfect if you need a concentrated light source.
Picture lighting
If you have enough wall space in your conservatory and like to hang artwork, you could combine lighting with your art and opt for picture lighting.
Although their purpose is to shine light on pictures, they provide ample light in the room. So, they’re a smart option to consider if you don’t require too much additional lighting in your conservatory.
Lights for a conservatory roof
Pendant lighting
Pendant lighting adds a focal point inside your conservatory.
You will need roof light fittings installed if you pursue this option. If you haven’t got the correct wiring in place, you’ll likely need an electrician to install this.
There are a variety of designs available, so you can find a pendant light that suits your taste. For a more contemporary design, you may prefer an industrial style pendant light that features a metal or rust-effect shade.
Wire lighting
If you prefer a more minimalist look, wire lighting is an excellent choice. In many of these designs, the bulb is the focal point prominently displayed.
The benefit of this option is that the style allows for multiple bulbs, resulting in a brighter light source. You can also arrange the wires creatively to create a one-of-a-kind decorative effect.
These look stylish inside the conservatory to create a relaxing atmosphere, or they can be draped across the top of the roof to add more emphasis when the sun goes down.
LED strips or spotlighting
This lighting solution functions similarly to wire lighting, except that the LED effect is more subtle.
LED spotlights are a great way to distribute light throughout your conservatory at a low cost and with minimal effort. Many offer the ability to dim and brighten the light, allowing you to create the ideal ambience in your conservatory.
Alternatively, LED strip lights provide a simple conservatory lighting solution. They don’t even have to be limited to your conservatory roof. Try placing LED strip lights under shelves or around skirting boards for a modern look.
Conservatory wall lighting options
Your conservatory walls could be one of two things: dwarf walls that form the base of your conservatory or the exterior wall of your house enclosed by your conservatory.
Decorative lights for walls come in a variety of styles and functions.
Wire lights and LED lights are a great option for interior and exterior walls as they’re easy to fit — and add character to your conservatory at an affordable price.
Final thoughts on conservatory lighting
When it comes to conservatory lighting, you want to make the most of the available natural light while opting for additional lighting solutions that complement the space.
Are you considering adding a conservatory to your home? To find out more about our range of styles and customisation options, download a free brochure today.
