Jaga Energy Efficiency Floor Standing White Radiator with white valve

Keeping your conservatory warm in winter (and beyond)

Written by
Nick Duggan

It may be one of the most versatile rooms in your home, but however you use it, you may be wondering just how to make your conservatory warmer this winter. Conservatory radiators offer a stylish and effective way to keep your conservatory warm. Let’s find out more.

Why do conservatories get so cold?

Whilst newer conservatories may take advantage of more modern energy efficient materials, conservatories still have a reputation for being some of the coldest rooms in the house, and with good reason. Many were built to be used during the summer months and shut-off from the main part of the house for the winter, so heating was never a real consideration.

Made mostly from materials like glass or polycarbonate, which can offer limited insulation, heat leaks easily through their uninsulated roofs, while cold air can infiltrate the many gaps and seals that form part of its construction. Nowadays, people want to take greater advantage of underutilized living space and open them up all year round, but retaining heat within a conservatory is a significant challenge. So unless you want to be paying out for wasted energy, it’s essential to prioritise efficiency when it comes to deciding how to keep this space warm.

What is the best way to heat a conservatory?

There are a few different approaches you can take to keep the temperature comfortable in your conservatory.

Cordivari Frame Decor X03 Design Mirror Vertical Radiator on brown walls bright room setting

Wall-hung radiators

There is usually one full height wall between the conservatory and the main house so vertical wall-hung radiators are a popular choice for conservatories, offering a clean, space-saving solution that keeps floors clear and layouts flexible. Spurring of existing pipe work from the main part of the house means traditional plumbed-in designs work well here, allowing you to choose styles that complement your interior, from sleek contemporary aluminium radiators to more homely, heritage styles. If your conservatory connects closely with the rest of your home, wall-hung options make it easy to create a cohesive look that flows seamlessly from room to room.

Old School Floor standing Bench Radiator in RAL 9010

Floorstanding radiators

Floor standing radiators (also known as freestanding radiators) are ideal for conservatories where wall space is limited or where glazing makes wall installation impractical. Designed to sit directly on the floor, these radiators give you greater freedom with placement while still delivering efficient warmth. convector radiators require minimal floor space and are available in a wide range of colours, making it easy to choose something subtle or statement-making.

Other low-level floor standing options include contemporary, floor-mounted vertical radiators and warming bench seating. These are especially useful in high-traffic conservatories, providing a comfortable spot to pause, remove shoes, and transition between indoors and outdoors. For those who love Farrow & Ball colours and want a period-style radiator, Castrads radiators can be ordered in any Farrow & Ball shade, allowing them to blend effortlessly into your wider interior scheme.

Oni Electric Vertical Designer Flat Panel Radiator in pink with plant and pink elephant

Electric radiators

Electric radiators are a popular choice, offering easy, plumbing-free installation which makes them ideal for additional spaces that aren’t automatically connected to the utilities in your home. When you choose an electric radiator for your conservatory, every unit of energy used is converted into a full unit of heating, offering optimal efficiency.

Switch them off and on as needed or select a style that’s compatible with smart technology to program them to come on at the times you need them most, to ensure not a moment of heating is wasted. Their design has evolved considerably over the years too, and today’s electric radiators are sleek, contemporary and available in a range of sizes, colours and materials to suit any home.

Trench heating

The nature of conservatories means that there can be little available wall space for radiators, but trench heating can provide a subtle, yet effective alternative. Nestled into the floor on the edges of your conservatory, it can create a curtain of warmth that makes it a room to enjoy all year round. From subtle wood to industrial steel grilles, you can choose a finish that complements your interior style.

Are you ready to find the perfect radiator for your conservatory?

If you’ve got a conservatory that you’d love to make a warmer, more comfortable space to spend time in, our expert team will be happy to help. Not sure what BTU you need? We can guide you through the calculations while you’re choosing your style and colour, ensuring your radiator is correctly sized to keep your conservatory warm. Get in touch for friendly advice and support on choosing the right conservatory radiators for your home.