How can a conservatory be made dark?
The conservatory is a harmonious extension to the house, providing a place to relax, socialise or even work. However, this large opening onto the outside world can pose comfort problems: excessive temperature in summer, heat loss in winter, or lack of privacy. If you want to make the most of your conservatory all year round, you need to keep it hidden from view. Here's an overview of the different options available!
Why darken a conservatory?
Protecting yourself from heat and UV rays
In summer, a conservatory can quickly become a furnace in the sunshine. By keeping the heat out, the space becomes much more comfortable. It also protects against harmful UV rays, which can not only damage furniture and plants, but also harm the health of the occupants.
Preserving privacy in the room
Conservatories, with their large areas of glass, can expose your home to prying eyes. Installing blackout solutions offers the possibility of creating a visual barrier, thus guaranteeing a degree of privacy, whether in an urban or rural environment.
Improving thermal insulation
As well as protecting against the heat in summer, blackout plays an important role in winter. By installing the right solutions, you can reduce heat loss and improve your home's energy efficiency. Good thermal insulation helps maintain a pleasant temperature in the conservatory, while reducing heating costs.
What interior screening solutions are available for conservatories?
A wide range of equipment can be used to conceal one side of the conservatory, or several fronts, depending on your requirements.
Special glazing
First of all, it's essential to choose high-performance glazing. For example, double glazing, the most common type, provides good thermal insulation thanks to its two layers of glass separated by a layer of dehydrated air or neutral gas. For superior sound insulation, thicker triple glazing adds extra protection against external noise. AKENA even offers variable-tint glazing that lets in natural light while controlling heat.
Interior blinds
The installation of integrated motorised blackout blinds is obviously a versatile and aesthetic solution for keeping your conservatory well darkened. There are several types, including :
- Venetian blinds ;
- pleated blinds
- roller blinds ;
- California blinds.
Interior curtains
Curtains add a touch of warmth and style to the conservatory. They're an ideal way to decorate and protect your living space at the same time. Thick or blackout curtains are particularly effective at blocking out light and providing an extra layer of thermal insulation.
Anti-UV and anti-glare film
Solar protection film, also available from AKENA, is a practical and economical solution for protecting conservatories from UV rays and reducing glare. This adhesive film is applied directly to the windows, and acts as an invisible barrier against UV rays. As well as protecting you, it keeps furniture, fabrics and plants out of the sun. Anti-glare film can also change the appearance of your windows to give you more privacy.
How can I hide the side of a conservatory?
For optimum comfort and year-round enjoyment of your conservatory, external solutions can also be installed.
Roller shutters
Roller shutters are a highly effective solution for concealing a Conservatory. Perfectly integrated into sliding walls or doors and windows, they offer complete protection against light, bad weather and intruders. When closed, they form a shaded area and a solid, secure barrier. Roller shutters can be motorised for even greater convenience, allowing them to be opened and closed easily by remote control or switch. They also help to improve the conservatory's heat and sound insulation.
Adjustable sunbreakers
Shading your conservatory with sunbreakers is a modern and attractive option. Controlled by remote control, they consist of horizontal or vertical slats that can be adjusted to modulate the angle of the sun's rays. In the open position, the sunbreakers let in natural light while reducing glare. In the closed position, they provide effective protection against the heat and ensure privacy. This system is particularly appreciated for its flexibility, and its ability to adapt to changing weather conditions.
How can I hide the roof of a conservatory?
Have you opted for a conservatory with a glass roof? Glass roofs offer exceptional light and an unobstructed view of the sky. However, it is often necessary to conceal the roof to protect it from the sun.
How can you naturally protect your conservatory from direct sunlight?
Plants provide excellent privacy and shade for your conservatory. For a nice, tall, dense effect, consider trees and large plants with thick foliage. Bamboos are ideal for creating a natural barrier while adding an exotic touch to your garden. Lauriers and cypresses, meanwhile, are perfect for forming compact, high hedges, and provide excellent defence against prying eyes. For those who prefer more classic options, boxwood and spindle are good alternatives. They create attractive, dense hedges. Not a big fan of gardening? You can always install a privacy screen, blackout panels or a fence.
Don't forget the plants inside your conservatory! Plants don't just add a decorative touch: they can also provide real protection. Place them strategically near the windows and bay windows of your living area. They will benefit from natural light while preserving your privacy.
How do you choose and install blackout equipment?
- choose blackout equipment that blends harmoniously with the architectural style of your home and your interior decoration for a consistent look;
- opt for solutions that are easy to maintain and long-lasting;
- opt for systems with high thermal performance to improve the insulation of your conservatory and reduce your energy consumption;
- Select high-quality, weather-resistant materials to ensure maximum longevity and constant efficiency;
- opt for professional installation to ensure correct fitting and avoid future problems;
- Plan regular maintenance of your equipment (cleaning and checking mechanisms) to maintain optimum performance.
Whatever you choose in terms of conservatory screening, don't hesitate to call on AKENA, the experts in outdoor structures: our advisers will help you find the best option for your needs and budget.
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