10 ways to keep your conservatory cool

On hot days, your serene sunlit conservatory might feel more like a stifling sauna. 

Whether you're looking for budget-friendly quick fixes or want to invest in longer-term solutions, our expert advice will help to keep your conservatory cool all summer long.

Or, if you're planning on replacing your conservatory, head to our guide on conservatory costs to see how much you can expect to spend.

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1. Put up blinds

During the hottest parts of the day, the greenhouse effect can cause your conservatory to become uncomfortably warm.

Putting up blinds – particularly blackout or thermal regulation blinds – can help to mitigate the amount of heat entering your conservatory.

Additionally, using blinds allows you to control the amount of light entering the space, giving you the flexibility to enjoy a bright, airy atmosphere in the morning while maintaining a cooler environment in the afternoon.

Remember to draw the blinds as soon as the sun hits your conservatory to maximise their cooling effect.

2. Add a cooling film to glass

Applying a cooling film to your conservatory's glass can significantly reduce heat build-up. These films are designed to reflect a portion of the sun’s rays outward, lowering the amount of heat that enters the room.

'Solar control film can absolutely help to provide more comfortable temperatures in a conservatory and also reduce glare from the sun,' says Ellie Franklin, Customer Service Director at Finesse Windows – six-time winner of Which? Trusted Trader of the Month. 

'It can also help provide UV-light protection to stop furniture and soft furnishings from fading. It is usually a more cost-effective way to deal with heat build-up than having blinds fitted, and means you still get the benefit of a light and bright room that blinds may take away.'

DIY options are available online, but Ellie recommends going through a specialist to get the best result: 'Conservatories are often the centre of a home; they are a space for entertaining and for relaxing, so it's important to get it right. 

'A specialist would cost in the region of £1,000. That's to apply film to the roof glass based on an average-sized conservatory. Price is also dependent on which type of film you select.'

From overheating to faulty doors, discover these common conservatory regrets, and how to avoid them

3. Increase ventilation

For those looking to keep cool without spending a lot of money, increasing ventilation is an eco-friendly solution that relies on natural airflow to regulate temperature.

Strategically open windows and doors when temperatures are cooler – such as in the early morning, evening and night time – to bring in colder air from outside and disperse hot air.

Additionally, installing a roof vent can further enhance ventilation by allowing hot air to escape naturally upwards.

Read our guide to keeping cool without air conditioning

4. Opt for 'cool' furniture

Incorporating ‘cool’ furniture not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space but also contributes to a cooler, more enjoyable environment.

Opt for lighter, woven pieces of furniture made from rattan or bamboo to allow air to circulate more freely, preventing heat retention. 

Materials like cotton and linen will feel cooler and more comfortable to sit on than leather and other heat-absorbing materials, and whites and pastels will absorb less heat than darker colours.

Also, avoid overcrowding the space with too much furniture – again, allowing the air to flow more freely will keep the space cooler.

For more tips and buying advice, head to our guides on how to buy the best conservatory furniture and how to buy the best garden furniture

5. Add plants and trees

Incorporating greenery inside and outside your conservatory can provide natural shade and cooling. Large potted plants and trees placed strategically can block direct sunlight, reducing heat build-up. Plants can also reduce humidity, which helps make a room feel cooler. 

Adding plants can also help improve the air quality in your home – but only if you buy large quantities of the right kind of plants, and put them where they are most effective. 

We spoke to Dr Tijana Blanusa, principal horticultural scientist at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), to see how effective they really are in our guide: Do air-purifying plants really work?

It’s important to note that some plants may require regular care and attention, and you'll need to ensure they thrive in the specific conditions of your conservatory.

If you're sprucing up your outdoor space, don't miss the best patio plants for attracting pollinators

6. Consider your flooring

Natural hardwood floors will retain less heat than carpet, but stone floors are excellent for keeping a space cool during summer. Certain stones like granite or travertine are known for being cool to the touch, but there are pros and cons to each type of stone, so it’s worth speaking with a flooring expert.

Do bear in mind that stone flooring may become cold in winter, so consider using rugs to add warmth in the cooler seasons.

7. Install air conditioning

Air conditioning is one of the most effective ways to maintain a consistent temperature in your conservatory, ensuring it remains cool – even during the hottest days. Do note that it comes with high upfront costs, as well as ongoing energy expenses.

Portable air conditioning units can be bulky, and have an attached hose that needs to dangle out of a nearby window. You can also get wall-mounted split-unit air conditioners, but these are generally more expensive and require professional installation.

To find out more about air conditioning and discover the top-performing models, see the best air conditioners – according to our tests

8. Install a ceiling fan

Ceiling fans are a cost-effective and stylish alternative to air conditioning. They work by circulating air within the conservatory, creating a breeze that makes the space feel cooler without actually lowering the temperature.

They are generally less intrusive and cheaper to install than air conditioning units, making them a popular choice for those looking to cool their conservatory without a significant investment. Moreover, they can be used in conjunction with air conditioning for optimal comfort.

Don't want to splash out on a large ceiling fan? Opt for a smaller model instead – see the best electric fans

9. Replace the conservatory roof

If your conservatory continues to overheat despite other cooling measures, it might be worth considering a roof replacement. This is a more significant investment, though replacing the roof can dramatically improve the overall comfort of your conservatory, making it a space you can enjoy year-round.

According to Checkatrade, a small polycarbonate roof replacement (3 x 3m) would cost between £4,200 and £8,400 (the average UK cost is £6,300). A glass roof of the same size would set you back between £6,300 and £12,600 (the average cost is £9,450). 

Use Which? Trusted Traders to get a quote for a conservatory roof replacement from trustworthy local tradespeople.

10. Consider thermally efficient glass

Thermally efficient glass can help regulate the temperature of your conservatory, and can be retrofitted to an existing conservatory.

'Solar control glass is especially designed to reflect heat by regulating the amount of solar energy that passes into the conservatory,' says Ellie of Finesse Windows. 'It also reduces light transmission.'

But it's important to get the right U-value rating for year-round thermal efficiency. A U-value, sometimes called thermal transmittance, is a measurement of how well a material transmits heat. 

'U-values are important as you don't want to be left with a freezing cold conservatory in the winter,' says Ellie. 'The lower the U-value of the glass, the more efficient it is, so it will also perform well in the winter by retaining precious heat.'

Thermally efficient glass has additional benefits: 'Specialist conservatory roof glass is self-cleaning,' says Ellie. 'A special coating on the outer pane reacts with UV rays to loosen and break down dirt that may have collected on the roof. It's then washed away when it rains and dries evenly, so your conservatory roof stays cleaner for longer.'