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CONSERVATORY FURNITURE: GET TOUGH ON YOURSELF.

2008 looks set to be a big year for conservatories – and making the most of them thanks to uncertainty about weather, and a potential cutback on family summer holidays.

Housing Units, the leading Manchester-based home furnishings retailer, is seeing an increase in conservatory furniture sales – but is urging buyers to get tough on themselves and avoid lightweight, less durable furniture for the conservatory, because they believe it’s not going to be used as often.

“But that’s a mistake – not because of usage levels, but because of the temperature and humidity range a conservatory is subjected to because of its construction,” said Nick Fox of Housing Units.

“A conservatory can experience temperatures from below freezing to more than 30 degrees centigrade and back again in less than 24 hours – and that can happen day-in, day-out – so smart looking but lightweight furniture can very quickly look very tatty because of those temperature and humidity changes..

“Don’t go half-hearted on conservatory furniture, turn it into a feature room with a sensational looking and sensationally tough dining suite – you’ll revel in your investment for years to come.”

Nick recommends the Dolmen dining suite – a table and six chairs.

Crucially, the table-top is sealed marble which can make a massive difference to its temperature and humidity tolerance.

“It’s considerable value for money at £1,600, given its design and sheer quality - and it will certainly be a sound investment, a centrepiece and a conversation point,” said Nick.

“If the design direction for the conservatory is a more down the route of a lounge, then it has to be tougher and more resilient than traditional indoor lounge suites or furnishings.”

Housings Units recommends purpose-designed lines, which have built-in resistance to heat and moisture – while also maintaining that lighter look that so suits conservatories.

The Santa Cruz range (priced from £395) is constructed by Philippino craftsmen using natural materials over a metal frame. The range comprises everything that might be needed to fully furnish a conservatory.