A CONSERVATORY is the perfect way to extend your home and give it individual character at the same time, but how do you set about furnishing it? Here are some bright ideas.

In a conservatory, you can enjoy the comfort of your home and the glory of the garden. You can surround yourself with greenery when it's too cold to sit outside, and it's a cost-effective way of extending your living space. A conservatory is a versatile room that can be made into a sun-room, study, gym, playroom, or an extension of the kitchen or dining room. Whatever you decide to do, here are a few practical points to consider.

FURNITURE: The style of furniture you choose for your conservatory will depend on the atmosphere you want to create. Metal and rattan have a garden feel, while deeply-upholstered seats will make the room look more homely. Hard-wearing furniture is essential for a single-glazed conservatory or one dedicated to plants.

The warm, humid atmosphere that plants need can damage delicate furnishings. And single-glazed conservatories often suffer from condensation. There are plenty of attractive ranges of furniture to choose from in cane, metal or plastic that suit these conditions. Cushions should be removed during the winter months so they don't rot. If you have double glazing and heating in your conservatory, then you don't have to worry so much about the furnishings you choose they can simply be an extension of the decor in your home. But do remember that fabrics will fade in strong sunlight, so choose colours that will lighten gracefully or, alternatively, you could fit blinds.

Some conservatories can get very hot in the height of summer, but putting up blinds protects you as well as the plants and furniture from the heat.

They also help insulate the room during the winter. Pleated or roller blinds can be custom made to fit your conservatory. Slatted cane and rattan blinds will give it an oriental atmosphere, or for a more modern look, Venetian blinds are probably the best option. Leading manufacturers make blinds to measure and there are even companies that specialise in blinds for conservatories.

For a romantic, economic alternative, try fitting poles at the top and bottom of a sloping ceiling. You could then drape fine muslin loosely between them. Sew wide hems along the top and bottom of the fabric so that you can slot it on to both poles.

FLOORING: With so many plants around, it's important to choose a flooring that doesn't absorb moisture.

Ceramic tiles or vinyl flooring are a practical choice, especially in a conservatory which has lots of plants. Alternatively, wooden flooring looks very attractive. For a more rustic feel, bricks and flagstones provide a solid base, while coir adds a softer look. Allow at least six weeks for a new concrete floor to dry out before laying flooring. Add texture and colour to hard flooring with kelims or rugs.

LIGHTING: Choose light fittings in keeping with the style of your conservatory. Strip lighting in the roof is the least obstructive. Outdoor light fittings can also look good. Make sure that the fittings are waterproof.

PLANTS: Familiar houseplants and more exotic plants can thrive in conservatories.

Climbing plants can be trained along horizontal wires right up and over the ceiling.

You can opt for the lush greenery of ferns and palms or choose plants for their colour and fragrance, or even try growing delicate fruit trees. Plant stands, pots and hanging baskets show plants off well and add height to the display.