Your sunroom should be an oasis. A place where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy being close to nature while still in the comfort of your own home. If your house has an underutilized sunroom that is nothing but a bare room with some wicker furniture and a potted plant, it’s time to kick things up a notch and take advantage of your beautiful space. If you are looking to add a sunroom to your home, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you design it. Either way, if you include these nine elements and a little personal flair, you will soon have an ideal relaxation paradise.
Comfort is key
What use is a lovely sunroom if you never want to spend any time in it? When you are planning out what furniture you want, remember to buy it with comfort in mind. Choose plush couches and chairs or even a porch swing. It is critical that the backbone of your sunroom is functional and inviting.
Consider temperature
Must sunrooms are not temperature controlled, so to achieve maximum relaxation levels, you will want to install a fan for summer and a fireplace for the colder months. Also, make sure that you have screens on at least a few windows so that you can open them and get a fresh breeze during temperate seasons like fall and spring.
Windows are essential
The whole point of a sunroom is to have a bright, airy place where you can go and spend time looking over your yard without actually having to be out in it. We love being outdoors, but sometimes inclement weather like humidity and rain can drive us to the comfort of our homes. If you are designing a sunroom addition, make windows a focal point. If you are redecorating or reviving an existing room, remove any heavy drapery or blinds and let the sun shine through.
Make it multifunctional
Once you go through all the effort of designing the perfect sunroom, it makes sense that you would want to spend a lot of time in it. Keep this in mind as you are figuring out the layout and if you have room, incorporate a dining table, seating area, and home office. Might as well use the space that you have!
Bring in the foliage
Plants love sunrooms, especially light-heavy plants that need bright sun to flourish. Fill your room with various houseplants to create a peaceful atmosphere with clean air and soothing greenery. If you have a drafty sunroom and live somewhere chilly, you may need to bring your plants into the heated part of your house in the winter.
Don’t forget about electricity
Though a sunroom often seems like a place to enjoy your coffee and morning newspaper, it can also be a great place to hang out in the evening. Make sure to have electrical outlets available to plug-in floor lamps, fairy lights and other things like a sound system or a charging cord.
Decorate around a theme
The beauty of a sunroom is that it is separate from your house, and you have a lot of freedom when it comes to decorating. You don’t need to stick to the same decor style as the rest of your house, so this is an excellent opportunity to let out your whimsical side. Sunrooms are particularly suited to eccentric, colorful decor, or you can decorate in a streamlined, modern style and let the beauty of the view provide visual attraction. Overall, do what suits you best and don’t be afraid to get a little crazy.
Consider UV protection
Yes, sunlight is the whole point of this particular room. However, it can be damaging to your furniture and flooring over time. Consider tinting your windows for privacy and UV protection or install blinds that still allow the light to shine through. Remember, you don’t have to keep these closed all the time, but having some window covering will help your newly decorated living space last longer. Plus, shades of some kind will help regulate the temperature and allow you to get more use out of your sunroom.
Rugs
Most sunrooms will have a weather-resistant or tile floor that isn’t exactly welcoming. If so, or even if your room has a low pile carpet, you may want to get a rug to tie the seating area together and make it a little homier. As long as your room has sealed windows and doors, it should be okay to use a normal, indoor rug. Otherwise, stick to something that is suited for outdoor use as well.
-Taylor Ramsey
