11 Elements of the Perfect Sunroom

Relax in your own sunny retreat right at home — these features will make your sunroom comfortable, inviting and entertaining

Natalie MyersApril 17, 2013

Sunrooms support leisurely living and increase square footage — often with lower construction costs than a fully finished room. If you're thinking about someday adding a sunroom or turning an existing space into a sunny retreat, here are some features to consider. And if you're not, maybe these photos will change your mind.

Related: How to outfit your sunroom

Lucy Interior Design

1. Comfortable seating. The ultimate sunroom acts as a second living room. It need not scream wicker. You may bring in upholstered seating, plush pillows and throws, indoor-outdoor rugs and occasional tables that you would think to use inside. A proper sunroom has electrical outlets to support floor and table lamps as well.

Fraerman Associates Architecture

2. Multiple purposes. Ideally a sunroom can accommodate both a seating arrangement and a dining table, so it can be utilized as frequently as possible.

Create your dream sunroom

Balodemas Architects

3. Environmental controls. Most sunrooms are built without heating and air conditioning systems. But it's still nice to be able to cool down with a ceiling fan if the air gets too stifling, and to warm up with a fireplace on chilly nights.

Tom Stringer Design Partners

4. Privacy shades. Sunrooms get sunny, of course. They tend to boast floor-to-ceiling insulated glass windows and doors. Even if you have high-quality windows and doors, the space may still get overheated. Curtains or shades are must-haves to make sure that you don’t overheat as you browse home design photos and drink iced tea on a lazy afternoon.

Town and Country Conservatories

5. Greenery. A transitional space between the indoors and outdoors begs for thriving potted plants as the connecting element.

Indoor fountains, glass terrariums and unique pots add a creative touch to any space

AVP ARCHITECT VIEW PRODUCTS BY IMASOTO

6. A home office. If you have a table in your sunroom, you can use the space as a home office between meals. A supportive chair, a Wi-Fi connection and a view to your backyard will make for a productive morning.

Crisp Architects

7. A setup for entertaining. if you have a large group dinner on the calendar or a special event, consider the sunroom the perfect place to set up your celebratory meal. Ample table space, lighting and air circulation, plus proximity to the kitchen, will make for an unforgettable event.

Penguin Random House, LLC

8. Decorations. If your sunroom has sealed windows and French doors, there is no reason to hold back from decorating it with your favorite home accessories. Framed prints, books, mirrors, candles, vases etc. will really kick it up a notch.

Frank Shirley Architects

9. Whimsy. You can use this room as an opportunity to be playful with thrifted finds and salvaged pieces you don't deem appropriate to display in your formal spaces. Find new uses for an antique sewing table or fruit crates, for instance.

KohlMark Architects and Builders

10. Rugs. Add plushness and texture over a hard, moisture-resistant flooring — such as tile, stone or sealed concrete — with a rug. Jute and cowhides will hold up particularly well.

LDa Architecture & Interiors

11. Simplicity. Don't overthink or overaccessorize your sunroom. A pretty and simple scheme is all that is needed, like in this somewhat nautical blue sunroom. Notice the framed art, hurricane lamps and flower arrangement added to make it feel homey.

More: How to outfit your sunroom

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