There’s a reason why people will say someone has a “sunny” disposition: Research shows that sunshine is a powerful mood booster. So why not apply that framework to sunroom ideas? At home, a sunroom is a smart and potentially stylish way to invite some of those mood-lifting rays into your home. “Sunrooms should be decorated as the happiest space in the house,” says principal designer Lance Thomas of Thomas Guy Interiors in Lake Charles, Louisiana. “If there were ever a place to incorporate loads of color and pattern, sunrooms are the place to do so.”
While they may also be an auxiliary heat source, sunrooms primarily serve as an added living space, where you can enjoy outdoor vibes without the outdoor elements. With that in mind, here are 13 designer-approved sunroom decorating ideas and clever tips for making your sunroom cozy and inviting.
Is adding a sunroom a good investment?
“If adding a new sunroom is the only viable way of enjoying outdoor living, I say absolutely yes!” says Leah Alexander, principal designer at Atlanta-based interior design firm Beauty Is Abundant. “It’s a lovely, worthwhile addition. However if there’s a deck, backyard, or courtyard available, I’d encourage clients to add more bona fide indoor living space or consider maxing out the functionality and beauty of existing square footage, foregoing an addition altogether.” Though the payoff on a sunroof when it’s time to resell your home varies greatly, it’s undeniable that in many markets a sunroom is a slightly uncommon feature that can help distinguish your house from others on the market.
Is it a good idea to have a sunroom?
Especially for families, a sunroom is a wonderful space to enjoy each other’s company without necessarily having to each be engaged in the same activities. “Sunrooms are the epitome of indoor-outdoor living with the added security of not being fully outside and exposed to the elements,” Alexander explains. “They allow for different experiences to be enjoyed at once—some can enjoy the indoors with others outdoors, while all still remaining together.” Along with this social benefit, for homeowners who appreciate plants, or wish to start a vegetable garden, a sunroom can be the perfect habitat for certain crops.
Is it cheaper to build a sunroom or an addition?
The specifics of which is more affordable is a difficult call to make without the specifics of a given house or lot, including one’s region, the materials you’re after, and more. “While I’ve never priced the two side by side, depending on the nature of the sunroom, typically the walls entail less standard wall elements like plumbing perhaps, or the extent of eletrical, framing wood, drywall, etc. that your typical interior wall requires,” Alexander advises. Though a sunroom can be more affordable in certain circumstances, as with any renovation process, it’s not a decision to take lightly as there will be a myriad of costs associated with either project.