12 light-filled sunroom ideas that bring the outdoors in

Bridging the gap between outdoors and in, sunroom ideas allow you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while maintaining all of the necessary creature comforts.

Sunrooms, also known as solariums, are beloved light-filled sanctuaries designed to bring the essence of nature indoors, while providing a versatile space that can serve multiple functions, from a casual lounge area to a formal dining room.

Gaining more and more popularity now in the US (they've been rather popular across the pond for some time), sunrooms provide the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view of your backyard, while remaining comfortable and cozy indoors.

Creating the perfect sunroom involves thoughtful consideration of several key elements, including natural light, furniture placement, and the choice of materials. Whether you are looking to add a sunroom as part of a more extensive home renovation, or simply wondering how can I make a sunroom look expensive, we've asked leading design experts for their favorite sunroom ideas. Here are the 12 best tips and tricks to consider.

12 Ideas To Help You Design The Perfect Sunroom

Rather than the predominantly glass structures of orangeries and conservatories, a sunroom combines a glazed extension with a solid roof (and sometimes solid walls, or half walls). A great way to increase natural light, the sunroom provides a transitional space between the home and garden, they are primarily designed to showcase the landscape while providing shelter from the weather.

However, they can be tricky to get right. From sunroom furniture inspiration and room layouts to architectural details and exteriors, these sunroom ideas will break open the possibilities.

1. Extend your living space outwards

Typically sunrooms are fully finished bonus rooms or an extension, so its only right to create a sense of flow from your main living space into your sunroom with similar design characteristics. This doesn't mean matchy-matchy, but more of a consideration of the red thread theory, where you intentionally repeat a common color, design, or motif throughout your spaces to remain cohesive.

'I love the way that a well-designed sunroom can be such a nice bridge between indoor and outdoor space,' says designer Kathy Kuo. 'When designing your sunroom keep in mind that in the warmer months, you may want to bring some of your sunroom furniture out to your yard or patio occasionally,' she advises.

'I love the idea of using a few pieces of furniture in a sunroom that are suitable for both indoors and outdoors.'

Above, Indianapolis-based designer Whittney Parkinson turned her client's sunroom into a showpiece in the home thanks to a statement light fixture and a peaceful, pale neutral palette.

2. Ensure you have plenty of comfy seating

Choosing furniture for your sunroom ideas is a little more complex than that for other rooms. Of course, the same concerns of style, size, and comfort come into play, but so must thoughts of durability, UV resistance, and the effect of the seasons.

'A sunroom is a cherry on top of any home,' says designer Carley Summers who designed the space above. 'It's a space that brings peace, joy, and the outside in! What truly makes a good sunroom is comfortable, yet stylish upholstery like our Max pleated sofa from our collection with River and Bord. I believe a sunroom should be conversational, a place where you can land at the end of your night with your family or friends and enjoy all year round.'

Look to capitalize on natural fabrics and materials like woven rattan or wood, but also don't be afraid to introduce soft upholstery in various botanical-inspired prints to reflect the view outside.

3. Bring the outdoors in

Take a cue from the view beyond the windows with sunroom decor that blends indoors and out. When designing the above room for the 2022 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach, designer Paloma Contreras says she chose 'a fresh color palette of green and white to beckon the outdoors in.' Crisp botanical prints and rattan furniture add to the outside-in vibe.

Additionally, Carley Summers advises bringing in plants and natural materials. 'Two of my top design tricks for a sunroom are adding one large statement tree, and adding soft window treatments to make it feel super warm and cozy, like the curtains I used in my sunroom from Wovn Home.'

'I love to add a natural rug to a sunroom, so I can build more color and texture with chairs and pillows,' she advises. 'When adding colors and patterns, florals with pinks, greens, and neutrals are a go-to for me while making sure the space feels traditional and relaxed, yet whimsy.'

4. Make a statement underfoot

'Have fun with your flooring,' suggests designer Emily Henderson. '[Above,] I chose this classic blue and white diamond pattern with tile that really makes such a beautiful statement. But it's not visually overbearing because the pattern isn't in the natural eyeline.'

'It also helps to differentiate that room from the rest of your house in a fun but cohesive way as long as the adjacent spaces have a cohesive color palette,' she advises. 'You, of course, don't need to use tile, you could also paint or stain your floors depending on the existing material.'

You can also achieve a similar impact with rugs. Take inspiration from cozy living room ideas and pair soft furnishings such as rugs and cushions with layered lighting schemes and warm hues.

'I enjoy putting large area rugs into sunrooms because they help the room to feel like a space on its own. The right rug also adds a cozy element which will be appreciated in the colder months when you’re watching the rain or snow falling outside. When selecting a rug, I look for tight stitching and durable texture, especially if your sunroom has an entry point into your house. Having a rug that is easy to clean and will not be damaged by shoes is a great way to reinforce the feeling of an indoor-outdoor room,' says Channa Alvarez, production designer at Living Spaces.

5. Keep the room cool

Temperature is the biggest challenge of a sunroom design. Get it right and you’ll have a space that is usable all year round, but get it wrong and you’ll find yourself struggling whenever the thermometer edges to one extreme. Window blinds are the quickest and easiest way to control heat.

‘To dress sunroom windows, consider using a combination of window treatments such as sheer curtains or shades, along with heavier drapes or shutter ideas. This will provide privacy while also allowing natural light to filter through,’ advises Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight. ‘Additionally, using light-colored window treatments and keeping the windows shaded during the hottest parts of the day can also help to keep the room cool.’

Designer Marie Flanigan, who designed the space above, suggests: 'Embrace the natural light by using sheer curtains or light-filtering shades to maintain brightness while offering some privacy. Choose natural finishes like wood, rattan, and stone to make the space feel like an extension of the outdoors, enhancing the connection to nature. Maximize seating by incorporating sofas or built-in benches - thoughtful seating choices are essential, so consider how you envision the room being used, whether for lounging, reading, or entertaining guests.'

6. But also focus on warmth

Insulation is essential, and the more you include the warmer your space will become the winter. Keeping your sunroom warm starts in the planning stages – it is much harder to factor in later. ‘Opting for a solid roof enables you to incorporate much more and will also make the space feel more solid and usable. It also makes the space feel cozier, removes the because sitting under the rain can be noisy and unwelcoming,’ explains Merry Albright, creative director at Border Oak.

‘I would really consider if you need glass on all sides and if not, you will have the ideal place to add more insulation and have a wall to place furniture against or give your space to decorate with art.’

Once you’ve got your insulation in place, you need to consider heating – there are plenty of eco-heating ideas too. ‘Select high-performance glazing so you can include some thermal value and a controllable heating system such as underfloor heating with a thermostat. It might also be worth looking at a timber floor rather than a stone floor, which may feel colder – although stone floors can warm up in even winter sun and hold the heat which they release slowly. Engineered timber tends to be compatible with underfloor heating. Woodburners are also a popular choice, especially if extending the heating source from the main house is not simple.

7. Lighting is important, both indoors and out

While in the height of summer, lighting will not be a problem. Come the winter or into the evenings your sunroom will quickly be plunged into darkness. Therefore, ambient lighting is essential.

‘With sunroom ideas, the first place to start is with the garden. Invest in lighting up the greenery beyond the glass – there are plenty of solar lighting ideas which are easy to install. This draws the eye outside and keeps the space from feeling eerie at night - otherwise, you’ll be greeted by vast amounts of black glass,’ explains Nick Boatright-Wiltshire, brand manager at där lighting.

Opting for solar lights at different heights – ground level, staked, and within trees – to add depth to the lighting scheme.

‘Maximize the benefits of the outdoor lighting, by keeping the inside on a lower light level to minimize reflections and glare. Create a cozy ambiance with one or two decorative tables or floor lamps fitted with soft, warm bulbs and if you’re hoping to see the stars, avoid uplighting the room. If the space is being used as a dining room, a narrow ceiling pendant hanging above the table adds a nice touch too – just remember to dim it so that it doesn’t detract from the garden outside.’

8. Try a pared-back color palette

While it's important to design your sunroom in harmony with the garden, that doesn't mean everything has to be green and verdant.

Capitalize on the light flooding into your room with a fresh coat of white paint on the walls. Since white is reflective, it'll bounce the light around the room and make the space appear even brighter. Designer Leanne Ford, known for her way with white, offers up a perfect example in her own home, above.

Adopting a pared-back, neutral color palette can create a serene atmosphere. Neutral tones like whites, beiges, and soft grays allow the natural light to reflect beautifully within the space, making it feel larger and more inviting. It also serves as a perfect backdrop for highlighting natural elements and outdoor views, and provides the flexibility to easily update the room's decor with seasonal accents or personal touches as you see fit.

9. Or go slightly bolder

Have a more urban view outside the windows? Consider painting your sunroom black. 'There is a beautiful city view from three sides of this sunroom, so I decided to paint the walls dark so nothing would conflict with the sparkling lights of the city at night,' says Betsy Brown, who created the above sunroom for a client. 'It’s a wonderful place to lounge on weekends. The days are sunny and the nights are sparkly. It's like looking at a Christmas tree all night long."

Regardless of what lies beyond the windows, black can be a beautiful choice for maximizing the view. 'The benefit of painting a sun room black – from the walls to the framing of the windows – is that the black recedes visually, allowing the colors in the garden beyond to advance,' adds Lucy Searle, Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief. 'This is a great way to really bring the outdoors in.

'However, if you are going to do this, I would advise choosing pale-colored furnishings and flooring, and keeping the ceiling light; this will allow the room to feel bright, despite the moody wall color.'

10. Arrange the furniture around your view

If your sunroom has a view, take full advantage by arranging your sunroom furniture to face the windows. In this petite space, designer Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors positioned a pair of chaise longues and a rattan swing towards the window, providing a sweet spot to take in both the sun and the views.

This doesn't have to be a view of sprawling fields or open water, just simply a view of the outdoors that, ideally, makes you feel at peace. Maybe that's a lovely tree or a view of your favorite coffee shop across the street. As long as it makes you happy.

'Living inside/outside is every homeowner's daydream and what better way than in a sunroom?,' says Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors. 'Arranging furniture in an open format to allow for transition spaces yet pulling together seating arrangements for gathering is key. A natural aesthetic always suits a sunroom best but be prepared to invest in good window coverings to protect the overly exposed furniture.'

11. Create a cozy breakfast or reading nook

If your sunroom is on the small side, consider using the area as an intimate, cozy breakfast nook, coffee nook, or reading nook. Take a cue from this Hamptons home by Rachel Halvorson, and add built-in banquette seating around the perimeter of the room, a pedestal table in the center, and a bold light fixture above for a smart setup.

The result is a casual alternative to a formal dining room, and your new favorite spot for morning coffee.

Creating a dedicated nook with plush seating and soft textiles invites you to start your day with a peaceful breakfast or unwind with a good book. To achieve this, move in some comfortable chairs or a cushioned, custom banquette paired with a small table, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or an afternoon snack. Adding accessories like throw blankets, pillows, and a small bookshelf can enhance the coziness even further.

12. Add a fireplace

Above, designer Rachel Halvorson centered her client's sunroom design around a large, wood-burning fireplace.

Sunrooms are designed to let as much light in as possible, which means lots of windows. That also means these rooms typically have less insulation and lose heat faster in the winter. If you're planning a home addition, consider fireplace ideas, which could be a new model – or perhaps you can build your sunroom ideas around an existing chimney to create a cozy ambiance regardless of the temperatures outdoors:

Incorporating a fireplace into your sunroom can dramatically elevate its warmth and comfort appeal, creating a year-round haven for relaxation and social gatherings. This addition can transform your sunroom into a cozy retreat even during colder months, making the space more versatile and inviting. Opt for a gas or electric fireplace for ease of installation and maintenance to provide the ambiance and warmth of a traditional fireplace without the need for extensive modifications.

FAQs

Can You Put A Regular Couch In A Sunroom?

Yes, you can put a regular couch in a sunroom – however, it is best to opt for a light-colored design as this will prevent it from fading over time.

'When it comes to a couch, I encourage everyone to go with the option that is most comfortable and inviting to them. Couches are meant to be sat on and if yours isn’t comfortable you’ll never end up using it! If you’re looking to create an indoor-outdoor look, I’d recommend trying out wicker furniture because this material is made for outdoor use but can be dressed up with plush cushions, pillows, and throw blankets. To me, dressed-up wicker couches are the perfect blend of durability and cozy for a sunroom,' says Channa Alvarez, production designer at Living Spaces.

What Are The Best Sunroom Furniture Ideas?

The options for furnishing your sunroom are almost endless. To help you whittle down your sunroom furniture ideas, here are a few of our favorites.

Choose outdoor furniture

If you live in an especially warm or sunny climate and plan to spend a lot of time in the sunroom with the windows wide open, opt for outdoor furniture. Classic outdoor materials like wicker and teak will give your indoor-outdoor room vacation vibes, and the fabrics will be better suited to stand up to the UV rays flooding in.

Make it a home office

If your sunroom is an addition or ancillary to your main living space, they make an excellent home office space, especially if there's a door that can be closed. If your sunroom is large, give it a dual purpose with a desk and a separate sitting area.

Go for all-white furnishings

There are a few reasons that white just works in a sunroom. For one, sunlight can fade fabrics, so white eliminates any worry over sun bleaching. Plus, white reflects light and will make your whole room feel that much brighter. If you're worried about kids and pets, choose a performance fabric with a tight weave.

Add a cozy sectional

Everyone loves a sunny spot, so why not make room for the whole family with a large sectional couch? Add a TV to create a light-filled lounge, or keep it a tech-free zone for rest, reading, and relaxation.

How Much Does A Sunroom Cost?

If you're building your sunroom from scratch or planning one as part of a new construction, you'll need to set a budget for the space. So how much does it cost to add a sunroom?

Like all construction projects, the range is wide and depends on the size of your space and the finishes you choose.

According to Home Advisor, the average cost to build a simple covered patio enclosure ranges from around $8,000 to over $25,000, with the average national cost hovering around $16,000. If you're building a sunroom as part of a home addition, sunroom costs average just over $46,000.

How Can I Make My Sunroom Look Good?

A sunroom is a space designed purely for relaxation, something that is impossible if the room is full of clutter and items that don't fit anywhere else in your home. If an item doesn't aid your relaxation, remove it from the space.

'Just like any other room, it’s the design details that will take a space from looking good to great! When designing a sunroom, I like to look for decor that will add to the outdoors-in vibe by adding a mini garden. A room filled with light is practically begging for plants and plant accessories. I’m especially fond of using a simple set of terracotta planters as the natural red clay is a perfect way to brighten up a neutral color palette and is reminiscent of rustic Italian, Spanish, and Mediterranean styles. Fill them with the best winter houseplants to inject life into the space,' says Channa Alvarez, production designer at Living Spaces.

'I’m also a fan of decorating with working candle holders such as these Whitewashed Cone Wood Pillars. Candlelight is the perfect way to bring in a natural form of light and create a cozy environment at times when the sun may not be shining. Whether the sun hasn’t come up yet or it's hiding behind some clouds – odds are you’ll still want to use your sunroom and candles will help you avoid needing a bright overhead light.'