There are few things better than a beautiful sunny day. Those days with the birds chirping outside are simply a great way to enhance your mood and make you feel good. What could be better than getting all those benefits, while enjoying the comfort and company of friends and family, regardless of the weather? With a sunroom, you can do just that!
Sunrooms provide an extra living space that is perfect for warm weather or curling up with a book in natural sunlight. And the best part is, you can enjoy your sunroom year-round. If you’re thinking of adding a sunroom to your home, or if you have an outdoor space that you want to turn into an enclosed patio, follow these tips to design one that’s perfect for you.
Window Type And Placement
There are three types of windows commonly used in sunroom design: fixed, casement, and awning. Fixed windows are the simplest and most economical option, but they provide the least ventilation. Casement windows open on hinges at the sides, allowing for good airflow. Awning windows open at the top, which is ideal for controlling the amount of sunlight that enters the room.
When choosing the placement of your sunroom windows, consider the path of the sun throughout the day. East-facing windows will let in plenty of morning light, while west-facing windows will provide afternoon and evening light. South-facing windows will let in the most light overall, but this can make the room too hot during the summer months. North-facing windows provide diffused light and are less likely to cause overheating. Glass roof or glass ceiling sunrooms will provide the most warmth.
Room Layout And Design
Designers often suggest that a sunroom’s layout and design should be based on the view. If the room doesn’t have a spectacular view, then the layout should be designed to create one along with the sunroom decor. For example, the furniture can be arranged in such a way as to maximize the amount of sunlight that enters the room. Alternatively, if the sunroom is already blessed with an amazing view, then the layout should be designed to showcase it. In either case, important design elements like flooring and window treatments can also play a role in creating the perfect sunroom.
Any sunroom should be designed to take advantage of the sun’s rays, but that doesn’t mean that every room has to be a south-facing solarium. If your sunroom will be located on the east or west side of your home, you’ll want to take steps to prevent the room from overheating in the summer and from becoming too cold in the winter.
For example, you might want to install large windows on the north side of the room to let in light but block out heat. In addition, one of the benefits of a sunroom is that it can help you save on energy costs by providing natural light and ventilation. To take advantage of this, be sure to include operable windows in your sunroom design. With a little planning, you can create a sunroom that is both sunny and comfortable year-round.
Decorating The Space
When it comes to decorating, sunrooms can present a bit of a challenge. The key is to make the most of the natural light and take advantage of the unique features of the room and make the most of a large, bright space. Here are a few tips for decorating your sunroom:
Keep window treatments simple, and use light-colored fabrics to reflect sunlight and brighten the space to keep the room feeling light and airy, and you should look to use natural materials to compliment the lighter materials like rattan furniture and wicker furniture. It should essentially mimic outdoor furniture.
The furniture you select will depend on how you plan to use your sunroom. If you envision it as a quiet spot for reading or relaxing, comfortable chairs and a small table would be appropriate, as furnishing should be kept relatively spare to avoid making the space feel cramped. If you see it as a place for entertaining, you may want a more spacious layout with a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table.
If your sunroom has hardwood floors, consider adding an area rug. Not only will it add color and pattern, but it will also help to define the space. If your sunroom has tile or linoleum flooring, try using throw rugs or carpets to achieve a similar effect.
Finally, don’t forget about accessories! While they might not seem like much, adding a few well-chosen decorative items can really help bring your sunroom together. Throw pillows, rugs, and lamps can all help create an inviting, relaxing, perfect space to enjoy. Plants and greenery are also a great idea to add color and a comforting and natural feeling to your sunroom. In fact, a garden room as an extension is a popular design that has been incorporated into sunrooms recently.
With these design tips in mind, you’re sure to create a beautiful and welcoming sunroom that will be the perfect space to relax for years to come. If you are looking for more inspiration, you can check out our creative sunroom ideas blog here!
Furniture Placement
When it comes to sunroom furniture ideas, first consider the orientation of your sunroom. If it gets a lot of afternoon sun, you’ll want to avoid putting furniture in front of the windows, as it will quickly become uncomfortable to sit in. Instead, arrange your furniture around the perimeter of the room, leaving the windows clear. If your sunroom gets morning sun instead, then you can feel free to put furniture in front of the windows, as the sunlight will be pleasantly warm.
Start with the largest pieces first. Anchoring the space with a sofa or group of chairs for your sunroom decor will give you a good starting point for arranging the rest of the furniture.
Another important factor to consider is how you want to use your sunroom. If you’re looking for a relaxed space to enjoy some quiet time, then you’ll want to focus on creating a cozy seating area. A sofa and a couple of chairs arranged around a coffee table or an ottoman will create an inviting spot for reading or conversation.
You Can Trust Classic Home Concepts To Build The Sunroom Of Your Dreams
Sunrooms are the perfect place to relax and enjoy beautiful sunny days year-round. By following these tips, you can design a sunroom that is perfect for your needs and lifestyle.
At Classic Home Concepts, we would be happy to help you with your project – fill out our contact form today so we can start discussing your brand-new sunroom. We can’t wait to help you add some extra sunshine to your life!