15 Inspiring Sunroom Designs and Ideas
“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” – David Viscott
Designing a sunroom is far from straightforward. Unlike bathrooms or bedrooms, no two sunrooms share the exact same purpose. Some homeowners use this space as a second living room. Others use it as a formal dining area. This flexibility allows for tons of creativity—if you can avoid feeling overwhelmed.
The sunroom likely isn’t the most used room in your home. But it still deserves to have thought and care put into its decor. Something as simple as furniture could make the difference between your sunroom feeling like a total afterthought versus a luxury oasis.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out these sunroom decorating ideas for a little inspiration. You’ll learn how versatile your sunroom can be and how to pick out furniture, decor, and greenery that will bring your dream space to life.
1. Transform Your Kitchen with a Sunlit Space
A kitchen sunroom invites natural light while offering a serene space for culinary creativity. Use light wood tones for cabinetry and a stone countertop to maintain an airy feel. Consider an herb garden on the windowsill for fresh flavors and a touch of green.
2. Create a Green Oasis
Transform your living room into a lush oasis with tall, leafy plants and hanging ferns. Utilize tiered plant stands to create levels of greenery, and choose furniture with natural fibers to complement the earthy vibe. Keep the space open and airy with minimalistic décor.
3. Design a Sleek Contemporary Sunroom
For a contemporary sunroom, focus on clean lines and minimalistic design. Use sleek furniture with metal accents, and select a monochromatic color scheme with bold pops of color in accessories. Install modern lighting fixtures to complement the natural light.
4. Bring Florals into Your Sunroom Decor
Adorn your sunroom with floral patterns to create a vibrant, garden-inspired space. Utilize curtains with bold floral prints, complemented by throw pillows in similar hues. Add fresh charm with vases of roses and peonies, bringing the essence of a garden indoors.
6. Style a Relaxing Coastal-Themed Sunroom
Channel seaside serenity with a coastal-themed sunroom. Use a palette of blues, whites, and sandy tones. Incorporate decor such as seashells, driftwood pieces, and soft, flowing fabrics to mimic the movement of the ocean. Opt for relaxed seating like hammocks or bean bags for a laid-back atmosphere.
7. Craft a Cozy Farmhouse Chic Sunroom
Create a cozy, inviting space with a farmhouse chic sunroom. Use reclaimed wood furniture for a rustic touch, and accessorize with vintage finds like galvanized metal planters. Soften the space with plush throws and cushions in neutral tones.
8. Brighten Your Home with an All-White Sunroom
Embrace simplicity with a white sunroom. This monochromatic approach creates a peaceful retreat. Use various textures like fluffy rugs, knit throws, and ceramic decor to add depth. For contrast, introduce subtle hints of greens or blues in accessories.
9. Maximize Views with Full-Length Windows
Make a statement with full-length windows. They create an unobstructed view and flood the room with light. Keep window treatments minimal to preserve the view, and use low-profile furniture so as not to obstruct the windows.
10. Blend Indoor Comfort with Outdoor Style in Your Sunroom Patio
Merge indoor comfort with outdoor charm in a sunroom patio. Use durable yet stylish outdoor furniture, and layer with outdoor rugs and throw pillows. Incorporate outdoor elements like a small water feature or a fire pit for ambience.
11. Design a Rustic Farmhouse Cabin Sunroom
For a warm, rustic feel, style your sunroom with elements from a farmhouse cabin. Use sturdy wooden furniture with a distressed finish, and add cozy textiles like woolen blankets and burlap cushions. Decorate with antique farm tools or rustic lanterns for authenticity.
12. Embrace Eclectic Vibes in a Bohemian Sunroom
A bohemian sunroom is a playful mix of color, texture, and pattern. Layer rugs, throws, and pillows in various patterns for a cozy feel. Add eclectic elements like a macrame wall hanging or a colorful mosaic table. Hang plants in mismatched pots for a touch of nature.
13. Enhance Your Sunroom with Chic Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture is perfect for a sunroom, providing a light, airy feel. Choose cushions in bright or pastel shades to add comfort and color. Round off the space with a wicker coffee table and plants in wicker baskets.
14. Create Serenity with a Neutral Palette
Create a calming retreat with a neutral palette sunroom. Stick to shades of beige, cream, and grey for furniture and textiles. Add texture with chunky knit throws, jute rugs, and wooden decor. Keep accessories minimal for a clean, uncluttered space.
15. Go Bold with a Maximalist Sunroom
Embrace boldness in a maximalist sunroom. Mix and match patterns in upholstery, curtains, and rugs. Fill the space with vibrant artwork, eclectic furniture, and a variety of plants. In maximalism, more is more, so don’t hold back on decor.
Sunroom Decorating FAQs
If you’re thinking of turning your current outdoor space into an enclosed sunroom, you’ve probably crunched a few numbers already. Many factors go into the cost of remodeling a home. Generally speaking, though, homeowners can expect to recover at least half of the cost of a new sunroom in their home’s value almost immediately.
Depending on the local climate and how you insulate your new sunroom, there’s a decent chance you’ll be adding usable square feet to your home year-round. This is a big deal in a real estate market that values larger homes.
Of course, you shouldn’t just think of a sunroom as a long-term investment. If owning a sunroom will improve your enjoyment of your current home for years to come, no amount of money will make a difference.
As with any room in your house, choosing the right flooring is about more than appearances. Before you can make an informed decision, it’s crucial to understand exactly how you’ll use your sunroom.
If you plan to use your sunroom as a homemade conservatory, you’ll want a floor that’s durable, easy to clean, and (perhaps most importantly) water-resistant. In this case, concrete or tile flooring is likely best.
On the other hand, a sunroom that serves as day-to-day living space doesn’t need special flooring. Hardwood and vinyl flooring are both great options, but many people opt to use carpet in their sunroom.
If you live in a colder climate, your sunroom will probably always be the coldest room in your house during the winter months. But there’s plenty you can do to combat the frigid cold.
Add cozy elements to your sunroom as soon as the temperatures drop. A large area rug can combat chilly hard floors. Place a space heater or electric fireplace in the center of the room for extra warmth. With the onset of shorter days, you may also need to supplement your sunroom’s lighting.
Even if you plan to shutter your sunroom for the season, take the time to insulate the windows with plastic. This can be an intense process since most sunrooms feature wall-to-wall windows. However, it can also save on heating costs throughout the rest of your home.