Sunrooms are like the cherry on top of a home sundae — not essential, but oh, they make life so much sweeter.
These bright, glass-filled spaces blur the line between indoors and outdoors, letting you soak up the sunlight without battling bugs, wind, or pollen. The magic is in how you design them.
1. Fill It with Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
A sunroom is only as good as the sunlight it captures, so maximizing window space should be your first priority. Floor-to-ceiling windows not only invite more light in, they also visually connect you to the outdoors.
If you live in a colder climate, choose double- or triple-pane glass with low-E coatings for better insulation. In warmer areas, UV-protective glass keeps things bright without turning your sunroom into a sauna.
2. Add a Skylight or Glass Ceiling
If your sunroom already has a lot of wall glass, take it a step further with a skylight or glass-paneled roof. This dramatically increases brightness, especially in rooms where trees or structures block side light.
Consider vented skylights if you want extra airflow in summer. Solar-powered models automatically open and close based on indoor temperatures — a lifesaver for hot afternoons.
3. Layer Sheer and Blackout Curtains
Glass walls are gorgeous, but they can also cause overheating or glare. Instead of choosing between bare windows or heavy blinds, go for layered window treatments — airy sheers for daytime softness and blackout curtains for privacy or movie nights.
A smart trick is to choose thermal-lined blackout curtains. They not only block sunlight but also keep heat in during winter and out during summer.
4. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
A sunroom is basically the perfect reading spot, so why not dedicate a corner to it? Add a plush armchair, a small side table for tea, and a floor lamp for nighttime reading.
Shelving can be open and airy so it doesn’t block light, and if you want a truly indulgent vibe, consider a hanging chair. The gentle swaying adds to the relaxation factor.
5. Turn It into a Mini Indoor Garden
Sunrooms are plant paradise. Even low-maintenance houseplants thrive when they get bright, indirect sunlight most of the day. Fill your space with potted ferns, succulents, and orchids, and hang some trailing vines from the ceiling.
According to a 2023 NASA study, plants can remove up to 87% of indoor air toxins in just 24 hours, so you’re not just decorating — you’re improving air quality.
6. Use Natural Materials for Warmth
Glass can feel cold and sterile, so balance it with wood, rattan, wicker, and linen. A simple jute rug underfoot instantly makes the space cozier, while wooden beams or trim add rustic charm.
In my first home, I made the mistake of using too much metal and glass in the sunroom. It looked great in photos but felt like sitting in a store display. Once I added a rattan sofa and woven blinds, it finally felt inviting.
7. Install Underfloor Heating
If you live where winters are chilly, underfloor heating will make your sunroom usable year-round. Radiant floor systems evenly heat the space without blowing dry air, which keeps plants and people happier.
This works especially well if your sunroom has tile or stone floors, which otherwise can feel cold in cooler months.
8. Go Bold with Tile Patterns
Speaking of floors, why not make them a statement? Patterned tiles can bring color and personality into a sunroom without overwhelming it. Moroccan, geometric, or even terrazzo styles add a touch of artistry.
Pro tip: Choose slip-resistant outdoor-rated tiles for durability and safety.
9. Make It a Dining Space
Dining in a sunroom feels like being on vacation without leaving home. Set up a table and chairs in the center, ideally with a pendant light above.
If you host often, extendable tables are a game changer. They allow you to keep the room open day-to-day but accommodate larger gatherings when needed.
10. Incorporate a Fireplace or Stove
Adding a small wood-burning stove or electric fireplace makes your sunroom cozy even on frosty days. Plus, firelight bouncing off glass walls at night creates a magical atmosphere.
Just ensure proper ventilation if you go for a real flame option. Many modern ventless ethanol fireplaces are easy to install and eco-friendly.
11. Add Ceiling Fans for Comfort
Ceiling fans aren’t just for porches. In sunrooms, they help circulate air so heat doesn’t pool near the ceiling. This makes the room feel cooler in summer and warmer in winter when reversed.
Choose a fan style that matches your decor — from rustic wood blades to sleek modern metal.
12. Embrace a Coastal Theme
If your sunroom gets a lot of light and has a breezy vibe, lean into a coastal aesthetic. Think white slipcovered sofas, blue accents, driftwood decor, and nautical stripes.
Even if you’re miles from the ocean, the look brings a relaxed, vacation-like mood into your home.
13. Install Sliding or Folding Glass Doors
Instead of a fixed wall of windows, consider sliding or folding glass panels. These open fully in nice weather, instantly merging your sunroom with the outdoors.
Bi-fold systems are pricier but create an unobstructed opening, perfect for parties and summer evenings.
14. Include Built-in Storage
Since sunrooms often double as multipurpose spaces, built-in benches with hidden storage keep things organized without clutter.
You can store seasonal cushions, blankets, or even gardening supplies right in the room, making it more functional without losing its airy feel.
15. Experiment with Colorful Frames
While white or black window frames are classics, bold-colored frames can give your sunroom personality. Deep green, navy, or even burnt orange can make the structure itself a design feature.
If you’re hesitant, try painting just the interior trim first.
16. Hang String Lights or Lanterns
A sunroom shouldn’t fade into darkness after sunset. String lights, paper lanterns, or fairy lights bring a soft glow that makes the room magical at night.
I once strung warm Edison bulbs across my cousin’s sunroom for her birthday party, and we ended up staying out there until 2 a.m. because the vibe was so perfect.
17. Make It a Hobby Space
Your sunroom can be more than a lounging area. Use it as a creative studio, craft space, or home office. The abundance of light is especially great for painting, photography, or sewing.
If it’s for work, invest in anti-glare computer screens so the brightness doesn’t become a problem.
18. Keep Furniture Low and Light
To avoid blocking views, choose low-profile furniture like armless chairs, low sofas, and glass-topped tables. This lets light flow and maintains the room’s open feel.
Avoid heavy, bulky pieces unless you have a particularly large space.
19. Add a Pop of Green with an Herb Wall
Instead of just potted plants, try a vertical herb garden. It’s beautiful, functional, and smells amazing when you brush past basil or mint.
Wall-mounted planters with drip irrigation make this surprisingly low-maintenance.
20. Include a Swing or Daybed
A swing bench or indoor daybed turns your sunroom into a nap magnet. Add soft throws and oversized pillows, and you might find yourself spending whole weekends there.
Just make sure the swing is securely anchored to ceiling beams.
21. Use Solar Shades for Energy Efficiency
Solar shades reduce glare and block heat while still letting you see outside. They can cut UV exposure by up to 99%, which protects your furniture and floors from fading.
Motorized versions let you adjust them with the push of a button — perfect for hard-to-reach windows.
22. Go Minimalist for a Gallery-Like Feel
If your home already has bold decor, make your sunroom a calm, minimalist retreat. Stick to a few statement pieces and neutral tones, letting the views be the star.
Minimalism also makes the space easier to clean and maintain — no small win if your sunroom gets heavy traffic.
Conclusion
A sunroom is more than just an extra room with windows — it’s a mood booster, a functional space, and a design statement rolled into one. Whether you fill it with plants, turn it into a dining area, or simply create a cozy reading nook, the key is to maximize light, comfort, and usability.
The best designs blend style with practicality, ensuring the room works in all seasons. From underfloor heating to skylights, herb walls to folding doors, the possibilities are endless.