Sunroom Considerations
Sunrooms can be either three- or four-season rooms — meaning that they can be used for the majority of the year, excluding the winter months, or year-round — which can determine how you use the space.
Four season rooms generally have heating and cooling, so the temperature is comfortable in all seasons. But regardless of the setup, these rooms are a combination of indoor and outdoor living, providing an abundance of natural light and protection from the elements. It gives you a room you can enjoy no matter how you use it.
Though there are plenty of ways to style the space, using practical pieces like indoor/outdoor furniture, rugs and fabrics in your sunroom is a smart choice since they are designed with UV protection and can handle temperature and humidity changes.
Wicker Furniture
When you think of a sunroom, wicker furniture is one of the first things that comes to mind. It's a popular choice for sunrooms because of its light and airy appearance. It enhances the space's natural light while offering a stylish look that's both cozy and elegant. But it's also durable and versatile. Wicker furniture construction, especially synthetic options like polyethylene, generally resists moisture and fading, and is easy to keep clean. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to move around. Other outdoor furniture works in a sunroom too, and you can also use upholstered seating like couches and love seats — just be sure they're covered in fabric that can stand up to lots of time in the sun.
Durable Fabrics
Since sunrooms get a lot of natural light, you'll want to choose fabric that can stand up to fading. That includes the cushions and throw pillows — even the upholstery on any furniture in the room. Sunbrella fabric is a top choice, offering features like UV protection, water resistance (which is helpful for sunrooms that may see more humidity and moisture) and fade resistance. Various cushion colors and patterns also give you plenty of options to complement the rest of your decor.
Outdoor Rugs
Some sunrooms are a transition space from the inside of your home to the outside, so using outdoor rugs makes the most sense. They're designed for durability against foot traffic and sun exposure while maintaining their look. And with a variety of styles and patterns available, you can easily find one that suits your space. If you plan to use the space as an additional place to eat, look for rugs with stain-resistant features to protect against things like spills.
Plants
Because of all the natural light, plants thrive in these sunny spaces. It's the perfect place to set up an indoor garden full of your favorite houseplants, herbs, and succulents. Fill in the space with other gardening essentials like a potting bench, and shelves for supplies like gardening tools, watering cans, potting soil and more. Tuck some comfortable patio chairs or a daybed in with the plants for a cozy place to sit, and you may have just created the perfect paradise in your own home.
Window Treatments
Curtains and shades help reduce glare, regulate temperature and add privacy. If you're going to hang curtains in the space, choose a material that's tough enough to stand up to sun exposure, like linen — but keep light filtration in mind, too, so you don't lose the open, airy feeling. Sheer curtains let light continue to shine through the windows while adding texture to the room. Woven wood shades, like bamboo shades, bring an organic feel to the space. Roman shades add an elegant touch and can be functional or decorative. Remember, window treatments for sunrooms need to be able to withstand UV rays and temperature and moisture changes while offering the light and privacy control you're looking for.
Lighting
Layer in lighting to make use of the room in the evening. A combination of overhead, table or floor and accent lighting is generally a good way to bring lighting into the space, allowing you to continue using it as the sunlight fades. Pendant lights and chandeliers can make a statement above. Floor lamps or table lamps near seating creates a cozy place to relax with a good book, and accent lighting placed strategically around the room offers an invitation to come in and enjoy the space. Add a magical glow with string lights or fairy lights draped casually across the ceiling or along the tops of windows.
Ways to Use the Space
Sunrooms are extra square footage full of potential. Most of the time, you can tailor these light-filled rooms to your lifestyle, making it a space that’s an extension of another room, one that’s entirely its own thing, or a combination of various uses. Some popular ways to use a sunroom include:
Setting Up Your Sunroom
How you decorate your sunroom is completely up to you, the vision you have for it and how you plan to use it. Whether your style preference is modern, traditional or something specific, like a beachy theme, bring in pieces that make sense for the room. The key to creating an inviting space is making it feel comfortable, bright and relaxing, no matter its style.
At Lowe’s, we have everything you need to bring the plans for your sunroom to life. Whether you want to try out some of the decorating ideas above or are looking for something different, a Lowe’s Red Vest associate can help you find the right furniture, decor and more for your sunroom.
When placing furniture, a good rule of thumb is to leave space by windows to keep the feeling of openness.