Sunrooms can be:
- Secondary living rooms
- Playrooms
- Home offices
- Dining areas
- Family rooms to watch television
- Places where animals sun themselves
- Retreats for meditating or doing yoga
- Cozy areas for reading or studying
What's the purpose of the sunroom?
Sunroom: This type of room (also called a solarium or conservatory) is a glassed-in living space typically attached to the house and accessible from indoors. It's designed to function as an additional living area during mild weather.
What do you put in a sunroom?
Cozy Sunroom Ideas For cozy furniture, consider a large upholstered sectional that provides several seats and facilitates conversation. Give your sunroom a more inviting feel by decorating with plush throw pillows, potted plants, and a coffee table laden with books.
Are sunrooms worth it?
A sunroom is as cost-effective as building any other kind of home addition, and it's actually easier and less expensive to maintain. A 3-season sunroom is a very affordable option for homeowners, and a small 4-season sunroom can cost a lot less than you might think.
Why do old houses have sunrooms?
From an architectural point of view, sunrooms as a source of supplementary heating have their roots thousands of years ago. Around 6000 BC, the Chinese built the opening to their homes facing south so the sun would heat the interior.
Can you put normal furniture in a sunroom?
But there is one main reason why going this route will cause problems. Placing furniture in a sunroom means exposing it to constant sunlight during the day. This long exposure can damage furniture that is meant for the shaded indoors rather than designed to withstand the elements.
Can a sunroom be a living room?
Sunrooms can have many uses, but creating a relaxing sunroom living room will be one of the best ways to utilize the space. Here's how you can convert your sunroom into a living room you can use year round.
Can sunrooms be used in winter?
A sunroom can use solar energy for heat in the winter depending on the positioning of the room. A sunroom that is directly south-facing with all day sun exposure will probably heat up to a comfortable temperature most winter days.
Can I put the laundry in the sunroom?
DON'T put your machines into sunrooms or additions that aren't heated. Unless a heat source is added when the washer is installed you can run the risk of frozen pipes and all the damage that can come with them.
Can I use my sunroom as a bedroom?
Sunrooms can create a charming and livable bedroom space, but they significantly differ from standard lodgings. To turn your sunroom into a bedroom, you can optimize your space by keeping a variety of crucial elements in mind when making furnishing and decorating decisions.
How long does a sunroom last?
Sunroom Lifespans That can be anywhere from 10 years through to 50 or even more. While this doesn't mean that you're entitled to upgrades or new technologies, it does mean that if there are any issues with your sunroom in that time, they will be put right at no extra cost to you.
Can sunrooms be used year round?
A traditional sunroom, or home addition, can be used 365 days a year because it is typically tied into your home's HVAC system. Because of the connected HVAC system, a traditional sunroom can be a true extension of your home, offering you the same heating or cooling options in your addition as the rest of your home.
Is a sunroom cheaper than a room addition?
Pros: Cost: Versus standard room additions, sunrooms simply cost less. Unless the sunroom is very large and has many high-end features, a standard all-season sunroom can cost thousands of dollars less than a room addition.
What kind of flooring goes in a sunroom?
Ceramic, porcelain and stone tile is certainly the most popular flooring option for a sunroom, but as you will see from our sunroom flooring ideas, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, epoxy and even carpet can all work well in a sunroom depending on your climate and budget.
What is the best flooring to put in a sunroom?
Tile flooring is a great option for those who live in four season weather, because of its natural energy efficiency. Tile absorbs more solar energy than wood or carpet, keeping the floor warm. If your sunroom is installed in a high-traffic area, tile flooring is a perfect option due to its scratch-resistant properties.
How do you keep a sunroom warm at night?
Connecting your Sunroom to your home's HVAC system is the ideal solution for keeping the climate in your sunroom regulated when the weather gets harsh. A wood burning fireplace, portable heater or even a gas insert would also work well to keep your Sunroom nice and cozy on the blistery colder days.
What kind of furniture is best for sunroom?
Wicker furniture is always a great option for sunrooms because it's sustainable and durable. And should it ever get damaged, wicker and rattan can be easily repaired. And, if you ever get bored with the pattern or color of your cushions, you can pick up new ones for a whole new look!
How to decorate a sunroom?
Sunroom décor is best selected according to the functions for which you have designed your sunroom. Decorative fans are often placed to help cool the room down while adding a touch of style. Plants, outdoor-style seating, and tables also add comfort without detracting from the outdoor atmosphere. When decorating a sunroom, it is important to keep in mind the resiliency of the décor to fluctuations in temperature and sunlight. Choose artwork, window treatments, and other decorations that can enhance the room while resisting fading and wrinkling due to humidity. However, climate-controlled sunrooms can be furnished with any type of décor.
What is a sunroom called?
In one state, sunrooms are so common that they are simply called Florida rooms. If you are considering this fun way to update your home, then here is what you need to know about the types ...
Why do we need sunrooms?
For most homeowners, the main advantage of a sunroom is to be able to enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of contending with the weather elements. Because they are screened in, you can also keep insects out while still allowing the fresh air into the room. Adding a sun room also creates an extra room in your home that can be used to suit a variety of purposes. Whether you want to enjoy a private soak in your Jacuzzi or you want to provide a separate space for the kids to play, a sunroom can be the perfect solution to upgrading your lifestyle.
Where should a sunroom be placed?
Sunrooms are generally custom-designed to suit the home to which they are attached. Usually, a sunroom will be placed on the side or back of the house, and most backyard patios can be used as a base for the room.
Why are sunrooms important?
Find out why sunrooms appeal to many homeowners and whether one is right for your home. Natural light is coveted indoors, especially as it filters through the windows on a cool spring or fall day and warms your home. With wall to wall windows, sunrooms maximize the possible natural light. These home additions emulate the feeling ...
What is a three season sunroom?
The three-season sunroom is designed as a distinct room from rest of the house, physically separated by sliding patio doors or French doors. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows on two or three sides of the addition so the homeowners can enjoy as much natural light as possible. The biggest distinguishing factor, though, ...
What is a sunroom?
Sunrooms are meant to be bright and airy, so opt for sheer fabrics and natural materials when choosing shades or curtains. Lightweight and light-colored curtain panels can be installed on rods above the windows and pulled back during the day.
How much does it cost to build a sunroom?
Without heating or air conditioning equipment, they’re fairly affordable to build, averaging $15,000 to $50,000, depending on size, quality, and the going construction rate in a given area.
How long can you use a sunroom?
Not all sunrooms provide the same benefits. Many are intended to be used for just three months out of the year—spring, summer and fall—while others are designed for year-round use. Three-season sunrooms look a lot like four-season sunrooms, but they come with some notable differences.
Where to put sunrooms in house?
A sunroom that’s located on the east side of the home will allow homeowners to take full advantage of being able to eat breakfast while watching the sunrise, while a sunroom on the north side of the home will provide filtered light throughout the day but will escape the problem of harsh direct sunlight. While the typical sunroom is located on the sides or the back of the house, it’s not unheard of to add a sunroom to the front of the home. If locating the expansion at the front of the house, homeowners may be more conscientious of designing to match the style of the home in order to enhance (and not detract from) the property’s curb appeal.
What happens to property taxes when you increase your home value?
Increased property taxes. Along with increased home value often comes an increase in property taxes. You could pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars more in annual property taxes, depending on the tax rate in your community.
What is a sunroom?
A sunroom is an extension of your house that faces south, allowing you to enjoy sun exposure without being too hot or cold. A sunroom can be used for many purposes, but they’re most often used as living space during the winter months when it might not be nice enough outside to sit on the porch.
Are sunrooms worth it
Sunroom are a great addition to many homes. They will add useable square footage to the home. As someone who was a licensed realtor for many years, this isn’t something I’d recommend for a home that has a dated bathroom or kitchen.
What are sunroom roofs made of?
Sunroom roofs are either glass or a standard roofing material. They are most commonly flat or single sloped to allow for better rain runoff. Glass roofs are the default option for sunroom kits and custom built sunrooms will sometimes have a more traditional opaque roof. The advantage of the glass roof is that it will allow more sun into the room.
What are sunroom floors made of?
We’ve written a full guide on all sunroom floor options. We’ll cover a brief overview here. The most popular types of flooring for a sunroom are tile, vinyl plank, cement slab, laminate or carpet. There are advantages of each type of flooring.
What are sunroom walls made of?
The frame for the sunroom is normally steel or aluminum, and the walls are composed of tempered glass. For the wall between the sunroom and rest of the home, you will also want to have a good amount of foam insulation. The insulation will have a large impact on the overall energy impact of the addition.
What type of windows are used in a sunroom?
Sunrooms can have casement windows, awning windows or even sliding windows.
How much are sunroom additions?
Sunroom or solarium kits will cost $2,000 to $5,000 with a lot options around the $3,000 price point. Custom built sunrooms will cost between $10,000 to $70,000 depending on the size and construction materials chosen. Another big factor in the cost will be labor and whether or not you have a existing concrete slab.
What is a sunroom called?
2. Conservatory: A sunroom is often called a conservatory , and it can even become a greenhouse conservatory . Make sunroom into an extra room and greenhouse by stocking it with plants the will thrive in the ample sunlight. 3.
Why use a sunroom as a home office?
Home Office: You may choose to turn your sunroom into a home office for a number of reasons. First, your existing work-at-home space may be enclosed and dim. With a sunroom, you will be in a bright and airy environment. Next, sunlight makes you more alert to your surroundings and your work projects.
How to use a sunroom?
The 8 Best Ways to Use Your Sunroom. 1. Patio Cover: Since a sunroom is an extension of your home, you may simply convert your existing patio or lanai. A patio or lanai already has a poured concrete pad and a structurally sound wall placement. This acts as an easy guide for the sunroom. 2.
How many walls does a sunroom have?
This type of room is a flexible space that can serve as a great addition to your home. Generally, a sunroom has 3 walls and then the wall that is opened up to your home. The traditional sunroom has full-sized glass windows that span the entire height and width of the room. The concept is to let the sun in to create a warm and welcoming area.
What is the best way to use a sunroom?
8. Family Room: A favorite way to use a sunroom is for a family room. In your family room , you can have comfortable couches, a home theater, tables, fans, a play area and more. Having a place for the whole family to sit down and relax is a nice treat at the end of any hectic day.
What is the best type of light for a craft room?
5. Craft or Hobby Rooms: Sunrooms make a great craft and hobby rooms because they offer plenty of natural light. For those who sew, paint, draw or write, light is an important factor. Natural light is the best type because it does not distort things the way fluorescent light does.
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To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.
What Are Sunrooms and Solariums?
Both a sunroom and solarium provide an extensive view of the outdoors while you’re comfortable inside. Here are the features of each type of glass enclosure.
What is a solarium enclosure?
A solarium is an enclosure made entirely of floor-to-ceiling glass walls and roofs, providing you with a complete view of the outside. Vinyl frames typically hold the glass in place to enhance their insulation. Even though it’s not usually compatible with an HVAC system, the insulated glass can keep you comfortable throughout the year. This addition tends to follow a modern design with its sleek, clean appearance. A conservatory is similar to a solarium, but has a more traditional, ornate style.
What is the difference between a solarium and a sunroom?
Aesthetic: A solarium usually follows a sleek, modern design. A sunroom can better fit your home’s architectural style because it uses the same type of walls and roofing you have on the rest of the house.
How to contact Garrety Glass?
If you’d like to have us set up this addition on your house, you can reach out to us online or call 717-447-5713 for a free quote.
Why do people use solariums?
Purpose: Homeowners tend to use solariums for sunlight therapy to boost their mood and immune system. A sunroom is usually for entertaining guests and providing additional space for the family to gather.
How to maintain a sunroom?
It’s easy to maintain: The insulated glass on a sunroom is easy to clean with cleaner and paper towels. Unlike a screened-in porch that’s vulnerable to tears, your sturdy sunroom can withstand wear from excessive use.
Why do solariums have glass walls?
It protects you from the elements: A solarium’s insulated glass walls can keep out bugs and harsh weather while you’re spending time indoors .
