Dreaming of Sunrooms and Sunroom Windows
By: Architectural Visions
Winter is the perfect time to begin planning a sunroom expansion compiled with large sunroom windows. A light-drenched sunroom is an ideal space to enjoy during all four seasons. It can serve as an extra living space, a room to lounge and relax, a place to catch up with friends or to take a nap as the sun warms you up. If you’re considering adding a sunroom to your home, read on to learn more about the benefits of a sunroom and to gain inspiration on sunroom design ideas.
Key takeaways:
- A sunroom is a room that is largely surrounded by glass that lets in the natural light and results in an indoor-outdoor living space.
- A sunroom lets you enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with the comforts of the indoors.
- Ensuring you have the best foundational pieces in place, such as the flooring, furniture and window treatments, is the first step to a comfortable, long-lasting space.
- A sunroom can serve many purposes, such as a reading room, home office, game room, dining room and more.
Why add a sunroom?
A sunroom is a room that is largely surrounded by glass, or screens, which can be used during warmer temperatures. It’s a space that lets in the natural light and results in an indoor-outdoor living space. If you’re looking for a room that enables you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with the comforts of the indoors, a sunroom may be an excellent choice for you. Below are some additional reasons to add a sunroom to your home.
Energy efficiency
Sunrooms can help you save on energy bills as they soak up the warmth from the sunlight all day long. This keeps the space warm, reducing the need to turn on the heat. Also, with the great number of windows, you’ll rarely need to turn on the lights during the day. Even if it’s gloomy and overcast, there will likely be enough brightness to avoid the need for lighting.
Custom window options
A sunroom made almost entirely out of windows means you can have creative freedom selecting the windows for the space. Whether you want sunroom windows that open, floor-to-ceiling windows, wall-to-wall sliding doors, glass doors with transoms on top, or skylights, sunroom window ideas can be endless.
Extending the seasons
Whether it’s a hot, humid summer day and you could use a reprieve from the heat, or it’s a crisp, cool fall morning that’s a bit too cold to sit outside, a sunroom will make you feel like you’re outdoors, no matter the temperature. Even if it’s a sunny, 20-degree winter day, sitting in a room filled with windows will increase your vitamin D intake and instantly transport you to a warmer locale.
Add value to your home
Adding square footage to your home will likely add value to your home. As a sunroom is often less expensive than a full-scale addition, you’re adding square footage without the additional costs of a complete addition. A beautifully designed sunroom can also add curb appeal. Having a beautifully maintained backyard is an added benefit, as it will likely be the focal point as you lounge in the sunroom.
Sunroom design must-haves
There are countless design directions you can take when building your sunroom. However, ensuring you have the best foundational pieces in place is the first step to a comfortable, long-lasting space.
Sunroom flooring
Tile and stone are two intelligent choices for sunroom flooring. Both materials are durable and are low-maintenance, fade-resistant and moisture-resistant. In addition, if you want to enjoy your sunroom year-round and live in a colder climate, you can add radiant heating so your floors are warm underfoot.
Sunroom furniture
In a sun-drenched space, it’s essential to be strategic with the furniture you bring in. Wicker and iron furniture are popular for a sunroom since they are fade-resistant. However, if you prefer upholstered furniture, select a durable, fade-resistant material, as sunlight exposure can destroy fabric.
Sunroom window treatments
You may want some privacy or protection from the sun in a room made of windows. Natural window treatments, such as linen curtains or natural fiber shades work well in sunrooms. Insulated cellular shades can also help reduce heat loss from escaping and reduce solar heat from entering.
Sunroom design ideas
A sunroom can serve many purposes, such as a reading room, home office, game room, dining room and more. Below are different ways to make the most out of your space.
Built-in reading nook
Built-in benches and under-bench bookshelves will turn your sunroom into a book lover’s dream space. With plush bench cushions and plenty of pillows and blankets, you’ll spend hours getting lost in your favorite books in this light-filled space.
Home office
If your home office has been relegated to a spare bedroom or basement, take advantage of working from the sunniest space in the house. Adding a soft rug, desk and comfortable chair will let you enjoy the benefits of the sunshine as you work. In addition, installing the correct window treatments will help reduce glare on your computer screen.
Dining space
Move your primary dining spot out of the dining room and into a sunny sunroom. You’ll be able to enjoy your beautiful backyard and may even enjoy a dinnertime sunset or two if your sunroom faces west.
AVI Windows & Doors
Do you have any window or door questions? The experts at AVI have you covered. AVI is your one-stop-shop for installing windows, with in-person and online service options. Please don’t hesitate to contact us online or come by one of our Southeast locations and let us help you!