Tips for making this the most inviting room in your house.
A sunroom is synonymous with relaxation—it’s an appealing space for hanging out, any time or day of the week. But just like other rooms in a home, a sunroom deserves a refresh every now and then to keep it from looking tired and maintain its allure.
If your sunroom is in need of a boost, you don’t have to call in a contractor to give it a new look. Instead, try some of these ideas that you can implement yourself.
Green things up. Take advantage of all that natural light streaming into your sunroom by adding potted plants (or swapping out those fatigued African violets for something new). Boston ferns, cactus and monstera are all suited for a warm, light-filled space. Want pops of color? Try your hand at orchids, which love humidity and sunlight.
Use durable fabrics. While you’ll want to use attractive textiles, make sure the fabrics on floors and furnishings can stand up to the sun’s harsh rays and won’t fade over time.
Cushion your feet. Speaking of floors, a throw rug adds visual interest and softens the look of the room. Can’t decide between styles? Try layering them, for a mix-up of color and pattern. (Also consider using indoor/outdoor rugs; they’re fade resistant, easy to clean, and won’t develop mold or mildew.)
Hang a mirror. Make the most of your sunroom’s bright interior by adding a mirror to a wall opposite the windows. A mirror will reflect the incoming light, making the space feel larger.
Install shades. As much as a sunroom is for enjoying the outdoors while indoors, too much sun during mid-afternoon can overheat the space. That’s where interior shades come in handy. Woven wood shades, which are crafted of wood, reeds, grasses and bamboo, are ideal for blocking glare and diffusing sunlight. And their organic style fits in perfectly with a sunroom.
Add ambient lighting. A setting sun doesn’t mean you have to call it a day in your sunroom. Ambient lighting in the form of a couple of lamps or a hanging pendant lets you extend your stay, as well as comes in handy for lighting things up on overcast days.
Accessorize with throw pillows. Throw pillows are an easy way to add a touch of personality to your sunroom. Plus, curling up on a chair or couch is so much better with a comfy throw pillow or two.
Put some swing in it. If you have the room, a hanging chair, whether suspended from the ceiling or from a floor-standing frame, is perfect for enjoying a good book.
Enhance the tranquility. Find your Zen with the soothing sounds of flowing water, courtesy of an indoor tabletop fountain. They’re available in a variety of sizes, colors and design styles—or, if DIY is your thing, you’ll find lots of how-to instructions for making your own online.
