What's the ideal decor for a sunroom?

[Anonymous]

We're moving to a new place with a beautiful, but smallish sunroom. It's covered with glass from floor to ceiling. We have a toddler and I was getting excited about what we can do for play activities using the natural light. However, DH pointed out that it's going to be extremely hot during summer, and at best, a sunroom would be good to dry out our laundry! He also suggests putting some bookcases in this area because he doesn't want to clutter the main living area, but I'm not keen as these gather dust (plus the sunroom has a shaggy rug), and honestly, if what he says is true about summer, who'd want to read in that glare and heat?

So, what's the best idea for a sunroom like this?

[Anonymous]

I think what's best is to spend the money to get really good windows, and then get blinds that might keep the most intense sun out and a ceiling fan.

If you don't like the rug, get rid of it and get something easier to keep dust free. I'd plan to put a couch at one end and maybe a bookcase at the other. You could put toys in a couple of bookcase shelves.

[Anonymous]

Lots and lots of plants. Some couches and maybe a small table.

it's basically going to be a chill area. It does get hot in the summer, but it can seem really beautiful when you fill it with plants. We had one growing up and to me it felt like being in the rainforest

[Anonymous]

I'd say invest in a ceiling fan.

I wouldn't store books in a sunroom b/c of the moisture/humidity.

Friends of ours had a sun room and it made a great play room/place to hang out for adults pretty much through out the year. I would get a soft, large rug for the floor. It's probably ceramic or something echo-y and a comfy sofa.

I wouldn't get leather/faux leather furniture b/c some times of the year, it will not be pleasant to sit on (sweaty/sticky).

Don't feel you need to decorate all at once. Live with it for a while.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots and lots of plants. Some couches and maybe a small table.

it's basically going to be a chill area. It does get hot in the summer, but it can seem really beautiful when you fill it with plants. We had one growing up and to me it felt like being in the rainforest

This is a great idea. Orchids, Boston ferns...

[Anonymous]

Light colored fabrics. Dark ones will fade with the light

[Anonymous]

This is a great example of a room you have to live with for a full year (through 4 seasons) to know how you'll use it best. As a pp said, assuming it does get hot in there, I'd first invest in some kind of shades and ceiling fans before buying furniture for the room - it is possible that an outdoor awning could help control the sun/shade, too. Once I had the sun and temps under control in the room, then I'd probably put chairs (is the room a good shape for 4 conversation chairs in a circle, with a round coffee table or ottoman in the middle?), and some open bookshelves to store board games, kids toys, beachy looking knick knacks. Definitely plants, too. If there is room for a bar cart, it could make a great area to have drinks when friends come over. Make it like a vacation room!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a great example of a room you have to live with for a full year (through 4 seasons) to know how you'll use it best. As a pp said, assuming it does get hot in there, I'd first invest in some kind of shades and ceiling fans before buying furniture for the room - it is possible that an outdoor awning could help control the sun/shade, too. Once I had the sun and temps under control in the room, then I'd probably put chairs (is the room a good shape for 4 conversation chairs in a circle, with a round coffee table or ottoman in the middle?), and some open bookshelves to store board games, kids toys, beachy looking knick knacks. Definitely plants, too. If there is room for a bar cart, it could make a great area to have drinks when friends come over. Make it like a vacation room!

I agree with this. I've also seen beautiful drapes from Garnet Hill or Grandin Road that are sheer with color or some pattern to let in light but have some privacy. You will have to see where the light is most intense. A friend had a room like this in his she - I only saw it once, but I saw his mother on a chaise lounge, surrounded by greenery, reading in the sunlight. I've never forgotten that.

[Anonymous]

Is the room north facing? If so, you'll never get direct sunlight. Otherwise, lots of plants is a great idea. Is it closed off or really open to other living areas? If it's open, the moisture buildup may not be too high.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is the room north facing? If so, you'll never get direct sunlight. Otherwise, lots of plants is a great idea. Is it closed off or really open to other living areas? If it's open, the moisture buildup may not be too high.

OP here. Thanks for the ideas. The sunroom faces west, and it's just a level below the top floor, so it gets the noonday sun, all the way till sunset. I reckon it will be scorching in summer. It already has vertical blinds (came with the unit), but they seem rather flimsy and not enough to shield us from the summer sun. It has sliding windows, otherwise it's all glass wall around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the room north facing? If so, you'll never get direct sunlight. Otherwise, lots of plants is a great idea. Is it closed off or really open to other living areas? If it's open, the moisture buildup may not be too high.

OP here. Thanks for the ideas. The sunroom faces west, and it's just a level below the top floor, so it gets the noonday sun, all the way till sunset. I reckon it will be scorching in summer. It already has vertical blinds (came with the unit), but they seem rather flimsy and not enough to shield us from the summer sun. It has sliding windows, otherwise it's all glass wall around.

Just to add - imagine a balcony, but covered with glass all around - that's how our sunroom is.