A Guide to Decorating Your Sunroom
Transform your sunroom into a welcoming oasis with a few simple updates. Whether you’re working with a small space or a large one, there are easy ways to update the look and functionality of the room. Read on for sunroom decorating tips you can adapt to suit your style.
Choose Your Color Palette
Before shopping for furniture and accent items, consider what colors you want in your sunroom. There are plenty of possibilities to consider, ranging from light to dark. As a general decorating rule, light colors make rooms look larger and dark colors make rooms look smaller. So, if you want to impart the illusion of more space, choose white, pale neutrals, and pastel tones like blush and mint. All these colors can be paired with earth-toned accents, such as a jute rug or seagrass baskets.
Tropical tones are also a classic option for the sunroom. Combine natural materials like wicker and wood with bright cushions and curtains. Hot pink, orange, and turquoise are just a few vibrant colors to consider. A little goes a long way when you’re working with bright colors. The addition of a few floral-print throw pillows can be enough to add a fresh new look to the space.
Add Comfortable Seating
It doesn’t matter if you’re starting with a bare space or redecorating your existing sunroom — comfortable seating is a must. Outdoor or indoor/outdoor furniture works well for the sunroom because it’s designed to resist damage from UV rays. When choosing furniture cushions, look for weather-resistant upholstery that can handle plenty of sun exposure without fading.
A wicker sofa is always a good choice for the sunroom because it has a natural, airy look. You might also want to consider teak, which is naturally resistant to the elements and develops a rustic gray tone over time. When it comes to accent chairs, a small swivel chair or glider is a stylish seating option to consider. Toss a personalized throw blanket over the back of your chair for a cozy accent.
Tables Provide Surface Space
A coffee table is a great sunroom addition because it provides a place for drinks, books, and other items you want to keep close at hand. You might also want one or more end tables to place on either end of the sofa. An end table can also be placed between two accent chairs for a comfy breakfast nook. Look for tables with interior storage and/or bottom shelving to maximize your space.
Accent With an Ottoman or Two
Speaking of maximizing your sunroom space, one way to do so is with multifunctional accents. One such piece is the storage ottoman. Not only are these pieces stylish, but they also offer multiple benefits in one. The top lifts to reveal a storage compartment you can use for storing small items. The top can be used as a seat or even a table, and they usually don’t take up much space, so they’re easy to fit into most rooms. You could also use a wicker laundry hamper as a makeshift sunroom storage solution.
Decorate With the Right Plants
No sunroom is complete without some greenery. There’s no one-size-fits-all guide when it comes to choosing plants for your sunroom. It all depends on factors including your location, the temperature inside your home, your level of aptitude as a gardener, and your personal preferences. For example, if you’re a beginning gardener, you may not want to start with the notoriously temperamental orchid. Maybe you’re a foodie who loves to cook — if so, enhance your sunroom with an indoor herb garden.
Whether or not you have pets is another thing to consider when choosing sunroom plants. Some can be harmful to dogs and cats, so do your homework and make sure you only choose pet-friendly plants.
Don’t Forget About Entertainment
If you have the space, you can mount a flat-screen TV in your sunroom. A smaller countertop TV can work for sunrooms that aren’t big enough for a flat-screen TV. You might also want to stash some books and magazines on a shelf or in canvas storage bins, so you’ll always have reading material. Keep a charger for your smartphone in a drawer, so you can charge your device if needed from an available outlet. Using a power strip is a good idea if you have multiple items to plug in.
Make Comfort a Priority
Your sunroom can be a place where you relax in comfy sweats and indulge in your favorite simple pleasures, whether that means watching your favorite show, finishing a few chapters, or watering your plants. These bright, cheery spaces are also great for entertaining or enjoying a quiet coffee break for two.
Get inspired and create a sunroom that’s right for you and your family. With a little planning, you can put together a space that’s comfortable and stylish.