Bright Sunroom Additions That Bring the Outdoors In
Transform Your Home with These Bright and Functional Sunroom Additions
If there’s one addition that can benefit nearly any home, it just might be a sunroom. These versatile spaces provide a seamless blend of indoor comfort and outdoor beauty, making them ideal for everything from quiet retreats to lively get-togethers.
What really makes a sunroom special, though, are the features and additions that personalize the room and make it yours. Here’s how to select the sunroom additions that will bring the outdoors in and make it ideal for you and your family.
Types of sunrooms
Before selecting the right additions, it’s important to understand what type of sunroom you have—or want to build.
A three-season sunroom is designed to be used for spring, summer and fall. They have less insulation than four-season sunrooms, and only feature window screens or single-pane windows, making them unsuitable for winter use.
A four-season sunroom, on the other hand, is built for year-round use. It’s usually fully insulated and has large energy-efficient windows to maximize natural light. These rooms may even feature heating and cooling systems.
Each option has its pros and cons. A three-season sunroom is more budget-friendly, for instance, but a four-season sunroom offers more functionality throughout the year.
If you’re trying to decide what kind of sunroom you should build, ask yourself these questions:
How do you plan to use the sunroom?
Do you want a casual space to enjoy the warmer seasons, or do you want a sitting room you can enjoy year-round?
What is your budget?
How much can you realistically afford to spend building your new sunroom?
How important is resale or long-term investment?
If boosting your home’s resale value is a priority, you’ll want a four-season sunroom.
How much exposure to the outdoors do you want?
The biggest advantage a three-season sunroom has over its four-season counterpart is how much of the outdoors it lets in. A four-season sunroom might have more comforts, but it’s more closed off from the outside.
Sunroom additions that maximize light
Not surprisingly, the best sunroom additions are often those that enhance natural light.
Floor-to-ceiling windows
These maximize the amount of sunlight in your sunroom and give you an unobstructed view of the outdoors. They also make your sunroom feel like an extension of nature.
Sliding glass doors
Add functionality and openness by installing sliding glass doors. They not only improve light flow but also offer easy access to your backyard or patio.
Skylights
Skylights give you a panoramic view of the outdoors and overhead light. You can also tint your skylight windows if you’re worried about brightness.
Sunroom additions that maximize functionality
The most enjoyable sunrooms are ones that serve as anything from an entertainment space to a reading nook. These options can increase the versatility of your sunroom.
Multi-functional furniture
Storage ottomans and foldable chairs and tables can add additional space for games, placemats and books. Make sure your furniture is weather-resistant so it can withstand sun exposure.
Exterior door
An additional outside door allows seamless access to your yard or garden and expands your options for outdoor dining and entertaining.
Weather-resistant carpeting
Good carpeting can improve your sunroom’s aesthetic. When you carpet your sunroom, though, you’ll need to get some carpeting that can not only stand up to wear and tear, but also resist getting sun-faded.
Sunroom additions that save money
If you have a four-season sunroom, these options can help you save money throughout the year while still enhancing your comfort.
High-performance windows
Double- or triple-pane windows with low-E coatings reduce heat loss in winter and help prevent overheating in summer.
Insulated flooring and walls
Materials like insulated concrete or foam-backed vinyl help maintain a consistent temperature and improve energy efficiency.
Climate control
A mini-split HVAC system can ensure your sunroom stays at a consistent temperature the whole year round. You can even install ceiling fans to improve your sunroom’s airflow.
Create Your Dream Sunroom with AOS Home Solutions
When you’re designing a sunroom, you should include additions that let you get the most use out of it. You should first consider whether you want to build a three-season or four-season sunroom, and from there select options that maximize light, increase versatility and make the sunroom energy efficient.
No matter what options you want to include in your sunroom, AOS Home Solutions can help. We specialize in designing and building custom sunrooms that enhance your beauty and functionality. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning your perfect sunroom addition!