Sunrooms are excellent places for people and plants to gather, grab some rays, and relax while still being protected from the elements. Often, the sunroom becomes a forgotten space or is used for storage or as a place to throw coats when company comes. We get busy and don’t always have extra money to upgrade, yet a sunroom can be such a great multipurpose space, and it’s a shame to waste it. Below, we’ll help you reimagine and enhance your sunroom on a budget.
1. Upgrade the Windows
The idea of a sunroom is to let natural sunlight flow in; it’s one of the key differences separating this type of room from a porch or breezeway. Consider new windows that go from floor to ceiling (even if only a few). This will allow for light and give you some great views, open up the room to give the illusion of more space, and be aesthetically appealing. About 20 to 35% of residential energy use can be gained or lost through your windows, so upgrading the windows is actually a wise investment if yours are old.
2. Add Some Color
About 29% of sunrooms are brown, 17% are green, and 14% are grey. While there’s nothing wrong with these colors, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and add more unique color schemes. Consider using contrasting colors to add depth and warmth to the space. Color is inexpensive and a great way to make a sunroom irresistible! With the house painting and decorating sectors worth $26.5 billion in 2022, you can easily find a professional painter.
3. Incorporate Simple Furniture and Decor
Consider adding a colorful indoor/outdoor rug that’s easy to clean. Then, a few pieces of furniture (wicker or rattan are excellent choices). Purchase or make a simple wooden shelf to place various plants and maybe even an indoor herb garden. Finish things with simple window treatments like rolling shades that give you privacy and shelter from the sun when needed.
4. Make it Entertaining
Most homeowners are always looking to expand their space, whether by adding on or finishing their basement. Suppose your budget doesn’t allow for that. In that case, having your sunroom double as a family or recreation room is a fantastic way to achieve square footage for the family to gather, let the kids have friends over, or have that Superbowl party you’ve always wanted. Add a flatscreen, gaming console, and sound system to make the perfect spot for entertaining.
5. Dine Out at Home
A sunroom is excellent for a cafe or other small dining set. It’s an inexpensive yet upscale and fun way to change the scenery for breakfast or lunch. It’s also a great place to have people over for brunch or coffee.
6. Consider a Home Office
With more people working from home than ever before, home office space is a hot commodity. Part of your sunroom can easily be turned into a lovely area for you to get some work done and enjoy the sunlight and nature simultaneously. It’s a bright and airy alternative to basement offices.
Sunrooms can be fabulous for extending the living space of your home. They can be used for everything from entertaining and brunch to reading and meditation. With a few simple enhancements, you can make it an area the whole family will love!