a room with a lot of plants in it

Decorating a Sunroom

SUNROOM DECORATING IDEAS

Tips for making your sunroom 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.

a living sunroom filled with plants

Potted plants add interest and color.

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.

a patio sunroom with wicker furniture and potted plants

Choose fabrics that won’t fade from the sun’s rays.

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.)

a dining room with a table and chairs

A throw rug is an opportunity to add pattern.

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.

a sunroom with a couch, chair, potted plants and a mirror

Use a mirror to reflect natural light.

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.

a book sitting on top of a wooden table

Shades are perfect for blocking afternoon glare.

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.

a living room with a yellow chair and potted plants

Ease into the evening with ambient lighting.

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.

a living room filled with furniture and large windows

Make seating more comfortable with throw pillows.

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.

a room with a hanging chair and potted plants

Kick back in a hanging chair.

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.

a concrete water feature with rounded stones

A tabletop fountain is a calming accessory.