A sunroom can be a valuable feature in any home, offering a light-filled space that connects you to the outdoors while remaining sheltered from the elements. Whether it’s used as a quiet reading nook or a casual entertaining area, a well-designed sunroom adds both charm and functional living space to a property.
However, many sunrooms end up being underused, especially during the colder months, when draughts, chilly surfaces, or poor insulation make them feel less than welcoming. As a result, the initially bright and airy extension of the home becomes a room that’s only truly enjoyed in spring or summer. Thankfully, with some thoughtful design decisions and clever decorating strategies, you can transform your sunroom into a cosy and stylish retreat that remains comfortable and inviting throughout the year.
Below are some practical ideas to help you make the most of this unique space, no matter the season.
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Maximise the Views and Natural Light
If you’re fortunate enough to have a sunroom with a view of the garden or something scenic, make the most of it. Position your main seating to face outwards toward the view. Whether you’re curled up with a book or entertaining friends, this arrangement makes the most of the surroundings and invites you to enjoy the changing seasons from the comfort of indoors. Also, keep window areas clear of clutter and choose furniture with lighter, lower profiles so they don’t obstruct the light.
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Create a Focal Point with Furnishings or Décor
Adding a focal point to your sunroom also helps to ground the space and gives the eye somewhere to land. This could be a statement armchair layered with cushions and a throw, a vintage drinks trolley, or a feature light fixture such as a rattan pendant or oversized floor lamp. These elements create visual balance and contribute to the overall mood of the room.
When it comes to wall décor, art posters are a simple yet powerful way to infuse character and style. Position them on walls that receive less direct sunlight to prevent fading over time. To ensure your prints maintain their quality, especially in bright spaces, choose ones printed on archival-grade paper and protected with UV-resistant frames. Here at DROOL, we offer thoughtfully curated prints that are perfect for sunrooms where natural light is part of the charm.
Additionally, choose pieces that tie in with the sunroom’s colour palette or reflect your personal style. If you aren’t sure which art print will be the right fit for the space, consider taking our art finder quiz and discover expressive pieces.
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Layer with Cosy Textiles
Soft furnishings can transform the look and feel of a sunroom instantly. Start with a large, textured area rug to anchor the space and provide warmth underfoot. You can also add layers with throws and scatter cushions in tactile fabrics like wool, velvet, or boucle to create an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. Just make sure to choose colour tones that coordinate with your overall palette for a cohesive look, or mix patterns and textures to introduce a bit of personality.
Another option is to install thermal-lined curtains or Roman blinds. These provide privacy and soften the lines of the space as well as help trap warmth during colder months and block out harsh sunlight in summer. If you want to preserve the view while still filtering light, consider adding sheer curtains that can be layered behind heavier drapes.
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Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Insulation
One of the biggest barriers to using a sunroom year-round is temperature control. In the UK’s changeable climate, investing in double- or even triple-glazed windows is essential for keeping the chill out in winter and reducing overheating during warmer days. Energy-efficient glazing also reduces condensation and helps block out external noise.
To further insulate the space, consider installing insulated ceiling panels or adding thermal underlay beneath your flooring. Additionally, sealing gaps around windows and doors with weather stripping or draught excluders will prevent heat loss and make the space feel more snug without the need for excessive heating.
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Embrace Bright, Inviting Colours
Colour plays a vital role in setting the tone of your sunroom. Since these spaces are often bathed in natural light, it’s a great opportunity to use brighter hues that might feel too bold elsewhere in the home. Warm neutrals such as oatmeal, soft grey, and creamy beige offer a timeless foundation, while nature-inspired shades like sage green, soft terracotta, or dusty blue can add a soothing yet contemporary edge.
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Add Greenery to Connect with Nature
Sunrooms offer the perfect environment to incorporate houseplants, which naturally complement the indoor-outdoor vibe. A mix of leafy plants can bring texture, movement, and a sense of life to the space. Having said that, choose low-maintenance varieties that enjoy bright but indirect light, such as peace lilies, snake plants, pothos, or rubber plants. These thrive with minimal attention and can adapt to the fluctuating temperatures that may come with a glass-heavy space.
You can also use a variety of plant heights to add visual interest. Tall floor-standing plants in woven baskets or ceramic pots look beautiful placed beside seating areas, while hanging planters or trailing vines on floating shelves can help draw the eye upwards.
A well-used sunroom is the result of small, considered choices that work together to create a space that feels just right. When you take the time to design it around your needs and lifestyle, it becomes somewhere you naturally gravitate to, no matter the season. With a bit of care and intention, your sunroom can offer comfort, light, and enjoyment all year round.
