A sunroom is a wonderful addition to any home. It provides extra space for a hobby room, a family room, an entertainment center, or any of the many uses for a sunroom.
What you use your sunroom for will, of course, determine what larger pieces of furniture you need. Is it mainly for relaxation, perhaps a hobby, dining, workspace, entertainment? Or, as is quite common, will it have a multifunctional use? After that, choosing the accessories such as carpeting or rugs, accent cushions, art, plants, and knickknacks is an easier task.
What Kind of Furniture is the Most Suitable for a Sunroom?
While many sources advise outdoorsy type furniture, you needn’t be constrained. Most types of furniture can be used.
If you like the idea of bringing the outdoors inside, wrought iron, wicker and rattan are popular choices for sunrooms. Often found on porches, patios, and decks, they have a distinctive outdoor feel to them. Wrought iron furniture is the ultimate in sturdiness and offers an understated elegance. But wrought iron chairs are not very comfortable. Wicker and rattan chairs are cozier thanks to their thick cushions and softer frames.
Other people prefer traditional indoor-type furniture. That works well in a sunroom but there are a few things to be aware of when selecting sunroom furniture.
Guard Against Ultraviolet Light
Wood and fabrics can bleach and fade if they’re routinely exposed to ultraviolet light.
Opting for windows that have a low-emissivity coating can help, as they block out much of the damaging UV rays. Staining the wood with the appropriate product will also protect furniture from some of the sun’s bleaching effect. Another choice is to use curtains to block the rays when the sun is at its strongest.
Natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and wool blends are quite durable in sunrooms but cotton-polyester blends are even better. They are strong, durable, easy to clean and less susceptible to moisture damage. Any natural fabrics blended with acrylic, polyester, and nylon are also less likely to fade. Unfortunately, linen and silk are prone to fading quickly so these are not a great choice for sunrooms.
Darker or bright colors fade more quickly than lighter colors, so choose your colors carefully.
Curtains should be lined so that they are less likely to fade over time.
Rotate rugs at least once a year to help them wear and fade evenly.
Humidity Levels are So Important
Humidity and broad temperature swings will also degrade certain types of furniture.
Expert opinion varies on what the best level of humidity is for your home, but they suggest that you should generally try to maintain a humidity level somewhere between 30 and 50.
If you have a three-season sunroom, leather and suede may not be the best choices as they can retain heat in the summer and feel somewhat chilly in the winter. Suede can be prone to staining, so it’s a good idea to spray a protective coating on it. Direct sunlight can cause leather to dry out and crack. On the other hand, high humidity over long periods will cause leather to absorb moisture and encourage rot.
Wood and wicker also can be vulnerable to the effects of humidity. Wicker can become brittle and dry if the humidity is too low. If too high, wicker, wood, and upholstery are vulnerable to damage from mold and mildew. If your sunroom does not have climate control, you could use a humidifier or dehumidifier, if necessary.
Have Plenty of Comfortable Seating
Although a sunroom is the perfect space for solitary relaxation, contemplation and gazing at the outside world, it’s also a lovely gathering place as well. You’ll want to have plenty of comfortable seating when guests drop by or when any kind of celebration takes place. Think comfy sofas and easy chairs.
Accessories
Drapes or blinds can give you privacy in your sunroom when you want it and be an important crowning touch to your décor.
Blankets, throw pillows, rugs and other textiles can add comfort, texture and warmth. You can add a touch of nature with plants or a water feature. Art, sculptures, and other items can help you complete the look you want to create.
Multifunctional Pieces for Smaller Sunrooms
Sunrooms often serve more than one function. If you have a large, spacious sunroom, you can arrange furniture and decor to create different zones within it. However, if your sunroom is not so large, multifunctional furniture pieces can help you make the most of your space while meeting all of your needs.
Tables that fold, roll or expand, furniture with hidden storage such as ottomans and benches are just a fraction of all the multifunctional furniture pieces available. This will save valuable space while still giving you the ability to perform all the functions you want.
Sunshine Sunrooms has been helping homeowners design and build beautiful sunrooms since 1993. We offer individualized services based on each of our client’s specific budgets, vision and needs. Call us at (972) 243-5390 for all your sunroom design, construction, and repair needs or contact us online to request a quote.
