Sun rooms, solariums, skylights - oh my! While the terminology can be confusing, these rooms designed to offer indoor sunbathing have similar qualities, and are great for any type of home environment.
If your climate doesn’t offer year-round sun, you can still enjoy the outdoors by adding a sun room or solarium addition to your space.
What’s the difference?
A sun room is a home addition made completely of windows, which offer a 360-degree view of the outdoor scenery without stepping foot outside.
The term “sun room” usually means a room made of glass, and it’s commonly interchanged with conservatory, solarium, greenhouse, and atrium, among others. Technically, a sun room is any large room that allows the light to pour in through large windows or glass walls.
A solarium, on the other hand, is a more specifically designed room. To be considered a solarium, the space must also have a glass roof in addition to a wall of windows or glass.
Traditionally, solariums were built as part of hospitals to allow patients to soak up the sun without being exposed to the outdoor elements. Solariums can be attached to the home or stand as a separate structure altogether.
Check out these gorgeous sun rooms and solariums, and get inspired for a sunny space of your own.
Bright meets sunlight
This bright and spacious sun room lets the light pour in while still maintaining a homey charm. The woven furniture and floral-patterned cushions add a touch of whimsy, while the serene outdoor views provide a tranquil environment for afternoon tea or family game night.
Safely sunbathing
This sunny haven in Pensacola, FL is a modern solarium structure that offers privacy between spaces while letting in plenty of light. The iron frame and tinted glass allow the homeowners to enjoy the sun but avoid harmful rays and heat.
Eclectic outdoor living
Upbeat and contemporary, this sun room features French doors, exposed brick, and bright lime-green paint to add an eclectic touch to a traditional space. Palm Beach-inspired furniture and natural elements, like stone and grass, are sprinkled throughout to bring the outdoors in.
Room with a view
Boasting sky-high views and traditional architecture, this solarium in Friday Harbor, WA shows how outside structures can flow seamlessly to the indoor space. With area rugs and overhead lighting, the solarium feels like a light and bright living room that’s ideal for entertaining.
Top photo from Zillow listing
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