Sunroom for Year-Round Enjoyment

Do you want a sunroom or a three-season porch? Your answer will likely depend on climate. A three-season porch is fully enclosed, but lacks the insulation to keep it comfortable throughout the year. A sunroom has fully insulated walls and ceiling, insulated-glass windows, and systems for heating and cooling. The room is more expensive than a three-season porch, but you'll get more use out of it. A sunroom can remain open to the main house at any time.

Sunroom Serves as Transition Space

Outfitting a sunroom that has three walls of expansive windows makes it a true transition space between indoors and out. In mild weather, the windows open to greet the breeze. But if your climate isn't always so mild, plan for how you'll keep the room comfortable in chilly or sweltering temperatures. It is critical to invest in insulated glass and adequate heating and cooling systems.

Lighting a Sunroom

Despite their extra windows, sunrooms have similar lighting needs to other indoor spaces. This sunroom includes fixtures that bounce light off the ceiling to provide a soft ambience. The room also was wired for electrical outlets throughout to allow for flexible placement of task lights as needed. A ceiling fan tops the space. Adding light fixtures at 10- to 15-foot intervals along porches provides enough ambient light for safety.