What can you do with a space that's open, airy and full of sun? Just about anything. Sunrooms are as versatile as they are comfortable. You can use them anything from a family room to a cozy little sleeping porch. Let me show the possibilities that await you when you fill a sunroom with so much more than ordinary patio furniture.
• Family Room
Turning your sunroom into a family room just seems like a natural thing to do. Bring in a bank of cushions along a window-filled wall, layer a soft carpet on the floor and top it off with a warm fireplace and you'll have everything thing you need to relax in total comfort.
If you can't build in a fireplace, check out the new options for ventless fireplaces. Just hang them on a wall and they're ready to provide a flickering flame that hypnotizes you whenever you need a rest from the fast pace of a busy day.
• Dining Room
Some of us long for a separate dining room in a smaller home. But, if you have a sunroom on your home, you've got the perfect space to convert into a gathering place to share food and fun. Clear it out, light it up and bring in your table and chairs - you'll be dining with a view of the great outdoors before you know it.
• Library
When you want a quiet place to read, a sunroom can be just what you're looking for. Install a long row of low-lying book shelves under the windows, bring in your reading materials and add a couple of over-stuffed chairs with lighting fixtures beside them. You may never want to leave.
• Music Room
You may not be able to fit your baby grand piano into your living room, but a decent-sized sunroom could hold it quite nicely. Mix your musical instruments with a kiss of sun and you'll have nature to inspire your melodic sounds.
• Sleeping Porch
Create a cozy sleeping nook on an enclosed porch or sunroom for an outdoor get-away that allows you to nap with the sweet sounds of singing birds or the fresh scent of pine. Just a small bed, side table and comforter can easily outfit your outdoor sleeping paradise.
Check out the pictures and inspiration for this article in the Sunrooms ideabook on Houzz. You're sure to find an idea for turning your sunroom into a gathering place you can enjoy with friends and family.
Enjoy more home decor ideas from Terry Mulligan:
10 Tips to Take Your Next Decorating Project Over the Top
