Clever Hacks To Make A Sunroom In A Home That Doesn't Have One

We all dream of having a sunroom awash in natural light. A space where we can lounge, dine, and host in the comfort of our homes — while overlooking the views outside. Ah, sounds like bliss! But really, have you seen how much it costs to build a sunroom from scratch? You're looking at tens of thousands of dollars before it's ready to use. That's not to say your dream of having a light-filled sanctuary has to end. You could just fake a sunroom, instead. One easy option is to upgrade your artificial lighting. Another more extensive one is to add new windows to an existing wall. Even small changes, like bringing in airy furnishings, can help deliver sunroom vibes.

Just like a real sunroom, a faux sunroom provides extra space that you can enjoy year-round, no matter the season or weather. It's up to you whether you want to keep it purely for relaxation or have it pull multiple functions. The only requirement is that the room should have at least one window. This could be a corner of your dining room or bedroom. Heck, a kitchen can also double as a makeshift sunroom without the hefty price tag. Either way, bonus points if the area already has a floor-to-ceiling glass wall.

Starting with the larger-scale redo — installing windows and skylights in your chosen room. Before you roll your eyes, remember that the whole point of a sunroom is to let sunlight in. And there's no better way to improve natural light in a home than by adding more glass panels where possible. Although prices may vary, expect to pay around $600 per window and another $1,000+ if installing a skylight. Of course, this isn't exactly an affordable project, but may be worth considering compared to a full-blown sunroom addition.

Working with a smaller budget? No problem. Simply hang a mirror opposite or next to your existing window to bounce natural light around the faux sunroom. This will give the illusion that the nook is bright and spacious; even if it's not. Likewise, you can also paint or paper the walls (and ceiling) in a light hue, like white or pastel yellow, to brighten things up even further. Pair this with full-spectrum light bulbs, such as the Neporal 6000K Full Spectrum Light Bulb, and the room is well on its way to imitating sunlight.

Last but not least, style the space like you would decorate a sunroom. Arrange your seating to face the windows. Include a table for added functionality. Hang sheer drapes. Roll out a rug. Toss in some colorful throw pillows. And don't forget to feature plenty of greenery.