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10 Inspiring Sunroom Design Ideas

Be inspired by our completed sunroom extensions

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Published: 18th March 2025
Sunroom Inspiration Overview

Sunroom extension ideas

A sunroom is the perfect way to bring natural light into your home while creating a versatile space for relaxation and entertaining. Whether you're looking for a cosy retreat or a bright and airy extension that seamlessly blends indoors with outdoors, a well thought through extension can transform your living space. Explore these inspiring ideas all drawn from completed projects by Vale Garden Houses, to spark inspiration for your own project.

1. Sunroom with retractable awning

This 1960s semi-detached house was transformed with the addition of a sunroom, improving natural light and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Architect Edward Hill reconfigured the layout, removing internal walls and integrating full-width bi-fold doors and a rooflight. Motorised blinds and curtains provided flexibility, ensuring a bright, open-plan living area that met the clients' needs and enhanced the home's functionality. To further control sunlight and maintain comfort, a retractable awning was installed on the exterior, offering shade when needed while preserving the airy, open feel of the space.

Multi use sunroom design
Sunroom designed with awning
Before picture of house without sunroom

2. Create the Mediterranean feel

Create a sunlit haven with warm terracotta flooring and rustic wooden furniture, bathed in natural light. A serene, sun-drenched retreat, perfect for relaxation.

Mediterranean feel sunroom
Mediterranean style sunroom

3. Incorporating a solid roof

Not all sunrooms require a glazed roof. With the sun streaming in during the earlier hours of the day and the solid roof ensuring the feeling of cosy seclusion, our client has created her dream recreational room. A dedicated space for knitting, reading, and taking in the sights of the lovely country garden, we think it's the perfect use for such a sweet little sunroom.

small solid roof sunroom external
small solid roof sunroom

4. Use of solid masonry walls

This elegantly designed space maximises panoramic countryside views with a floor-to-ceiling bay window and bifold doors leading to a new patio. In the summer, it serves as a bright and airy sunroom, while in the winter months, the addition of a solid gable wall and fireplace transforms it into a cosy snug.

bright and airy sunroom
patio outside sunroom
sunroom with masonry walls

5. Octagonal-shaped roof lantern

A little addition with plenty of architectural intrigue. This stunning sunroom fills with natural light, streaming in through the unique octagonal roof lantern, showcasing the endless possibilities and creative design choices available when crafting a sunroom.

sunroom with octagonal shaped roof lantern
Sunroom with doors open
sunroom rooflight close up

6. Comfortable furniture choices

Create a cosy sunroom with comfortable, laid-back furniture. Wicker or rattan seating with deep cushions offers a casual, inviting feel, while weather-resistant materials ensure durability. Add soft throws and textured cushions for extra comfort, making the space a perfect retreat.

sunfilled room
room with relaxed furniture

7. Sunrooms with wallpaper or murals

While many clients prefer a painted finish, wallpaper or murals offer a stylish alternative, adding texture, depth, and personality to a sunroom. With options ranging from subtle patterns to bold designs and scenic murals, these sunrooms are visually captivating and create an entirely unique atmosphere, unlike any other room in the home.

Sunroom with flower wallpaper
Wallpaper in sunroom
Foliage inspired wallpaper

8. Rooms with folding doors

Folding doors are a great design choice to maximise light, airflow, and views in sunrooms, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. They allow the room to open up fully onto the garden for an airy, open feel while enhancing style and functionality by creating the ideal space for entertaining throughout the summer months.

Sunroom with folding doors open
Folding doors on a sunroom
Folding doors to outside dining area

9. Sunrooms with bronze screens

With abundant natural light pouring through expansive full-height screens, sunrooms like the one below can be crafted using bronze screens from our sister company, Architectural Bronze, specialists in bespoke bronze windows, doors, and screens.

garden room with bronze windows
Sunroom with bronze screens

10. Sunroom with complementary roof light

This London townhouse was remodelled to create a bright, open living space suited to the owners' evolving needs. A new sunroom with large glazing panels, arched doors, and improved indoor-outdoor flow replaced the outdated kitchen and conservatory. The additional rooflight above the cooking area enhances natural light, while extended space and removed walls make the home more open and connected for family life and entertaining.

Sunroom with complementary roof light
light filled sunroom

Sunroom design considerations

A well-designed sunroom should be both stylish and practical, making the most of natural light while ensuring durability. Choosing the right materials, colours, and furnishings will help create a comfortable and long-lasting space. Below are key design considerations to enhance your sunroom's beauty and functionality.

Fade resistant furniture

Explore Fade-Resistant Furniture

Sunrooms receive plenty of sunlight, so it's important to choose furniture that can withstand prolonged exposure without fading. Wicker furniture, especially synthetic resin wicker, is an excellent choice as it maintains its colour and strength over time. Other fade-resistant options include powder-coated metal and treated hardwoods, both of which offer durability and style for sun-filled spaces.

Opt for Light & Fade-Resistant Colours

Lighter shades reflect sunlight, keeping the space cooler and reducing the visibility of fading over time. Soft neutrals, pastels, and natural tones work well. Where possible opt for fabrics that won't fade. Solution-dyed acrylics are durable and UV-resistant, while polyester blends offer fade resistance and easy care.

Sunroom with light colours
Wicker furniture in a sunroom

Use Natural & Durable Materials

For a long-lasting and stylish sunroom, choose durable natural materials. Wicker or rattan furniture is lightweight and resilient, while teak or metal frames withstand sun and moisture. Glass or stone tabletops are also excellent choices, offering heat resistance and easy maintenance.

Incorporate Indoor-Outdoor Accessories

Design your sunroom with accessories that blend style and durability. Weather-resistant rugs, made from synthetic or natural fibres like jute or sisal, add texture and warmth. Potted plants, such as palms or succulents, bring in greenery that thrives in bright spaces.

Sunroom with plants
Blinds in a sunroom

Use of blinds

Blinds play a crucial role in managing sunlight, protecting furnishings, and enhancing privacy. Many of our clients opt for motorised blinds, which offer the convenience of adjusting light levels throughout the day with a remote control.

More Project Inspiration

We hope this collection of sunroom design ideas has inspired you for your own project. For more examples, explore our inspirational gallery featuring a variety of different room types. Alternatively, browse our case studies for detailed insights into individual projects.

View Gallery View Case Studies

Speak to our design team or request a brochure

Vale Garden Houses have the expertise to help you design and build an extension to your home that meets your needs and complements your property. We have over 40 years of experience designing and manufacturing bespoke conservatories and can work with you to create a conservatory that suits your style, space, and budget. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you bring your project to life.

Request Your Brochure

Complete our online form to download or receive by post our inspirational 108-page brochure featuring an extensive collection of conservatories, orangeries and rooflights.

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