Sunroom

A sunroom is a glass-enclosed room attached to a house, designed to admit abundant natural light while providing protection from the weather. Also known as a solarium, conservatory, or Florida room depending on the region and construction type, the sunroom concept evolved from the orangeries and conservatories of 17th-century European estates, where glass structures were built to protect citrus trees and exotic plants during cold winters. The Victorian era saw the conservatory become a fashionable addition to middle-class homes, used for entertaining, growing plants, and enjoying natural light. In modern residential design, sunrooms serve as versatile transitional spaces between the fully conditioned interior and the outdoors. They are used as sitting rooms, breakfast nooks, plant rooms, home offices, and playrooms, offering the psychological benefits of natural light and garden views while remaining comfortable in all weather conditions. Sunroom construction ranges from three-season rooms with single-pane glass and no climate control to fully insulated, four-season rooms with double-pane low-E glass, heating, and air conditioning that function as true year-round living spaces. The choice between these options depends on the local climate, intended use, and budget.