What Is a Solarium and How Is It Different from A Sunroom?

What Is a Solarium and How Is It Different from A Sunroom?
May 13, 2022

If you love the outdoor views, even on cooler days, consider installing a solarium. It's a simple living space that can improve your home aesthetics and take your relaxation to a whole new level.

Apart from making the most of the sun, this structure presents you with a variety of benefits. For example, it can increase your home’s resale value, add a sense of luxury, potentially reduce your electric bill, etc.

If you wish to learn more about solariums, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will attempt to shed some light on this amazing structure to help you determine if it’s a worthy investment. Read on to learn more.

What Is a Solarium?

A solarium, also referred to as a sunroom, is a structure designed to allow in abundant sunlight and optimal views of the immediate surrounding while sheltering you from the negative aspects of the environment. That includes rain, wind, snow, insects, cold, etc.

Solariums are usually made of glass and feature screen openings you can open and close at your will. They can be secured to your home’s exterior walls (wall-mounted) or placed anywhere in the backyard (free-standing). Either way, these structures will help you capture as much natural light as possible within them.

What Is the Purpose of Solarium?

A solarium works to trap and incorporate as much natural light as possible into your indoor space. As a result, it allows users to enjoy the outdoor feel while indoors. Since everything is enclosed, you can enjoy the weather and excellent views of the surrounding environment.

What is a Solarium BackyardWhat is a Solarium Backyard

What Can You Use a Solarium For?

A solarium provides you with a versatile room to chill and enjoy a fantastic outdoor view. But you can use the space for other purposes, including:

For Outdoor Entertainment

A solarium can make an excellent dedicated space for outdoor entertainment throughout the year. You can use the space as an outdoor bar when you have friends over. There's no need to run back and forth between the solarium and the kitchen to fetch drinks. You can use the space to store the drinks and cocktail-making supplies. You can even add a sink for rinsing your glasses.

Besides a bar, you can add table games like pool and others. This way, you, your family, and even guests can enjoy playing during the day or night. You can also add a few comfy seats for individuals to sit and talk as they enjoy the wonderful views of the immediate environment.

Alternatively, you can convert it to a playroom for your kids. Since it’s enclosed, you don’t have to worry that they will get exposed to harsh weather. The outdoor views will give them a feeling of freedom.

As A Family Room

A well-constructed solarium can help expand your family room or living space. But there are a few adjustments you need to make to convert the sun magnet into a workable all-season family space. For example, you can install radiant under-floor heating to keep toes warm during the cold season. A fireplace can also make a great heating option and a bonus focal point during gloomy days.

Sometimes you might prefer a dimmer atmosphere. If that’s the case, you can add shades or draw curtains over the windows so you can still control how much natural lighting enters the space. Window dressings, on the other hand, can help eliminate glare on your flat screen and improve the room’s aesthetics.

Solariums can also make perfect bird-watching spots for the family during spring and summer. As the colored leaves fall on the structure, it will bring in a feeling of being outside while being inside. Let’s not forget the amazing snow views during winter.

As An Extra Bedroom

You can also transform your solarium into a spare bedroom for yourself or guests. But you need to factor in the shape and size of the space because it will determine the layout of the extra bedroom. If it’s narrow, a queen-size mattress will end up eating the space. Maximize it by placing a twin-size bed or daybed.

If your solarium is larger, make the space cozier by adding bulkier pieces like desks, floor plants, candles, lamps, etc. This way, if you have a visitor over, he can feel comfortable and enjoy panoramic views of nature.

Solarium Sun RoomSolarium Sun Room

As An Office

In addition to being a great extra bedroom, a solarium can make an excellent home office. According to research, working in a space with natural light can improve your mental concentration, reduce stress levels, and promote a better quality of life. So, it makes sense to convert your glass structure into an office.

But before converting it, it’s wise to assess its condition. Wash the windows, replace broken windows, and so on. After that, partition the space into room zones, and allocate areas for your desk, bookshelf, table for big projects, and office supplies. Give your home office a splash of nature by introducing plants.

As A Craft Room

Do you like to paint or design clothes? Make use of natural light in solariums to create the best pieces. The structure makes a great craft or hobby room since it can hold all your crafting accessories. It's much better than converting your living room into a temporary craft space.

Get creative with the space to ensure it accommodates everything while providing you with an area to rest after a busy day of working.

As a Home Gym

Forget about going to the gym or swinging kettles in your garage. Sunrooms and solariums are the new home gym space, thanks to the natural sunlight. Remember, sunlight is the ultimate source of vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bone development.

Solariums are inviting and represent well-being and peace. So, it makes sense to use it as your space for self-care and fitness. You can use your solarium for a variety of exercises, including indoor bike rides, treadmills, kettlebell workouts, and yoga.

Another thing, solariums offer you an ideal space to work out free from a wet climate. You can even invite friends over to work out together, irrespective of the weather outside. You can also do your exercises anytime, whether during the day or night, in the comfort of your home.

As An Office

In addition to being a great extra bedroom, a solarium can make an excellent home office. According to research, working in a space with natural light can improve your mental concentration, reduce stress levels, and promote a better quality of life. So, it makes sense to convert your glass structure into an office.

But before converting it, it’s wise to assess its condition. Wash the windows, replace broken windows, and so on. After that, partition the space into room zones, and allocate areas for your desk, bookshelf, table for big projects, and office supplies. Give your home office a splash of nature by introducing plants.

As A Craft Room

Do you like to paint or design clothes? Make use of natural light in solariums to create the best pieces. The structure makes a great craft or hobby room since it can hold all your crafting accessories. It's much better than converting your living room into a temporary craft space.

Get creative with the space to ensure it accommodates everything while providing you with an area to rest after a busy day of working.

As a Home Gym

Forget about going to the gym or swinging kettles in your garage. Sunrooms and solariums are the new home gym space, thanks to the natural sunlight. Remember, sunlight is the ultimate source of vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bone development.

Solariums are inviting and represent well-being and peace. So, it makes sense to use it as your space for self-care and fitness. You can use your solarium for a variety of exercises, including indoor bike rides, treadmills, kettlebell workouts, and yoga.

Another thing, solariums offer you an ideal space to work out free from a wet climate. You can even invite friends over to work out together, irrespective of the weather outside. You can also do your exercises anytime, whether during the day or night, in the comfort of your home.

Wall Mounted GazeboWall Mounted Gazebo

Can You Use a Sunroom as A Greenhouse?

Sunrooms combine indoor comfort with the beauty of the surrounding nature. They have a variety of uses and can serve a wide range of purposes, including being a functional greenhouse.

If you love the sense of serenity brought by plants or just want to hone your gardening skill, you can transform your sunroom into a greenhouse and allow nature and life to thrive. For the best plant growth, your sunroom needs to be located in an area with full access to sunlight and with no shade.

The south-facing area of your home is ideal if you want to use your sunroom as a greenhouse. That’s because the structure will receive enough sun heat necessary for crop development. Also, you will need no additional source of heat like UV lights.

However, it’s also important to reduce overheating in the greenhouse, especially during the summer. You can use shingles of plywood to draw heat from the structure. Alternatively, you can use plant stands or brick tables that can absorb the extra heat energy.

Also, there are other necessities you might have to include in your sunroom to convert it into a functional greenhouse. They include:

  • Hose and pipes to water the crops
  • UV lights - For cold and cloudy days
  • Heat source - To keep plants warm during the cold season
  • Resting places

Do Solariums Get Hot in The Summers?

Most solariums from shelterlogic are designed to remain cooler than the surrounding environment, especially during summer. So, if your solarium or sunroom is overheating during summer, it’s not serving its purpose. And chances are you will use it less often and finally abandon it. Luckily, there are a few ways you can solve the overheating issues, including:

  • Improving airflow inside the structure
  • Installing sunroom blinds
  • Tinting and insulating the windows
  • Install a ceiling fan
  • Expand HVAC vents to the solarium

Can You Use A Solarium in the Winter?

You can use a solarium throughout the year, even during winter. However, during the cold season, you might have to include a heat source to make it more comfortable. Other ways you can keep your solarium warm during winter include:

  • Using a fan to circulate warm air
  • Installing weather strips to prevent moisture or rain from penetrating through the door or window
  • Insulation of the floor
  • Tinting your windows
  • Installing thermal curtains

How Do You Install a Solarium Kit?

First, you need to select an area where you will place the solarium kit. Ensure the location enjoys enough sun and has good drainage. Next, establish a firm foundation for your unit on a level and dry ground for better support. You can choose to build your foundation using wood or concrete. Either way, you need to lay a firm foundation that will act as a great base for your solarium kit.

If you have the experience and resources to assemble a solarium kit, then DIY installation is your best option. Otherwise, seek the help of a contractor to save time and money. Also, delegating the job to an experienced individual can give you peace of mind that the work will get executed without a hitch.

A Solarium Kit Is Worth the Investment

As you can see, a solarium offers you amazing benefits. It will flood your indoor space with natural light and offer you the best views of the immediate surroundings while shielding you from adverse weather elements.

Besides that, it will increase your home’s resale value, add extra living space, and help you save on electricity bills. A solarium or sunroom also has many uses, including a quiet sanctuary for reflection and contemplation, a green space for plants, a children’s play area, and a perfect home office.

Based on all this information, you can see why many individuals choose to invest in this beautiful living space. If you’re as convinced as we are, invest in one today!

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