Take Your Sunroom from Play Area to Sophisticated Sitting Room
As families grow and change, it often becomes necessary to repurpose rooms in your home. One space that can easily transition is a small sunroom off the kitchen. This cozy area may start as a playroom for young children, with toys scattered across the floor and bright, whimsical decor on the walls. But as kids grow up, the space can be transformed into a refined sitting area for adults to relax and unwind.
With some strategic decor decisions and compact, multifunctional furniture choices, you can create a stylish, peaceful oasis out of your former kid zone. Here are some tips to take your sunny little sunroom from a playtime palace to a sophisticated sanctuary.
Choose Small-Scale, Multipurpose Furniture
The first step in creating an adult sitting area in your petite sunroom is ensuring your furniture is appropriately sized for the space. A massive couch or oversized armchair will quickly overwhelm the room. Instead, look for compact pieces that serve multiple purposes.
Ottomans and Benches
An upholstered ottoman provides extra seating and can also function as a coffee table. Look for options with lift-top lids or internal storage to stash away clutter. Entryway benches are another great small-space solution - they offer seating and can house shoes or other items.
Tables for Two
A bistro table with two chairs is ideal for having breakfast in your sunroom or playing a game of cards. If space allows, nesting side tables provide surface area while taking up minimal space. Place stools or floor cushions around the bistro table when you want to accommodate more people.
Hanging Chairs
Suspended swing or pod chairs are cozy, compact options for small sunrooms. Hang one in a corner to utilize vertical real estate and create an inviting reading nook. Just be sure to anchor it properly into a sturdy ceiling beam.
Incorporate Bright, Airy Decor
To enhance the light and spacious feeling of your sun-filled room, decorate using breezy fabrics, light colors, and reflective accents.
Sheer Curtains
Take advantage of all that beautiful natural light by dressing windows with airy, semi-sheer curtains. They filter sunlight attractively while still allowing you to see the outdoors.
Mirrors
Strategically placed mirrors will bounce light around, making your petite retreat feel more open and bright. Lean one against a wall, hang it above a console table, or opt for a large statement piece.
Uplifting Color Scheme
Paint walls a soft white or neutral beige to create a clean backdrop. Then layer in textures and accents in light, cheerful hues like sky blue, buttery yellow, or creamy ivory. The colors will complement all the natural sunlight streaming in.
Maximize Every Inch of Space
Taking full advantage of vertical real estate and tucking storage into unexpected spots allows you to have a clutter-free, peaceful sanctuary - even in limited square footage. Get creative with these space-saving hacks.
Floating Shelves
Mount shelves high on your walls to display potted succulents, artful ceramics, or a colorful stack of coffee table books. Floating shelves keep items up and out of the way, giving the illusion of a more open room.
Entryway Storage Bench
Place a storage bench by the entry to your sunroom to accommodate mittens, hats, and shoes in one organized spot. Look for a design with removable lidded baskets to conceal the contents.
Dual-Purpose Furniture
Choose a narrow console table that can multitask - place behind your loveseat to hold lamps, then utilize the shelves below for basket storage. Sofa tables tucked beside seating also provide space for table lamps and accent pieces while organizing remotes or blankets in their built-in compartments.
Final Touches for Sophisticated Style
The finishing details will pull your small sunroom together into one cohesive, peaceful space. Incorporate layers of texture with rugs, pillows and throws. Add personalized character through a gallery wall display of artwork. The right lighting and greenery provide those final touches of coziness.
Texture and Warmth
Plush pillows, cozy blankets, and an area rug underfoot will make this retreat inviting. Solid textiles in soothing neutrals help maintain an uncluttered aesthetic. Incorporate natural textures like rattan or linen for an organic feel.
Soothing Greenery
Plants bring life and tranquility into any space. Potted palms, trailing ivy, and bamboo accents thrive in sunrooms. Arrange greenery on floating shelves, in floor baskets, or on pedestals in corners.
Table lamps, pendant lights, and even strung bulb lighting help create ambiance after the sun sets. Illuminate display shelves to highlight special objects. Position floor lamps beside seating to provide a reading nook.
You can transform your small sunroom into a stylish retreat with a carefullycurated mix of compact furniture, space-saving storage solutions, and light. Follow these tips to create a peaceful, elegant oasis just steps from your kitchen.