Sunroom

The comforts of the indoors blend with scenic outdoor views for the best of both worlds.

Photography by Howard Lee Puckett

The Goal

This family wanted their screened-in porch to pull double duty. During the day, they planned for a laid-back space tailored for casual meals and downtime. By evening, they needed a spot that would accommodate game nights as well as adult get-togethers.

The Plan

Versatile shades, available by Special Order, are made from outdoor fabric and mounted in front of copper screens. The shades can be rolled up to let in sunshine and breezes, or they can be pulled down at night for a sense of enclosure. Strategic lighting, outdoor furniture, and quick-change accessories smooth the transition from a daytime hub to an evening retreat.

Sunroom The bed hangs securely from chains and hooks attached to ceiling joists. Connecting the chain to two points on each corner of the bed limits the swinging action, making it even more secure. The length of the chain can be adjusted to lower the swing's height.

"The children love having more playtime in the fresh air."

To find detailed step-by-step instructions, illustrations, and a list of tools and materials for building the hanging bed, view the Hanging Bed Project.

Good To Know

Copper screening works well with the warm color palette in this sunroom. A cool palette of blue, gray, and green would suit traditional silver-toned aluminum screening.

A red cedar-shade wood stain on the decking transitions well between day and evening: It glows warmly in the sun yet maintains its vibrancy after dusk falls.

Outdoor pillows, lamps, and other accessories can be swapped out easily to seasonally change the look of the room.

Easy Outdoor Living

Fabric shades are a simple solution for providing privacy without blocking too much fresh air. For a less expensive alternative, fruitwood or bamboo blinds would work well.
Weather-resistant outdoor fans add overhead lighting. The dark finish complements the furniture and accessories in the sunroom.
Varied seating—cushioned chairs, a love seat, swivel rockers, and sling-style dining chairs—suits the porch's different functions. The adjacent living and dining areas can easily join together as the occasion dictates.

Total Votes: 11

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Skillset: Advanced

Rough Cost Estimate: $4,980*

Furniture: $1,620
Outdoor blinds and screens: $2,360
Lighting: $410
Paint: $60
Accessories: $530

Rough Time Estimate: 4 days**

Furniture

Outdoor Dining Set (Devonshire; Table, #272925; Sling Chairs, #272924; Swivel Rockers, #272928)
Casual Furniture (Cushioned Chair, #272867; Love Seat, #272869***; Coffee Table, #272870; Side Table, #272868)

Outdoor Blinds And Screens

Roll-Up Shades (Textilene Linen Fabric, Special Order)
Copper Screen (Phifer, #142288)

Lighting

Outdoor Table Lamp (Wrought Iron, Black Finish, #27600)
Ceiling Fans (Harbor Breeze, #70085)

Paint

Deck Stain (Cabot, Red Cedar)

Accessories

Sisal Rug (Balta, #130702)
Vase Planter (#279805)
Bronze Star (#246086)
Outdoor Speakers (#248223)

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.

**Does not include lead time for Special Order materials.

***Availability varies by market.