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Designing and furnishing a sunroom can feel overwhelming. Unlike a living room or bedroom, there isn’t always a clear “blueprint” to follow. A sunroom blends indoor comfort with outdoor views, which means the furniture, flooring, and accessories need to serve both purposes.
Michelle MacLellan, an interior designer at La-Z-Boy Hunt Club, explains, “Everyone has a different style they go for when creating the ‘perfect sunroom’; there is no clear way to design these rooms.”
That’s why it’s important to focus on function, comfort, and flow. Whether your sunroom will be a quiet reading nook, a bright family lounge, or a dining retreat, these practical steps will help you create a room that feels natural and inviting.
Key Takeaways:
- Maximize natural light with large windows, glass doors, or skylights to create a bright and welcoming space.
- Arrange furniture strategically to capture the best views of the sunrise, sunset, or surrounding scenery.
- Define the purpose of your sunroom before buying furniture so you can choose pieces that fit your lifestyle, whether that’s lounging, dining, or working.
- Maintain balance and avoid clutter by keeping one clear focal point, such as a fireplace, TV, or an outdoor view.
- Select durable flooring and upholstery that can withstand sunlight, high traffic, and potential moisture, while still maintaining a stylish appearance.
- Maintain design consistency with the rest of your home while investing in comfortable, versatile La-Z-Boy furniture to bring the space together.
In This Article…
- Focus On Letting in Natural Light
- Arrange Furniture Around the Sun
- Define the Purpose of Your Showroom
- Choose a Focal Point
- Create the Illusion of Space
- Select Practical Flooring
- Add Decorative Touches
- Pick the Right Upholstery (No Leather)
- Keep Consistency with Your Home’s Style
- Sunroom Furniture Examples at La-Z-Boy
- FAQs About Furnishing a Sunroom
1. Focus On Letting in Natural Light
A sunroom should feel bright and airy. If your current space feels dim, enlarging windows or adding a skylight can transform it. Modern skylights now feature UV coatings and venting options to reduce heat buildup, making them both stylish and functional.
Michelle recalls a client who designed a sunroom connected to a darker living area. “Their living room had absolutely no windows, so enlarging windows allowed the feel of the living room to match the sunroom.”
If a renovation isn’t possible, lighter paint colours, mirrors, and sheer curtains can help reflect and enhance the natural light you do have.
If you’re interested in learning more about Tips for Living Room Lighting, take a look at this article.
2. Arrange Furniture Around the Sun
Furniture placement is one of the most important elements of sunroom design. Positioning chairs and recliners toward windows allows you to fully enjoy morning or evening sunlight.
Michelle explains, “Some people may prefer seeing the sunrise or the sunset. Maybe you want to see if your room allows you to do that.”
If direct sunlight bothers your eyes, angle your furniture so the sun comes in from the side. Swivel chairs are especially useful in sunrooms because you can adjust your seating position easily throughout the day.
To learn more about Furniture Placement Tips, take a look at this article.
3. Define the Purpose of Your Sunroom
Before buying furniture, ask yourself: What role will this sunroom play? Will it be a cozy reading nook, a dining space for meals with a view, or perhaps a flexible home office?
Michelle points out that many people became more creative with their spaces during the pandemic. A sunroom that doubles as a home office is now a popular choice, while others still prefer it as a casual lounge or entertaining area.
Having a clear purpose will make it much easier to choose the right furniture. For example, a dining-focused sunroom calls for a durable table set, while a lounging sunroom might benefit from recliners and a plush sofa.
4. Choose a Focal Point
Every room feels more comfortable when it has one main focal point. This might be a fireplace, a TV, or simply the view outside.
Michelle cautions against overloading the space. “If your room has more than one focal point, it can create a busy room, which isn’t ideal.”
For example, if you want a fireplace, position it along the same wall as your windows so the view and the fireplace work together as one focal feature. This keeps the design intentional and balanced.
5. Create the Illusion of Space
If that is outside your budget, you can still create the illusion of space. Choose lighter paint tones, avoid bulky furniture, and use glass-topped tables to keep the room visually open. Even a well-placed area rug can define space without making the room feel smaller.
6. Select Practical Flooring
Flooring sets the tone for your sunroom. If the room connects to your backyard or a pool, consider tile, vinyl plank, or waterproof laminate that can handle moisture. These options are durable and easy to clean.
If you prefer a warmer feel, engineered hardwood is an excellent choice. To soften the look and add comfort underfoot, layer area rugs throughout the space. Michelle recommends rugs as a way to add warmth and character, while also protecting flooring from fading.
To learn more about Area Rug Placement Tips in a Living Room, take a look at this article.
7. Add Decorative Touches
Michelle notes that rustic or farmhouse elements remain popular for sunrooms. Exposed beams or shiplap accents can create a cozy, woodland feel.
For a budget-friendly alternative, use decorative baskets, textured throws, or patterned pillows to capture the same effect without major renovations.
To learn more about How to Decorate Your Living Room, take a look at this article.
8. Pick the Right Upholstery (No Leather)
One of the first recommendations Michelle makes is to avoid leather furniture in a sunroom. While durable, leather fades quickly under direct sunlight.
“Fabric can also be damaged by the sun, but it wouldn’t have the same effects as leather would,” she explains.
Instead, choose fabric upholstery. La-Z-Boy offers performance fabrics like iClean® and pet-friendly materials that hold up well against spills, sunlight, and everyday use. These fabrics are a smart investment for long-lasting comfort.
To learn more about the comparison between Fabric vs Leather Furniture, take a look at this article.
9. Keep Consistency with Your Home's Style
While it’s tempting to experiment, your sunroom should still feel connected to the rest of your home. Using completely different colours or styles can make the space feel disjointed.
Michelle emphasizes the importance of cohesion. “We want every room in the house to match… if one room takes on a completely different look, people will notice and might feel out of place.”
This doesn’t mean the sunroom can’t have personality. Simply pull in colours, patterns, or finishes that echo your living room or dining area so the flow between spaces feels natural.
Sunroom Furniture Examples at La-Z-Boy
Swivel Accent Chairs
Models like the Ferndale and Reegan swivel chairs are ideal for sunrooms. With 360-degree rotation, you can shift toward the view, the fireplace, or your family without moving the chair itself.
Rocking Recliners
The Rowan Recliner is a perfect sunroom addition. It blends sleek style with a smooth rocking motion, making it great for relaxing with a book or enjoying the sunset. Available in both manual and power versions.
Compact Sofas and Sofa Beds
The Duo® collection looks like a stationary sofa but includes hidden reclining features, making it perfect for smaller sunrooms. For larger spaces, sofa beds are a practical option, especially under skylights where guests can fall asleep under the stars.
Hammary Leone Tables
The Leone occasional table collection includes nesting end tables, a round coffee table, and a sofa table. Their rustic finish complements natural light and adds warmth to a sunroom. To see more about Hammary, take a look at this review article.
Canadel Custom Dining Furniture
If you want to use your sunroom for dining, Canadel’s Champlain and Core collections are excellent choices. Their customizable rustic wood finishes pair beautifully with sunlit spaces, allowing you to design a dining set that reflects your style.
FAQs About Furnishing a Sunroom
Can you put a sofa in a sunroom?
Yes, but opt for fabric instead of leather. Compact sofas or sofa beds work well in sunrooms that need flexibility.
What’s the best flooring for a sunroom?
Tile and waterproof vinyl are the most durable, while engineered hardwood provides a warm, upscale look. Add rugs for comfort and style.
Is leather good for a sunroom?
No. Leather fades and cracks quickly in sunlight. Fabric is the preferred choice for durability and style.
What's Next?
Now that you know how to furnish a sunroom, it’s time to bring your vision to life. La-Z-Boy offers a wide range of comfortable, customizable furniture that works beautifully in sunlit spaces.
Visit a La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston showroom to test out sunroom furniture in person, or schedule a design consultation online. Our design consultants, including experts like Michelle, can help you choose the right fabrics, finishes, and layouts to match your style.
Take advantage of our complimentary design services to transform your sunroom into the most-loved space in your home.
To learn more about La-Z-Boy home decor selections and living room furniture, take a look at our comprehensive Home Decor and Living Room Furniture Buyer’s Guide.
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