Looking for small sunroom ideas on a budget that doesn’t compromise on style? These 5 affordable tips will help you create a beautiful and functional space.
Sunrooms are the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without braving the elements. But let’s face it, decorating a small sunroom on a budget can be a bit of a challenge. You want it to feel bright, airy, and inviting, but you don’t want to break the bank decorating it.
I hear you! Today, I’ve got you covered with 5 budget-friendly decorating tips that will help you transform your small sunroom into a cheerful and functional space.
Get ready to let the light (and the good vibes) flood in!
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Watch the Video
Want to see my affordable sunroom ideas in real-time? Watch the video here.
My Small Sunroom’s Journey
Since moving here a few years ago, we’ve been steadily renovating each room on the main living floor. It started with the formal dining room, then the family room and front entry hall, and finally culminated in our four-season sunroom. (You can see each of the before and after makeovers here.)
The sunroom was once a kaleidoscope of heavy faux finishes. While impressive, I longed for a neutral palette that would let my houseplants shine in this light-filled space while bringing the beauty of my outdoor gardens in. The floor-to-ceiling windows were practically obscured by the bold designs, making it hard to appreciate the garden view.
After a complete makeover with fresh white paint, the sunroom now feels clean, airy, and inviting – the perfect spot to curl up with a good book. I can’t wait to show you the incredible transformation! Get ready to see how these small sunroom ideas on a budget made all the difference.
Define Your Sunroom’s Purpose – Plan Before You Buy
Before diving into decorating, take a moment to envision how you’ll use your sunroom. Will it be a home office, a cozy living room, or a tranquil reading nook?
Planning ahead saves money and prevents furniture mishaps down the line when shopping around for cheap sunroom decor.
Small Sunroom, Big Potential
Our sunroom is on the cozy side, measuring roughly 11×13 feet. With a few wall juts accommodating the adjacent library, space is at a premium.
This meant being mindful of furniture choices to avoid overwhelming the room. Plus, I needed space for starting seeds indoors during winter for my cutting garden.
So, flexibility was key! Before buying anything, I envisioned how we’d use the space. It needed to accommodate both relaxation and my gardening hobby.
I opted for two comfy swivel chairs, allowing us to face the backyard gardens or turn inwards for cozy library views. Keeping furniture away from the windows ensured ample light for my numerous houseplants.
A three-tiered side table and a boho poof ottoman added function and style without crowding the space. Now, it’s the perfect spot to savor a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with Chris, bathed in natural light.
Let me share 5 affordable sunroom ideas that will turn transform your room into a stylish and functional space.
5 Small Sunroom Ideas on a Budget
1. Repurpose and Upcycle – Give Old Treasures a New Life
One of my favorite ways to decorate on a budget is to repurpose and upcycle old furniture and decor. It’s amazing what a little paint, some new fabric, or a bit of creativity can do!
- Turn an old window into a charming coffee table.
- Use wooden crates as rustic shelves to display plants or books.
- Give that outdated armchair a fresh coat of paint and a new cushion. I’ve actually painted my furniture fabric instead of re-upholstering and it looks great! You can see a before and after bench remodel here.
The point is, the possibilities are endless! Get creative and see what cool items you can find around your house or at your local thrift store. This is the truly the easiest and best way to decorate a space on a dime!
2. Embrace Natural Light – Let the Sunshine In!
In a small sunroom, natural light is your best friend. It creates an airy and inviting atmosphere while making the room feel more spacious. If you grow plants like I do, they LOVE that natural light, particularly during the winter when daylight hours are at a premium.
However, the choice of window treatments is a personal one, depending on your preferences and the style of your sunroom windows.
Soften the Look
If you prefer a softer look or need privacy at times, consider adding shades made from natural materials like bamboo or linen. They’ll filter the light gently while still allowing you to enjoy the view.
Bare is Beautiful
I love the architectural details of our sunroom’s windows and wanted to showcase them, so I opted to skip window treatments altogether. This also aligns with my budget-friendly approach, as window treatments can get pricey.
We love the open feel and the connection to our backyard zen garden, so we’re keeping our sunroom windows bare for now. It’s all about personal preference!
3. Add Greenery – Bring the Outdoors In
Plants are a great way to add life, personality, and color to any room. They’re especially perfect for a sunroom where they can bask in natural light.
- If you’re on a budget, try propagating plants from cuttings or check out your local plant swaps.
- Choose plants that thrive in bright, indirect light, like succulents, ferns, or spider plants.
Not only will they add beauty to your space, but they’ll also help to purify the air.
Embrace Your Inner Plant Parent (or Not!)
If you’re not confident in your plant-care skills, start with easy-care, low-maintenance options that are hard to kill. Some great choices that I started with include:
- Pothos
- Christmas Cactus
- Aloe
- Peace Lilly
- Philodendron
- Monstera Plant
- Zz Plant
- Monstera
- Anthurium
- Snake Plant
- Spider Plant
- Pilea Plant
Size Matters
While large plants like my beloved Monstera and Lacy Tree Philodendron make a statement, they can overwhelm a small sunroom. So I prefer to spread them throughout my home to avoid overcrowding in my small sunroom.
Light it Up – Right!
Consider your sunroom’s location and the light needs of your plants. South-facing sunrooms can be intense for low-light plants, while north-facing ones might not provide enough sun for high-light lovers. Watch how your plants adapt to each location and tweak if necessary. They will let you know if they love where they are or not!
Boost Humidity
If you’re serious about growing houseplants in your sunroom, I strongly recommend adding a humidifier, especially during dry winter months. While some low-maintenance plants can tolerate dry air, others, like Boston ferns, need that extra humidity to thrive. Humidifiers like this one are a worthwhile investment for happy, healthy plants.
Faux-Realness
Alternatively, or even in combination with real plants, consider adding a few faux plants to green up your space. I often mix faux and real plants, and even Chris can’t tell the difference! There are so many realistic faux options available these days.
Now my gardener friends may balk at this thought, but I move most of my houseplants outdoors during the summer months. So having faux blooms and plants can keep the color going indoors without the maintenance.
4. Create a Cozy Seating Area – Relax and Unwind
A sunroom should be a place where you can relax and unwind, so comfortable seating is a must.
- Consider using floor cushions, bean bags, or a hammock for a laid-back vibe.
- If you’re looking for something more traditional, keep an eye out for secondhand furniture or try your hand at building your own pallet furniture.
The key is to create a seating area that invites you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sunshine.
5. Personalize with Accessories – Add Your Unique Touch
Finally, don’t forget to personalize your sunroom with accessories that reflect your unique style. for example, scour thrift stores for vintage finds, create your own artwork, or display family photos.
Adding Cozy Decor
Add seasonal throw pillows and cozy blankets to create a cozy, lived-in look. I went higher end with my throw pillows in here because my dogs will not be on this furniture and I wanted to create a boho farmhouse look for this space.
While these throw pillow covers are not as budget-friendly as others, do what makes your heart sing and speaks to you.
Don’t forget the finishing touches! Cozy throw blankets, a captivating book collection, woven wall baskets, and other personal treasures will transform your sunroom into a welcoming space you’ll never want to leave.
Lighting
If there is no overhead lighting, you may want to tuck in some floor lamps or table lamps for accent or task lighting. Our sunroom has recess lights, so for now, I am going to live with the lighting as is.
Anchor Your Space with an Area Rug
- An area rug not only adds warmth and coziness but also helps to define the seating area in your sunroom.
- Consider a natural fiber rug like jute, which can handle humidity better than traditional rugs, especially if you have lots of plants.
- Choose a rug that complements your existing flooring and furniture. If you have patterned tiles like mine, a neutral rug can create balance.
- I opted for a simple jute rug, but if my floors were plainer, I would have loved a checkerboard jute rug for a touch of visual interest.
More About My Small Sunroom Ideas on a Budget
I can’t believe the transformation of sunroom. I knew this space would look beautiful when we first bought the house and I love the transformation. What a differene, right?
Decorating a small sunroom on a budget doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can transform your space into a beautiful and inviting retreat. So get started today and enjoy your sunny sanctuary!
For more boho sunroom inspiration, check out this article from Homemade Graceful.
Gah! Gotta grab a book and settle in. Thanks for dropping by the blog today!
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
More Before and After Ideas
Do you love seeing a good before and after? Me too! Wait until you see these total transformations!
- Before and After Sunroom Renovation
- Dining Room Before and After Part I
- Dining Room Before and After Part II
- Front Entry Hall Makeover Project
- Family Room Makeover in 1850 Farmhouse
- Painting a Piano
- Heirloom Bench Before and After
- Painting Fabric on a Chair
- How to Paint Wood Cabinets with Chalk Paint
- How to Refinish Wood Cabinets with Gel Stain
- Chalk Paint Kitchen Cabinets FAQ
- Painting Upholstery With Chalk Paint FAQ
