Bring in the sunlight and soak up the views
Sunrooms typically cost $20,800-$72,000, while solariums range from $30,000 to $75,000.
Solariums offer more sunlight and unobstructed views.
Sunrooms are easier to clean and maintain.
Many homeowners love the idea of having a room filled with natural light where the line between indoors and nature blurs. If you’re considering adding such a space, you may be debating between a solarium and a sunroom. Both let in lots of sunshine, but there are some key differences between the two. Our guide to a solarium vs. sunroom will help you choose the right one for your home.
It all comes down to the amount of glass. A sunroom is a room with large windows (or sometimes, walls made entirely of glass) and a standard ceiling. A solarium, meanwhile, has walls and ceilings made of glass, much like a greenhouse.
Sunrooms are a broad category of structures that include enclosed porches, screened-in rooms, and conservatories. Sunrooms have a standard ceiling and walls of glass or large windows. They’re sometimes called three-season or four-season rooms, depending on the design and insulation. Four-season rooms typically have double- or triple-pane glass to increase energy efficiency during hotter and cooler months.
Sunrooms tend to be more affordable than solariums, but there are a few important factors to consider before adding one to your home.
| Sunroom Pros | Sunroom Cons |
|---|---|
| Less expensive than solariums | Not as much natural light |
| Can be insulated | Lower ROI |
| Low maintenance | Still have a high upfront cost |
| Offers more privacy | Not as luxurious |
Best for: Homeowners on a budget looking for a sunny spot to relax or grow plants.
Sunrooms are generally less expensive than solariums, though sunroom costs still run between $20,800 to $72,000. Their benefits include:
Can be insulated for three- or four-season use
Easier to maintain than a solarium, because there’s less glass to clean
Greater sense of privacy
Sunrooms can come with some downsides, including:
Doesn’t let in as much natural light as a solarium
May not improve ROI
Not as aesthetically pleasing as a solarium
A popular addition in scenic locations, solariums let you enjoy the sunshine and the outdoors from the protection of a fully enclosed space. Similar to a greenhouse, a solarium is a wonderful place to grow plants, thanks to ample light.
Before investing in a solarium, consider the pros and cons of this somewhat pricey home addition.
| Solarium Pros | Solarium Cons |
|---|---|
| Allows for lots of sunlight | Costs more than a sunroom |
| More beautiful and luxurious | Less privacy |
| Better for growing plants | May let in too much sunlight and get hot |
| Unobstructed views of nature | Requires more maintenance |
Best for: Homeowners with a bigger budget looking for extra sunlight and a more luxurious place to relax.
Solariums create a versatile indoor space bathed in light. Additionally, solariums:
Offer nearly unobstructed views
Provide an ideal space for gardening and displaying plants
More beautiful and luxurious atmosphere than a sunroom
Solariums require considerable maintenance, including cleaning the glass panels inside and out. Additionally, replacements may be pricey if one of the glass panels gets broken. Other potential downfalls of solariums include:
More expensive than sunrooms to build, costing between $30,000 to $75,000
Can get hot in warm weather and cold when temperatures drop
Offers less privacy than sunrooms
As you decide between a sunroom and a solarium, carefully consider how and when you’ll use the space. Factors such as energy efficiency and ease of maintenance will likely sway your decision.
The glass walls and ceiling of a solarium let you view the stars and landscape with little to no obstruction. Sunrooms offer a better view than a standard room, but they can’t compete with the immersive experience of a solarium. Keep in mind that while a solarium offers great views outside, that also means there's very little privacy.
Maintenance goes up the more windows there are to clean. Solariums are primarily glass, so you could spend considerable time washing the interior and exterior. Sunrooms may have large windows that require more cleaning than a standard room, but they’re still lower maintenance than solariums.
Both solariums and sunrooms frequently use double- or triple-pane glass to increase their energy efficiency. You can also install fans to circulate air when the temperature spikes. However, solariums are still prone to temperature fluctuations and can feel noticeably warm or cold. In contrast, a sunroom’s ceiling provides more insulation for better temperature control.
Sunrooms cost between $20,800 and $72,000 on average, while solariums cost approximately $30,000 to $75,000. The price depends on the room’s size, location, and design. In general, a sunroom is easier to add onto an existing structure, and the cost of materials tends to be lower than what’s needed for a solarium.
You can buy prefab kits for sunrooms and solariums, making them a possible DIY project if you have some building experience. You’ll need to ensure you have all permits and the know-how to protect the existing structure if you’re adding to your house. You may want to hire a local sunroom pro to protect the value of your investment.
How do you want to use your space? A sunroom with adequate insulation could provide year-round use as a sunny dining or lounge area. Solariums offer the best views if you want to feel at one with nature without being exposed to weather and insects. Ultimately, you should pick your sunny escape based on your budget and lifestyle.
