What Is a Solarium?

A solarium is a type of addition that can be added to almost any home. It is a relatively simple room that is made primarily of glass, and it is a great option for adding more light and living space to your home. Learn more about what separates a solarium from a sunroom and how to design this unique, light-filled space. 

What Is a Solarium? 

A solarium is a room with walls and a glass roof that is often attached directly to a house, though some are freestanding. 

A solarium can be used for multiple purposes. Some are used as extra living space or for entertaining. These spaces include cozy features such as lounging chairs, a sofa, or even a hammock to emulate an outdoor feeling. Others are a sunny dining space, including a dining table or a small breakfast table.

Because of the ample sunshine, solariums can be used similarly to greenhouses and for growing many popular houseplants. Whatever this room is used for, its primary goal is to create a space with as much natural light as possible, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors while still being inside.  

Types of Sunrooms

The terms solarium, sunroom, and conservatory are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are all different forms of sunrooms.

1. Solarium

   A solarium is a room with glass walls and ceiling.

2. Classic Sunroom

   A proper sunroom, also known as a Florida room, has walls mostly made of windows. However, the frame and roof are made of traditional building materials that match the rest of the home.

3. Conservatory

   A conservatory has glass walls and a ceiling but also features gutters, finials, or decorative molding. It's an ornate solarium.

4. Freestanding Greenhouse

   A freestanding greenhouse with transparent walls and ceiling is another type of sunroom, although these structures are used solely for growing plants.  

5. Three- and Four-Season Sunrooms

   Three- and four-season sunrooms are two different types of sunrooms defined by whether they have heating. If a room does not have heat, then it is a three-season sunroom designed to be used spring through fall. A four-season sunroom can be used all year long.

What to Know Before Adding a Solarium

Before adding a solarium, consider the costs, ease of installation, and the pros and cons of an all-glass space.

Costs

The cost of building a solarium ranges between $30,000 and $75,000, which is more expensive than a three-season sunroom due to the cost of construction materials. However, solariums can deliver a 49 percent return on investment, meaning they will increase your home's value by about half of the cost of the addition.

Ease of Installation

Although there are prefab and stand-alone kits that could be a DIY project, a custom solarium addition requires hiring a pro to properly install the glass and ensure it’s built on a solid foundation. Before installation, always check with your local building codes to understand any requirements and permits needed.

Common Sizes

Solarium sizes can vary widely depending on their location and use, but you'll often find them in sizes like 12' x 12', 12' x 20', or 10' x 12'. They may be a square if they're are freestanding or built off one room, while a longer sunroom could span the length of the back of a house.

Pros and Cons of a Solarium

The pros of adding a solarium include bathing the room in sunlight while expanding the living space for relaxing, entertaining, and growing plants. An all-glass structure poses problems with temperature control, making this space challenging to use during the hottest and coldest times of the year. Glass requires regular cleaning and repairing of broken glass over time.

Design Tips for a Solarium

Solariums, with their all-glass design, can seem like tricky rooms to decorate, but remember the key rule: invite in as much sunlight as possible.

• Keep decorations minimal: Clutter makes a room feel dark, so keep the decor and furniture open and airy.
• Consider smaller, uncomplicated furniture: Avoid tall or heavy-looking furniture that will block the view to the outside. Consider a cafe table and chairs or an informal seating area.
• Get sunproof or temperature-proof furniture: Ensure the furniture is made from a durable material that can withstand changing temperatures and abundant sun exposure. When it is cold or hot outside, the inside of a solarium will be much chillier or hotter than the rest of the home. The beating sun can also discolor fabrics and wood.