Decorating Ideas for Solariums

Plants

• Adding plants to a solarium is almost a requirement for such a room. The type of plants chosen will depend on the main use of the room. If it is a place where adults relax and sip coffee or read a book, use plenty of plants, including large varieties, to fill one or more corners of the room. Ferns and flowers give the solarium a tropical feel, though too many plants can make the room feel cramped or small. A mix of hanging and floor or tabletop plants helps bring in the outdoors without using up all of the space.

Light

• By its nature a solarium has a lot of light coming in, which is both the best and the worst feature of this type of room. A well-lighted solarium can seem to be a part of the outside world, and these rooms typically have plenty of windows as well as skylights that let in the light. The problem comes from too much of a good thing. Continued strong sunlight can make the room too hot, fade furniture, burn plants and damage books and electronics. Window blinds that coordinate with the rest of the room can help control the light. Blinds should be a light color to preserve the sun room feeling. Natural wood or blinds in natural colors work well in a solarium.

Furniture

• In keeping with the overall ambiance of the room, solarium furniture is typically light in appearance and color. Natural materials, such as wicker and bamboo, tend to work much better than heavy upholstery or leather. A solarium should never be stuffed with too much furniture. The room should contain just enough of what will actually be used. Light, delicate pieces work best, when decorating a solarium, to maintain the overall feeling of the room.

Storage

• As with the rest of the furniture, storage in a solarium is best when minimized. Avoid big, heavy pieces and opt instead for storage that fits the lightness and airiness of the room. Wicker trunks and baskets often work well in a solarium, as do open shelves. Depending on the room, wrought iron painted in light colors can be used for accent pieces, but the metal should look delicate rather than overly heavy. Built-in cupboards can store almost anything without overwhelming the room.