Solarium vs. Sunroom: Pros, Cons, and Costs

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.

Key Differences Between a Solarium and a Sunroom 

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.

What Is a Sunroom?

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.

Best for: Homeowners on a budget looking for a sunny spot to relax or grow plants.

Sunroom Pros

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

Sunroom Cons

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

What Is 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.

Best for: Homeowners with a bigger budget looking for extra sunlight and a more luxurious place to relax. 

Solarium Pros

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

Solarium Cons

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

Sunroom vs. Solarium: Every Attribute, Compared

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. 

View: Solarium

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: Sunroom

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. 

Energy Efficiency: Sunroom

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. 

Cost: Sunroom

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. 

Ease of Installation: Tie

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. 

Is a Solarium or a Sunroom Right for Your Home?

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.