You’ve decided to upgrade your outdoor living area and turn it into an actual room, but should you go with a sunroom or a Florida room? Is there even a difference between the two? The words often get used interchangeably, but there are a few definite differences.
Let’s break it down.
Florida room
Florida rooms originated during the early 20th century when the state became a popular destination for vacationers and retirees. Homeowners began to add enclosed outdoor rooms to their investment to take advantage of the radiant sunshine and subtropical climate. Typically, a Florida room contains extra large windows or screened-in areas to allow light and fresh air to flood the space. Simultaneously, they do a great job at keeping all the bugs and mosquitoes that thrive here out.
Sometimes referred to as a Florida porch, these structures typically attach to the outside of the house. An existing lanai or porch area can be upgraded and transformed into a Florida room, but they don’t have to be an afterthought! Many homeowners design the outdoor space right along with their home’s initial floor plan. It’s perfect for relaxing outdoors while being protected from the elements.
A mesh screen enclosure is a popular option for creating a Florida room. They’re affordable which is a big plus, of course. The screens allow a clear view of your surroundings while at the same time providing you with an added level of privacy.
Our mild winter climate allows for use all year without investing in heating systems. A well-placed ceiling fan does a great job of keeping the area cooler during the warmer months. And because the screens allow air to circulate freely, mold and mildew will have a tough time getting started even when the humidity levels soar.
A screen enclosure isn’t going to provide you with a large measure of UV protection, however, they do offer it to a degree because the harmful rays are filtered through the screen lessening their intensity.
Sunroom
Officially, sunrooms aren’t necessarily created as outdoor living spaces but, rather, they take advantage of a room in the home in which sunshine is abundant for most of the day. However, you can still add one to your existing home. Moreover, don’t forget that we’ve already established that the words “sunroom” and “Florida room” are often used interchangeably. Therefore, it makes sense that the term “sunroom” is often used to describe an outdoor living room in other parts of the nation.
Sunrooms can be created using skylights and large windows surrounding the exterior walls of the space anywhere in your home. Glass is often the preferred material used to allow access to the sun. If located within the home, they are often used as a reading nook or even a home office. The flood of sunshine makes them the perfect location for indoor plants and flowers as well.
Whatever you call it, enjoy!
If you’ve decided it’s time to enclose your outdoor living area, whether you call it a sunroom or Florida room is of little consequence. You will create a space that your family will enjoy for years to come. As a matter of fact, it’s likely to become your family’s new favorite gathering place!
Younger children will have a safe place to get some fresh air without you having to worry they might wander away if you are momentarily distracted. It’s the perfect spot to give older kids the feeling of sleeping outdoors too! They will love the adventure and be sheltered from biting bugs and blood-sucking mosquitoes as they sleep. Snakes and other wildlife won’t invade the space during the night either.
Some children find water irresistible. If you enclose your pool area, a quick flip of the lock will keep kids out of the area until you say they can be there.
If your elderly pet enjoys spending its time snoozing in the early morning sunlight, the enclosed area will keep them close should something in the yard catch their attention.
Other benefits too
The added level of privacy enhances relaxation as the outside world seems to fade into the background. You’ll be heading out to grab a bit of peace and quiet to rejuvenate after a long day’s work. Dining outdoors becomes a more enjoyable experience too. Family game nights may be more frequent too… just saying. Your family will be looking for reasons to spend time gathered there.
Your outdoor living area stays cleaner too—after any sleepover messes are straightened up that is. But that won’t take long and if you make it clear that cleanup is part of the deal, no worries! They will be looking forward to sleeping “out” again! When storms blow through in the night, you aren’t going to have to deal with cleaning up a mess before you can sit down and enjoy your morning coffee. You might still take a towel along incase the wind was whipping the rain through your screens though.
No matter what’s going on
Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just hanging out, your outdoor living room—maybe we should just call it a Florida sunroom—will bring joyful moments to all. Over and over again. Overall, there will be a whole lot of memory-making going on. Enjoy it while it lasts! Time moves quickly and before you know it, the kids will be out on their own. But it won’t be long until the grandkids are coming over… and will probably ask if they can sleep “outside.”
We’re guessing the answer will be, “Yes.”