While both let you soak up the sun indoors, they are not the same thing.

What Is a Solarium?

As a result, they are not the most energy-efficient option.

Porch with striped rug, two couches, and wooden table

Credit: Nathan Kirkman

Pros

Cons

What Is a Sunroom?

Sunrooms are rooms with many windows, though unlike solariums, they are not made entirely of glass.

There are two types of sunrooms: three-season and four-season.

open, vaulted sunroom ceiling and large corner sectional

Credit: Stacey Branford

Four-season sunrooms, in comparison, are integrated into the structure of the home and its existing HVAC system.

Insulated roofing, flooring, and walls control the room’s temperature so the space can be enjoyed year-round.

Four-season rooms tend to be more expensive and time-consuming to build, but they’re usable all year long.

Should You Pick a Solarium or a Sunroom?

While solariums and sunrooms may look similar, they are very different.

A sunroom is the way to goif you have the budgetand are looking to invest in your home.