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A few months ago, I revealed this room as a cozy reading sunroom. Now, I’m showing this room as a dining room and sunroom combo! I love to maximize my wardrobe, so it should come as no surprise that I love to maximize my home as well. If you’re like me and you like to have a separate place to eat and entertain, but you don’t want a room to sit unused most of the time, then this is the idea for you.
With this current setup, we have a place for family dinners but also a cozy spot to relax and soak up some natural light. A dining room sunroom combo blends together both functionality and aesthetics. And the best part? I didn’t have to sacrifice one for the other!
This combination space has become my favorite spot in the house. From the furniture choices to the decor accents, I’ll walk you through our functional yet pretty dining room sunroom combo. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive in!
Conceptualizing the Dining Room Sunroom Combo: The Vision
Not everyone has the space, means, or want for a separate dining room and sunroom – and that’s no problem. Most people these days are trying to find the best way to make a home work for them in the space that they have, and sometimes that means combining rooms.
But combining rooms doesn’t also have to mean “cramped” or that you’ll sacrifice something! A dining room sunroom combo offers a multitude of benefits. First, it provides a versatile space that can be used for various purposes. You can host dinner parties in the dining area, enjoy breakfast in the sunroom, or even use the space as a home office or a cozy reading nook.
The combination of a dining room and a sunroom gives you the best of both worlds – a dedicated dining space and a bright, airy room that allows you to soak up natural light and enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your home, whether you’re enjoying a meal or simply relaxing in the sunroom.
As I conceptualized our dining room sunroom combo, I knew that I wanted it to be a versatile space that could easily transition from a casual dining area to a cozy lounge for relaxation. This meant choosing furniture and decor that was both practical and stylish, while also ensuring that it complemented the overall design of the room.
Choosing the Right Dining Table
table | chairs (similar) | rug | bowls | pillow | taper candles
When it comes to choosing the perfect dining table for your dining room sunroom combo, size is a crucial factor to consider. You want a table that fits well in the space and allows for comfortable seating but is not so big that you don’t have room for anything else.
But how do you determine the right size?
Lifestyle is the most important thing to consider. How do you actually envision using the space? Do you want a space just for your immediate family? Overflow for big events? Hosting formal dinner parties?
Round or oval tables are great for smaller spaces, as they allow for more flexibility in seating arrangements. Rectangular tables, on the other hand, are better suited for larger areas and can accommodate more guests.
Truthfully, we don’t host a lot of families and couples for dinner (I’m more of a themed party type of planner), so a 6 person table is perfect for our family of 4.
If you do like to host big groups, then an extendable table could be perfect for you as that gives you the freedom of breathing room and of adding more people to the table when you need it.
And as far as layout, place the table in an accessible spot if it’s something that will be used daily. Ours is used once a day for family dinner, so it’s located nearest to the French doors. This ensures we don’t have to zig-zag around any furniture to reach the table.
This area has served as a place for game night and a desk for working too!
Choosing the Perfect Furniture for The Lounge Area
Now that we’ve covered the dining part of the room, let’s talk about the furniture that makes up the cozy lounge area in the sunroom. After dinner (or any time of the day really) is the perfect time to relax, read a book, or enjoy a hot beverage while basking in the natural light. When selecting furniture pieces for this area, it’s important to consider both comfort and style.
To create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, I recommend starting with bookcases. Not only do they anchor the room and provide a focal point, but they serve a practical purpose to the reading lounge area and also provide a library study feel to the dining room.
When it came to the actual furniture, I wanted pieces that were not only stylish and practical but also able to seamlessly transition between a dining area and a cozy lounge. After much deliberation (and trying out different setups), I landed on two swivel chairs and an upholstered ottoman bench with blanket storage to bring this vision to life.
Thanks to the traditional design, these chairs are not only comfortable but also add a touch of refinement to the space. And the best part? They swivel!
Whether you want to have a conversation and face a friend opposite you, face the table and be a part of the dining area, or look out the window and read a book – you can. That’s the beauty of versatile furniture like swivel chairs. The ability to swivel allows you to easily turn and face different directions – perfect for a multipurpose space like this one.
I also included a coffee table/ottoman bench in the reading area. This serves as a convenient spot for drinks and snacks while relaxing, a footrest, blanket storage, or additional seating if needed.
And of course, a lamp is necessary to create the perfect reading nook!
Design Elements
Since we are lucky enough to have the woods in our backyard, I knew I wanted a natural, woodsy theme to complement my existing French Country style.
The walls have been painted a soft, creamy white and the taupe trim adds contrast and brings the woodsy outdoors in. I chose sage green as an accent color throughout the house because it’s calming and reminiscent of nature.
Greenery is strategically placed throughout the space, bringing a sense of freshness and life.
No matter the size of your room, cozy can be created wherever you are. Here’s to creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing!
Want to see this room without the dining table? Up Next: The Coziest Reading Room: Library Sunroom Reveal
