Sunrooms – or, as they’re also known, solariums – can denote a certain level of status. For example, the sunroom in the White House, built in 1927 by President Calvin Coolidge and his wife Grace, has famously served as a place for generations of first families to relax, play cards, host friends, and watch football.
Today, sunrooms have become a popular addition to homes because they’re versatile and filled with light. Many people are adding them to their home for numerous reasons: a relaxing hangout for the family, secondary dining room, or even a home office.
Ken and Kathy Bogdan are two of these people: They recently added a sunroom to their home in Camp Hill, Pa. and installed a variety of vinyl sunroom windows from MI Windows and Doors. Their sunroom windows are the perfect example of a successful project, and can give you a blueprint for your own project.
The Undeniable Appeal of Sunrooms
The main attraction of a sunroom is natural light. Sunroom windows let you experience the warmth and brightness of the outdoors while staying protected from the weather. Natural light has many benefits, from improving mood and productivity to reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Sunrooms also provide a great view of nature, allowing you to feel connected to the outdoors whether you’re reading, working, or just enjoying a cup of coffee. These spaces become an oasis where you can enjoy the beauty of every season.
That’s certainly the case for the Bogdans: In addition to desiring a little extra space for their retirement years, the Bogdans also wanted large sunroom windows so they could look out on their beautiful backyard.
What Are the Best Windows for a Sunroom?
The best windows for a sunroom depend on your climate, the features you want (like whether you want them to open), and your own personal preferences. Here are a few of the most popular types of sunroom windows.
Floor-to-Ceiling Sunroom Windows
Floor-to-ceiling sunroom windows are a popular choice and offer a dramatic greenhouse-like effect. Typically, they’re created with large glass panels, framed by materials like vinyl or aluminum, that stretch from the floor to the ceiling, maximizing natural light and views.
Their design helps bring the outdoors in, creating an open, airy space. However, while they give you wide, unobstructed outdoor views, they can also lead to higher energy costs if they’re not properly insulated. A window installation company can help you choose the right floor-to-ceiling sunroom windows to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.
Sliding Sunroom Windows
Sliding windows for a sunroom are popular because they have a large glass area, are easy to operate, and save space. They’re a great choice if you’re looking for sunroom windows that open: These windows slide horizontally on a track, so you can let in fresh air. Sliding windows also come in many different sizes, so you can choose the perfect fit for your sunroom layout.
The Bogdan addition boasts six sunroom sliding windows from MI’s V3000 series. One of MI’s top replacement windows, the V3000 features a triple-pane option with argon gas, making it ideal for any climate, but especially beneficial for the cold Pennsylvania winters. The Bogdans wanted sunroom windows with screens, and also liked the V3000 slider for its two moveable sashes, large viewing areas, and adjustable roller system.
“We love the double sliders,” Ken says. “They give us so much visibility and flexibility. We love that we can slide either side of the window. Hung windows would have blocked our vision at the same height all around the room, while the sliders have a narrow area of blockage. We also purchased the flexible FlexScreens that look and perform great. We really like that the screens give us better visibility.”
Picture Windows
Picture windows are large, fixed-pane windows that don’t open. They provide breathtaking views and let in tons of light. Available in a wide range of sizes, picture windows are often combined with other sunroom window types to create a beautiful, custom look. For example, many homeowners pair picture windows with sliding or casement windows to get both ventilation and a stunning view.
The benefit of picture windows is their ability to create a seamless connection with the outdoors. They flood your sunroom with natural light, making it feel more spacious and open. Plus, since they don’t open, picture windows are highly energy-efficient, making them a good choice for those who want four-season sunroom windows. These are all reasons that the Bogdans’ sunroom addition also has MI’s V3000 picture window.
Custom Windows
Custom windows allow you to tailor your sunroom to fit your vision and your home’s design. Whether you’re looking for something unique like transom windows, which are placed above doors or larger windows, or radius windows for a touch of elegance, MI Windows has you covered.
Perhaps the most intriguing pieces in the Bogdans’ addition are a pair of polygon-shaped sunroom windows. MI is able to fabricate unique shapes for innovative designs, and Ken wanted these windows for his “cathedral wall.”
“Those windows were an idea to bring in more light, to give that whole wall a feeling of openness,” says the project’s designer and contractor, Robert Wright. “They have a wonderful view out to the backyard; they wanted to maximize that experience to see as much opening as they could.”
Sliding Glass Doors
You don’t just need windows for a sunroom – you probably also need to get outside.
Sliding glass doors, which have large glass panels that slide smoothly along tracks, are another fantastic option for sunrooms. Available in various sizes, sliding glass doors provide excellent natural light, good ventilation, and can make a small sunroom feel larger.
The Bogdans’ project uses a pair of V3000 sliding glass doors. A top-of-the-line patio door, the V3000 is available with multiple configurations, including an option with blinds between the glass, which Ken wanted. “I use the self-contained blinds every day,” he says. “The blinds are a great value when compared to the hassle of installing and cleaning regular blinds.”
Importance of Energy-Efficient Windows for a Sunroom
In Pennsylvania, you need windows that can handle both hot summers and cold winters. Energy-efficient windows have come a long way in recent years and are now essential for any sunroom. They provide excellent insulation, which helps keep your sunroom warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Four-season sunroom windows make it possible to enjoy your addition year-round without high energy costs.
Energy-efficient sunroom windows often feature Low-E coatings that reflect heat, as well as multiple panes of glass filled with insulating gases like argon. These features help reduce heat transfer, keeping the temperature inside your sunroom comfortable no matter what the weather is like outside. If you want to create a sunroom you can use in every season, choosing energy-efficient windows is key.
Connect With Nature By Using Large Sunroom Windows
Connecting with nature is one of the biggest reasons people want large windows for a sunroom, and the Bogdans are no exception. Although the Bogdan homestead is located just minutes from the state capital of Harrisburg, it’s in a secluded area that offers a beautiful view of the woods and waterways that are a staple of the south-central Pennsylvania landscape. The Bogdans wanted their sunroom windows to provide them with a great view of the natural world that’s just outside their doorstep.
“Kathy and I are very fortunate to have Conodoguinet Creek in our backyard,” Ken says. “We frequently see eagles, egrets, heron, and ducks. The creek also draws in deer, fox, and mink. The sunroom is a nice quiet space to read or just enjoy the day. It’s bug free and stays cool in the summer and toasty in the winter.”
Find Your Perfect Sunroom Windows
Sunrooms are the perfect way to enjoy natural light while staying comfortable indoors – but they need the perfect sunroom windows. MI Windows offers a range of options designed to enhance your sunroom while providing energy efficiency, durability, and style.
“We are very happy we chose MI products,” Ken says. “We installed 14 windows during our initial remodel three years ago, and they perform very well and look great.” The project’s designer echoes that sentiment: “When we first discussed the project, I read the reviews on MI and it looked like they had very good products,” Wright says. “I encouraged Ken to pull the trigger.”
Still have questions, like how much sunroom windows cost? You can get a quote online. Still getting inspired by sunroom window ideas? Find a dealer in your area to talk over ideas and visit their showroom. Whatever you need, MI Windows and Doors is here to help make your sunroom vision a reality.
