What is a Solarium? + Pros & Cons

A solarium, also known as a conservatory, is a room with a roof and walls made out of glass. Solariums can either be freestanding structures or attached to a home. Either way, a solarium is meant to capture as much light as possible within them.

This article will discuss everything there is to know about solariums. We’ll go through the purpose of a solarium, discuss the pros and cons, as well as clarify the difference between them and a sunroom. In the end, the hope is to help guide you towards deciding whether a solarium is a necessary feature for your next apartment.

Let’s get started…

What’s the Purpose of a Solarium?

Aside from allowing in as much natural light as possible, a solarium provides optimal views of the immediate surroundings. A solarium can serve multiple purposes, but some of the most common.

Extra Space to Enjoy the Outdoors

Since solariums include entirely glass walls, these rooms are great for enjoying the outdoors. Especially for renters living in harsh climates, whether it be freezing winters or treacherously hot summers, solariums can help you feel like you are outdoors without having to bear the temperatures.

Greenhouse

In the same way that a solarium provides the benefits of the outdoors without harsh weather, they can serve the same purpose for your plants. So, for any renter with a green thumb, a solarium might be an excellent way to have an indoor greenhouse to keep your plants safe all year round.

Playroom

A solarium can also serve as an excellent playroom for little ones. Whether or not you’re worried about them being exposed to the harsh weather, having an enclosed space to allow children to play can help put you at ease. The views they’ll be able to enjoy in this space will help them to feel like they have a little more freedom than being cooped up indoors all day.

Office

In addition to a great playroom, a solarium could also be an excellent office. Having a space that feels more open can help you to be more productive and have some much-needed exposure to sunlight that isn’t always attainable from a fully enclosed office.

Pros & Cons of Solarium

If you’re unsure whether a solarium is an addition you need for your home, start by looking at the pros and cons they offer. Learn more about some of the benefits and pitfalls of having a solarium.

Pro: Natural Light

Undoubtedly, the most significant benefit to a solarium is natural light. A room made from glass walls and topped with a glass ceiling means that natural light can enter from all angles.

Pro: Outside View from Inside

You can take advantage of the glass walls and ceiling to get outside views from the comforts of the inside of your home. In especially harsh climates, having this benefit can be hard to beat.

Con: Needs Frequent Cleaning

Unfortunately, to take advantage of solarium benefits, including natural light and incredible views, it will require frequent cleaning. Keeping the glass clean from both the interior and exterior can be burdensome to some.

Con: Can Face Extreme Heat and Cold

Another downside to a solarium is that it might not be the most durable against extreme heat and cold. Since the walls are made of glass, there is no insulation. It can be chilly in winters and toasty in summers.

What’s the Difference Between Solarium vs. Sunroom

A solarium is often mistaken for a sunroom. While the two are very similar, it’s essential to understand the difference between the two as you begin searching for your dream apartment.

Unlike solariums, which consist entirely of glass walls and ceilings, a sunroom is an add-on room surrounded by large windows. Sometimes, sunrooms will have skylights of sorts to let in additional light.

Resale Value

Sunrooms tend to have higher resale values. According to some studies, sunrooms can recoup 47% of their investment.

Care

Since solariums are all glass, they require more care and upkeep. While one of the main advantages to these extra rooms is the views, you have to keep them clean to enjoy them optimally.

Design Style

Since sunrooms are generally home add-ons, there is less flexibility with the design. Alternatively, a solarium will allow you more freedom in the design, allowing you to take a more modern approach if that’s what you choose.

Views

A solarium will provide optimal views since all walls and ceilings are glass. Having the extra windows of a sunroom can help maximize views in a home, but you can’t beat the views of a solarium.

Cost

Lastly, a solarium can be more expensive to maintain since the glass costs add up, especially over time.

Is a Solarium Right for Me?

Living in an apartment that offers a solarium has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For some living in areas with harsh winters, a solarium is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors without facing the bitter cold. However, if you live in an area with more moderate climates, getting outdoors might be the better option.

Ultimately, deciding whether having a solarium is a priority comes down to personal preference. Whether you choose to go with an apartment with a solarium or not, the next step is to register with Apartment List today. Once registered, check out our Apartment Finder to filter through all of your rental priorities and come one step closer to finding the apartment of your dreams!