Fall is one of the best times of year to enjoy the outdoors. The temperatures start dropping, the leaves begin changing, and suddenly sitting outside with a cup of coffee sounds a whole lot better than hiding inside from the summer heat.
But fall also brings some familiar frustrations: bugs, wind, rain, chilly mornings and evenings, and eventually temperatures that make an open patio a little less inviting.
If you want to get more use out of your outdoor space, two of the most popular options are a screen room and a sunroom. Both can completely change how you enjoy your home, but they offer very different experiences.
So, which one makes more sense for fall?
Screen Rooms: Enjoy the Fall Air Without the Uninvited Guests
A screen room is a great option for homeowners who still want that outdoor feeling.
With screened walls surrounding your patio or outdoor living area, you can enjoy the breeze, changing temperatures and sounds of the outdoors while adding protection from mosquitoes, flies, leaves and other debris.
During the fall, that can make a big difference.
Instead of constantly sweeping leaves off the patio or dealing with bugs while you’re trying to relax, a screen room gives you a more comfortable place to enjoy the season.
A Screen Room May Be Right for You If:
- You want to maintain an open-air feeling.
- You primarily use the space during mild weather.
- Bugs and debris are your biggest frustrations.
- You want some protection without completely enclosing your patio.
- You like the idea of entertaining, eating or relaxing outside during spring, summer and fall.
Screen rooms are especially appealing during those perfect fall afternoons when you don’t necessarily want to be indoors — you just want a little separation from everything that comes with being completely outside.
Sunrooms: Bring Fall Inside
A sunroom takes things a step further.
Instead of screens, a sunroom uses windows and a more enclosed design to create a space that feels like an extension of your home while still giving you great views of the outdoors.
That becomes particularly valuable as fall temperatures begin to drop.
You can enjoy the changing leaves, natural light and outdoor scenery without worrying as much about cold winds or uncomfortable weather. Depending on the design of your sunroom and how it is conditioned, you may also be able to enjoy the space well beyond fall.
A Sunroom May Be Right for You If:
- You want a more enclosed living space.
- You want protection from wind, rain, bugs and colder temperatures.
- You love natural light and large outdoor views.
- You want to use the space during more seasons throughout the year.
- You want your new space to feel more like another room in your home.
A sunroom can become almost anything: a morning coffee spot, reading room, entertaining area, home office, playroom or simply a comfortable place to watch the seasons change.
So, Which Is Better for Fall?
It really comes down to how you want to experience the season.
If your perfect fall afternoon involves feeling the cool breeze and hearing everything happening outside, a screen room might be the better fit.
If you’d rather watch the leaves fall from a comfortable, enclosed space while staying protected from the changing weather, a sunroom may make more sense.
Neither option is necessarily better than the other. The best choice depends on how you use your home, your budget, and how many months out of the year you’d like to use the space.
Think Beyond Just One Season
While fall is a great time to think about improving your outdoor living space, it’s worth considering what you’ll want from it during the rest of the year, too.
Do you mainly want protection from bugs during warmer months? A screen room may give you exactly what you need.
Do you want something that feels more like an addition to your home and provides greater protection from the weather? A sunroom may be worth the investment.
Thinking about those questions now can help you choose a space you’ll continue enjoying long after the leaves are gone.
Find the Right Fit for Your Home
Every home — and every homeowner — is different. That’s why choosing between a screen room and a sunroom shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all decision.
For more than 35 years, Sawyer’s has helped homeowners throughout Arkansas create outdoor living spaces designed around the way they actually live.
Whether you’re considering a screen room, sunroom, patio cover, pergola or another home improvement project, our team can help you explore your options and find the right fit for your home.
Ready to make your outdoor space more enjoyable this fall and beyond? Contact Sawyer’s today for a free estimate and start planning your next project.