Quick answer
A morning room is traditionally a regular room, often near the kitchen, positioned to catch early light. A sunroom is a space with a lot of glass, built to bring in sunlight and views through much of the day. The terms are used loosely, so listings and builders do not always follow these definitions.
What is a morning room?
The term comes from older house design. A morning room is an everyday sitting or breakfast room, usually placed on the east side of the house so it gets soft morning sun and cools off by afternoon. It usually has standard walls and larger-than-average windows rather than floor-to-ceiling glass, and it is typically part of the main house and heated like any other room. People use it for coffee, a casual breakfast, reading, or correspondence.
What is a sunroom?
A sunroom is built to maximize light, with extensive glazing on walls and sometimes the roof. It may be a three season room or a fully insulated four season room. If you are weighing that choice, see what a three season room is and our guide to a DIY four season room. A sunroom is usually an addition or a converted porch, though it can also be part of a new build.
Side by side
- Structure: Morning room, conventional walls with large windows. Sunroom, glass-heavy walls, sometimes a glass roof.
- Light: Morning room, softer and focused on early day. Sunroom, bright for much of the day.
- Orientation: Morning room, traditionally east-facing. Sunroom, depends on the site; orientation strongly affects comfort.
- Climate control: Morning room, usually part of the home’s system. Sunroom, depends on whether it is a three or four season build.
- Typical use: Morning room, breakfast and quiet starts. Sunroom, lounging, dining, plants, hobbies.
- Location: Morning room, near the kitchen. Sunroom, often attached to the back or side of the house.
Do sunrooms get hot? Common problems
They can. Lots of glass lets in solar heat, and the effect depends on orientation, glass type, shading, and ventilation. Common issues people report include:
- Overheating in summer and chilly temperatures in winter, especially in less insulated rooms.
- Glare on screens and faded furniture, rugs, and artwork from sun exposure.
- Condensation or leaks if the seals or flashing are poorly done.
Solutions include low-emissivity glass, shades or blinds (see how to match curtains to a room), ceiling fans, operable windows, and proper insulation. This is also why many people prefer a morning room if they mostly want gentle light and an easy-to-heat space.
Is a 12x12 sunroom too small?
It depends on what you want. A 12x12 footprint can hold a small seating group, a bistro table, or a reading corner with a few plants. It will feel tight for a full dining set plus a sofa. Sketch your furniture to scale with tape on the floor before you decide. Sticking with a few multi-use pieces keeps a small room open.
What does it cost?
Costs vary significantly by size, materials, glazing, climate, and labor, so any general number for a 20x20 sunroom can mislead. Ask local contractors for itemized quotes, and ask whether the price covers foundation, electrical, permits, and heating and cooling.
Which should you choose?
Choose a morning room if you want an easy-to-heat, everyday room for breakfast and reading, ideally near the kitchen, and you have an east-facing spot. Choose a sunroom if you want more glass, a connection to the garden, or space for plants, and you are prepared for climate control and shading. If you are mapping out your whole home, our overview of essential rooms in a house can help you decide where either fits.