The Arizona Room: a History

An Arizona room – or sunroom, sun porch, California room, or sun lounge – is a room on the side or back of a house that allows the feel of the surrounding landscape in without the beating sun, wind, rain or snow. In older homes, often mansions, large, elaborate versions of this screened room were called conservatories. Today, smaller and more frequently are versions created for everyday use in many types of homes all over the world.

The Arizona room grew as middle America grew and porch gatherings became common. Screened porches or sunrooms began with the idea of taking a patio and adding storm windows around it to protect inhabitants from the weather. In the mid-20th century, remodeling companies began developing new and affordable ways to enclose a patio or deck, coming up with different customizable designs and installing the room under lightweight, engineered roofs. Thus, the season of spending time outdoors became longer and homeowners were given extra space.

As technology advanced and consumers became more energy conscious, sunroom designs changed. They are available made up of aluminum framing and tempered glass, insulated panels, brick, PVC, vinyl, vinyl-wood composite frameworks and many other materials. Since an Arizona room warms quickly, even on chilly days, they are great for colder months. Today, they can be air-conditioned. Skylights within insulated panels are also common additions, and can add light, an open feeling and possible home value.

Arizona rooms sometimes have the reputation of being a disassociated home add-on, but not only are they fun, cozy and functional spaces, new technology allows sunrooms to blend into the home’s original architecture and design. Sunrooms can be beautiful new spaces perfect for lounging and entertaining both night and day, and the decor options are endless. Due to the amount of sun that streams in, they are ideal spots for plants, pets, dinners and parties.