How to Decorate a Florida Room Your Family Will Love

When you start decorating a Florida room, you’re creating a bridge between your indoor comfort and the gorgeous natural light Central Florida is famous for. Here at Slone Brothers Furniture, we believe this process should be exciting. It starts with figuring out the room's main purpose, then moves into picking climate-friendly furniture and a color palette that makes the space feel like your own personal retreat.

Defining Your Ideal Central Florida Sunroom

Before you even think about picking out a sofa, let's figure out the heart of your Florida room. What’s its main job going to be? Answering this one question is the most important first step, and it dictates everything that comes next. We've helped countless Greater Orlando families transform their lanais and sunrooms since 1980, and our Design Team always starts with this simple exercise.

Your room's primary purpose will guide every single decision, from the layout and flow to the fabrics you choose. A Florida room is all about soaking up that natural brightness; for some great ideas on maximizing it, check out these expert tips to increase natural light.

Clarifying Your Room's Function

So, what do you envision? A vibrant hub for entertaining friends, a quiet reading nook for lazy afternoons, or a versatile family spot for game nights? Each of these goals calls for a totally different approach.

• The Social Hub: Here, you'll want to focus on comfortable, conversational seating. Think about a durable sofa, a few accent chairs, and a central coffee table from a cohesive living room table set to hold drinks and snacks for everyone.
• The Quiet Escape: If it's a personal sanctuary you're after, prioritize one ultra-comfortable piece. A Stressless recliner or a cozy chaise lounge would be perfect. Just add a small side table for your book and a good lamp for when the sun goes down.
• The Family Zone: Versatility is everything. A big sectional can offer plenty of seating, while performance fabrics are a lifesaver when it comes to spills. You’ll also want to leave some open floor space for kids to play.

Balancing Style with Florida Practicality

Once you've nailed down the function, you can start layering in your personal style. But while your aesthetic is important, it has to work with the unique demands of our Central Florida climate. You're aiming for a room that isn't just beautiful on day one, but one that holds up and feels perfectly suited to your lifestyle all year round. Getting this balance right ensures your new space is a lasting investment in your home.

Choosing Furniture That Thrives in Florida's Climate

Here in Central Florida, our furniture has to do more than just look good—it needs to be a heavyweight champion against our climate. The intense sun streaming through your windows and the year-round humidity can quickly take a toll on pieces that aren’t built for the challenge. Choosing the right materials from the start isn’t just a design decision; it’s a smart investment in the longevity and beauty of your space.

Making the right choice means your Orlando-area Florida room will stay beautiful and comfortable for years, saving you the frustration of warped wood or faded fabrics down the road.

This infographic breaks down the primary ways homeowners use their sunrooms, which directly influences the type of durable furniture you'll need.

Whether your room is for quiet reading or active family fun, the furniture must be resilient enough to handle daily life and our unique climate.

Materials That Beat the Heat and Humidity

The foundation of durable furniture lies in its construction materials. Some are naturally suited for our environment, while others are a recipe for disappointment. Knowing the difference is key.

Here are some of the best options we recommend to our customers in our Longwood showroom:

• Rattan and Wicker: These materials are synonymous with Florida living for a reason. They are lightweight, stylish, and allow for air circulation, which helps them resist the effects of humidity.
• Teak and Cedar: Certain woods, like teak, are naturally rich in oils that repel water, making them incredibly resistant to moisture and rot. Cedar also has natural properties that help it withstand humid conditions.
• Powder-Coated Aluminum: For a more modern look, powder-coated aluminum is fantastic. It’s rustproof, lightweight, and can stand up to both moisture and sun without breaking a sweat.

To make it even easier, here's a quick guide to help you choose the best materials for your Florida room furniture based on durability, maintenance, and style.

Florida-Friendly Furniture Material Comparison

Choosing the right material from the start is the best way to ensure your furniture looks great for years, not just a season.

The Strength of Solid Wood Construction

While some woods struggle with humidity, others, when properly crafted, offer unmatched durability. This is where the value of American-made and Amish-crafted furniture truly shines. The solid wood construction and meticulous joinery used in these pieces make them far more resistant to warping than furniture made from particleboard or veneers.

At Slone Brothers, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-built Amish dining table or solid wood armchair can thrive for decades in a Central Florida home. It's an investment in craftsmanship that pays for itself over time.

A key part of how to decorate a Florida room effectively is to select pieces that won't just survive but will actually thrive. Solid wood's density and quality construction provide a natural defense against the swelling and contracting that humidity can cause in lesser materials.

Performance Fabrics: A Non-Negotiable Investment

Now let's talk about what covers your furniture. The fabric you choose is arguably as important as the frame it’s on. Standard indoor upholstery can fade in a matter of months under the intense UV rays of a Florida sunroom and is susceptible to mildew in our humid air.

This is why we consider performance fabrics an essential investment. Brands like Sunbrella and other solution-dyed acrylics are engineered to resist:

• Fading: The color is part of the fiber itself, not just dyed on the surface, so it holds up against relentless sun exposure.
• Stains: These fabrics are typically treated to repel water and oil, making spills easy to clean up before they set.
• Moisture: They resist mildew growth, which is a common concern for any fabric in our climate.

Choosing the right upholstery is crucial for longevity. When selecting upholstery for your sunroom furniture, consider durability and climate suitability; you can learn more about choosing the best fabric for reupholstering a sofa from experts in the field. For a deeper dive into materials suited for our specific weather, explore our guide on outdoor furniture tips that can help you beat the heat, as many of the same principles apply to a sun-drenched Florida room.

Creating a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection

A truly great Florida room does more than just sit next to your backyard; it should feel like an extension of it. The goal here is to completely blur the line between your home and the beautiful Central Florida nature just outside the door. When you get this right, your entire home feels larger, more open, and perfectly in tune with that relaxed, sun-drenched lifestyle we all love.

The first step is all about strategic furniture placement. You want to arrange your pieces to create obvious, inviting pathways to your patio, pool deck, or garden. It’s a common mistake to place a large sofa or bulky chair directly in front of a sliding door, which immediately creates a visual and physical barrier. Instead, think about creating gentle curves and open channels that naturally guide both your eyes and your feet outside.

Anchor the Space with Natural Textures

Once you’ve nailed the layout, it's time to ground the room with materials that echo what’s happening outdoors. A large, durable area rug is the perfect way to do this. We always recommend choosing one made from natural fibers like jute or sisal, or even a high-quality indoor-outdoor rug in an earthy tone. A great rug doesn't just define the seating area—it adds a layer of texture that feels organic and welcoming underfoot.

In the same way, you absolutely need to incorporate warm wood tones. Whether it's a solid wood coffee table, the frame of an armchair, or even smaller decorative accents, these pieces bring a natural warmth that balances all the light flooding into the room. It’s a simple trick that connects the decorated interior with the trees and foliage just beyond the window.

Bring the Outdoors In with Greenery and Decor

Let's be honest: nothing creates that indoor-outdoor vibe more effectively than live plants. They are a non-negotiable for an authentic Florida room. But incorporating greenery is about more than just sticking a potted fern in the corner; it’s about creating a living, breathing part of your design.

Here are a few ideas we often suggest to our clients:

• Create a Focal Point: A single large, statement plant like a Bird of Paradise or a Fiddle Leaf Fig can anchor a corner of the room, adding dramatic height and drawing the eye.
• Layer with Variety: Don't just use one type. Mix different sizes and leaf textures. Place smaller plants on side tables, use hanging planters to draw the eye upward, and tuck mid-sized pots into empty spaces.
• Choose Hardy Varieties: Select plants that will actually thrive in the bright, sometimes intense, light of a sunroom. Snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos are fantastic low-maintenance options that do well in our Orlando-area homes.

Extend Your Style Beyond the Walls

Creating that seamless connection means thinking about the view from your Florida room just as much as the room itself. You’re aiming for a cohesive look that doesn't just come to a hard stop at the sliding glass door. If you have a patio or lanai, make an effort to coordinate its design with your sunroom.

Our Design Team Tip: Use a similar color palette or complementary furniture styles for both your Florida room and your immediate outdoor space. If you have a wicker sofa inside, for instance, consider wicker dining chairs for the patio. This simple visual link makes the two areas feel like one large, unified living area.

This is where a bit of thoughtful planning makes a world of difference. By selecting durable and stylish pieces for your exterior, you elevate the entire experience. If you're looking for some inspiration, we have plenty of backyard furniture ideas that can help you create a beautiful and functional outdoor extension of your home. Here at Slone Brothers, our design team is constantly helping homeowners from Lake Mary to Sanford create this very kind of harmonious flow, ensuring their whole property feels like a single, relaxing retreat.

Selecting a Warm and Inviting Color Palette

Getting the colors right is what will make your Florida room feel like a true retreat. And while those classic coastal blues and crisp whites always look sharp, we're seeing more and more homeowners here in the Orlando area lean into cozier, earthier tones. It's a move towards colors that feel grounded, deeply relaxing, and that work beautifully with the bright sunlight our homes are blessed with.

Just think about the natural landscapes right outside your door in Central Florida. The sandy shores of our lakes, the deep greens of majestic oak canopies, the warm glow of a sunset—these are the colors that make a space feel like home.

Building a Foundation with Earthy Neutrals

Instead of jumping straight to bright, bold colors, our designers always suggest starting with a foundation of warm, earthy neutrals. These shades create a soft, inviting backdrop that somehow makes a room feel both spacious and intimate all at once.

Think about using these as your base:

• Creamy Whites: A much softer alternative to a stark, sterile white. Shades like alabaster or linen bring in warmth while still reflecting that beautiful Florida light.
• Sandy Beiges: These colors instantly bring to mind a tranquil shoreline. It’s an organic touch that feels incredibly calming the moment you walk into the room.
• Soft Greens: Hues like sage, moss, and muted olive are fantastic for blurring the lines between your indoor space and the garden just outside the window.

This shift isn't just a fleeting trend; it's about how we want our homes to feel. The move towards earthy neutrals has seen a huge resurgence, especially in our local builds. In fact, recent data shows that 82% of custom home projects in Florida featured color palettes centered around creamy whites, taupe, and sandy beige.

Layering in Personality with Accent Colors

Once you have that calm, neutral base set, you can start layering in pops of color that show off your personality. This is where you can have some fun and let your unique style shine through without overwhelming the peaceful atmosphere you’ve already created.

The secret is to use accent colors thoughtfully. Think textiles, art, and decor. In a room filled with so much natural light, a little goes a very long way.

Imagine your sandy beige sofa, but now it’s brought to life with throw pillows in a rich terracotta or a deep, moody blue. Or picture that soft green room accented with subtle touches of coral in a piece of wall art. These accents add depth and character, making the space feel curated and personal rather than pulled from a catalog.

For more hands-on advice for pulling this off, we've put together An Expert’s Guide to the Perfect Color Palette that walks you through the whole process.

Creating a Cohesive Look

The final piece of the puzzle is making sure your chosen colors all work together. An old designer trick is to pull colors from a central inspiration piece, like a patterned area rug or a favorite piece of art.

Use the main color from that piece for your walls or your biggest piece of furniture, like the sofa. Then, pull out the smaller, secondary colors for your accents—throw pillows, vases, lamps, and so on. This simple technique ensures every element in the room feels connected and intentional. The result? A warm, inviting Florida room that truly serves as your perfect personal escape.

Adding Personality with Accessories and Lighting

Once your foundational furniture and color scheme are locked in, the real fun can start. This is the part where accessories and lighting come in to transform a well-decorated room into a personal haven that’s truly yours. It’s about more than just filling empty corners; it's about layering in character, warmth, and function to make your Florida room the best spot in the house.

Layering Light for Ambiance and Function

Lighting in a Florida room has to be a workhorse. It needs to play nicely with the flood of natural light during the day, create a breeze on those sticky Orlando afternoons, and then switch gears to provide a cozy glow after sunset. A single overhead light fixture just won't cut it. To get it right, you have to think in layers.

A high-quality ceiling fan with a light kit is pretty much non-negotiable around here. It moves the air, which is essential for comfort, and provides that broad, ambient light for the whole room. But that's just your starting point.

• Task Lighting: Think about adding a sharp-looking floor lamp next to your favorite reading chair or a small table lamp on an end table. This gives you focused light for reading, hobbies, or scrolling on your tablet.
• Accent Lighting: Small lamps on a console table or bookshelf can cast a soft, warm glow that makes a huge difference. This simple touch gets rid of dark corners and makes the room feel much more intimate and welcoming in the evening.

When you layer these different light sources, you get total control over the mood of the room. We have a whole guide on this topic—you can learn how to put your living room in the best light, and the tips apply perfectly to a sunroom, too.

Choosing Window Treatments That Work

Here in Central Florida, window treatments are about way more than just looks. They’re a crucial tool for managing intense sunlight, heat, and privacy. That sun can heat up a room in minutes and fade your beautiful furniture fabrics, so picking the right covering is an absolute must.

Sheer linen curtains are a fantastic option because they cut the harsh afternoon glare without sacrificing that bright, airy feeling we love. If you need more control, durable blinds or solar shades are a great investment. They offer excellent UV protection and can be adjusted to let in just the right amount of light, protecting the investment you've made in your furniture.

Grounding the Room with the Perfect Rug

An area rug is what truly anchors your Florida room’s design. It defines the main seating area, adds a welcome layer of softness underfoot, and helps pull your whole color scheme together. Since these rooms often bridge the gap between indoors and out, an indoor-outdoor rug is a brilliant, low-maintenance choice. They’re built to last, a breeze to clean, and now come in countless stylish patterns.

A common mistake we see is choosing a rug that's too small for the space. It makes the furniture look like it's floating aimlessly. A good rule of thumb is to make sure at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs are sitting comfortably on the rug. This creates a cohesive, grounded look that feels intentional.

Adding Comfort and Color with Textiles

Now for the easiest way to inject your personality into the space: textiles. Accent pillows and throw blankets are perfect for bringing in those pops of color and adding layers of touchable texture. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different patterns and materials.

Try pairing a smooth linen pillow with a chunky knit throw, or a bold geometric pattern with a subtle stripe. This creates tons of visual interest and makes your sofa and chairs look so much more plush and inviting. Best of all, textiles are easy to swap out with the seasons, giving you a quick room refresh without a major overhaul. Our in-house Design Team at our Longwood showroom can show you endless fabric options from our Custom-Order Program to find that perfect combination.

Turning Your Florida Room Vision into Reality

Alright, you've got the inspiration and the know-how. Now comes the best part: bringing your dream Florida room to life. Here at Slone Brothers Furniture, we believe this process should be fun and exciting, not stressful. As a family-owned business serving the Greater Orlando area since 1980, we're not just selling furniture; we're helping you create a beautiful, comfortable space where your family can make memories for years to come.

There’s nothing quite like seeing and feeling the quality of our American-made and Amish-crafted furniture for yourself. We invite you down to our Longwood, FL showroom to get a real sense of it all. Feeling the solid wood construction and sinking into our durable performance fabrics makes all the difference when you're making choices for our unique Florida climate. Our team knows exactly what holds up to the Sanford and Lake Mary sun and humidity, and we can point you toward options that are both gorgeous and built to last.

Your Local Design Partner

Sometimes, all you need is an expert eye to pull everything together. That’s why we offer complimentary consultations with our in-house Design Team. Whether you’re stuck on a layout or just can't decide on a color palette, they’re here to help you nail down the details.

We’re your local partner in creating a home you absolutely love. From furnishing an entire room from scratch to finding that one perfect accent piece, our mission is to help you create the Florida room you've always wanted, with total confidence and ease.

If you don't find exactly what you're picturing on our floor, don't worry. Our Custom-Order Program means you never have to settle for "good enough." Plus, with our Low Price Promise and a huge Clearance Outlet, you can rest assured you're getting exceptional value on pieces that are truly built to last.

Ready to get started? We’re here when you are.

Common Questions About Decorating a Florida Room

As you start dreaming up your perfect Florida room, a few questions are bound to pop up. Here in our Longwood showroom, our Design Team has pretty much heard them all. To get you started on the right foot, we’ve put together answers to the most common questions we hear from our Central Florida neighbors.

What Is the Best Type of Flooring?

For our Orlando-area climate, you need flooring that can stand up to moisture and relentless sun without fading. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and porcelain or ceramic tile are fantastic choices. They're waterproof, a breeze to clean, and feel cool underfoot—a huge plus on a hot summer day.

You can always layer in a high-quality indoor-outdoor area rug to add softness, define your seating area, and bring in a pop of color or texture.

Can I Use Regular Indoor Furniture?

We get this one a lot. While it's tempting to just move a sofa from your living room out here, we generally advise against it if you want it to last. Even in a fully enclosed room, the intense UV rays pouring through those big windows can fade regular upholstery shockingly fast.

And then there's the humidity. That classic Florida dampness can make wood that hasn’t been properly treated warp, swell, or even mildew over time.

Investing in furniture with performance fabrics and climate-appropriate frames will save you so much money and disappointment down the road. It’s the difference between pieces that look great for years and pieces that only last a single season.

How Do I Keep My Florida Room Cool?

Keeping your sunroom comfortable without racking up a massive energy bill is the goal. A good quality ceiling fan is non-negotiable; it’s essential for air circulation. Beyond that, the right window treatments can make a world of difference.

• Solar shades are a game-changer. They're designed to block UV rays and heat while still letting you enjoy your beautiful view.
• Lined drapes add another layer of insulation, which is especially helpful against that intense afternoon sun.
• UV-blocking window film is an almost invisible solution that you apply directly to the glass, and it significantly cuts down on heat transfer.

A final pro tip: decorating with lighter-colored furniture and rugs will help reflect heat rather than absorb it, making the whole space feel cooler.

What Plants Do Well in a Florida Room?

So many houseplants absolutely love the bright, humid environment of a typical Florida room! They add that perfect, natural tropical vibe and even help purify the air. For a lush look without a ton of work, consider these easy-care favorites:

• Snake Plants
• ZZ Plants
• Pothos
• Bird of Paradise

These varieties are famously tough and bring a wonderful splash of green life to your indoor oasis.

Feeling inspired? Stop by our showroom and chat with our Design Team for a complimentary consultation.

https://slonebrothers.com