We’re all for creating unique spaces within your home that allow for quiet moments of reflection, solitude, or simply just inspire you to enjoy every nook and cranny of your dwelling. This concept is anything but new—just look to the morning room as proof. While morning rooms were a product of the Victorian era, their purpose is just as relevant today.

Back then, the morning room was traditionally the domain of the lady of the house. It was often situated to allow the first rays of sunlight to come flooding in, creating a serene spot to begin the day. “She’d organize her household, jot down thoughts in her journal, perhaps pen letters to friends, and maybe even entertain guests over tea—a 19th-century power meeting, if you will,” says Valerie Cardozo, founder and principal designer at CARV Projects in Toronto.

“There’s something about a slow, early morning that is powerful, before the hustle and bustle of the day starts,” says Cardozo. Here we delve into the specifics of this centuries-old design idea and how you can apply it to your home today.

What Is a Morning Room?

“Picture a cozy sitting area, akin to today’s living room setups, where informal gatherings and quiet moments could unfold, while also incorporating a desk and workspace,” Cardozo says. “It was intimate, calm, and designed as the perfect retreat to start the day, get organized, and also lounge while the rest of the house was getting prepared.”

A less formal space than the rest of the house, a morning room would typically would face the east or south in order to capture the most sunlight and would feature large windows.

The open-concept layouts that have become so popular have resulted in an evolution of the morning room, Cardozo says. But that doesn’t mean it’s obsolete. “While its Victorian roots centered around planning and socializing in the early hours, today, it often serves as a flexible space close to the kitchen—a breakfast nook, a secondary living area, or even a quieter family hangout space.”

Is a Morning Room the Same as a Sunroom?

In a nutshell, no. “Unlike a sunroom, which is all about basking in light from every angle—thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows and sometimes even glass ceilings—a morning room feels more intimate and private,” says Cardozo. “It’s not trying to bring the outdoors in but instead provides a quieter, more grounded atmosphere.”

3 Morning Room Design Ideas to Start Your Day

The beauty of a morning room is how multifunctional it is. From starting the day with a cup of coffee, to journaling to meditation and yoga, a properly outfitted morning room can be a welcoming, relaxing spot for a variety of activities. Here’s how to squeeze a morning room, or at least its functionality, into your house.

Take Over Your Breakfast Room

If you’re lucky enough to have a breakfast room or a breakfast nook, it can make a good morning room. A built-in banquette, round table, and pendant light can help carve out a comfy spot to spend the morning hours. “It’s perfect for starting your day with your family, with coffee and the sunrise,” she says.

Transform Your Front Porch

“In the summer months, my front porch becomes my morning room,” says Cardozo. “There’s something so grounding about this moment—before the hustle and bustle begins—it’s where I find calm, clarity, and ground myself before starting the day.” The designer says she has seen a lot of older homes where the front porch is converted into a four-season room, but they can just as easily be transformed into a morning room with a few additions like lounge chairs and a few side tables to hold your coffee and journal.

Create a Quiet Retreat

When designing your morning room, think tranquil thoughts. “Opt for a serene color palette—soft creams, muted greens, or pale blues—and layer textures like a plush area rug, comfortable seating, and natural wood accents,” offers Cardozo. If the spot will be used for morning meditation or movement, outfit the room with the proper furnishings and make sure there is enough elbow room for its intended purpose. It can be as simple as creating a small nook with a meditation cushion or leaving space to roll out your yoga mat, Cardozo says.