ljusrum

Ljusrum (literally "light room") is a Swedish architectural term for a room designed to maximize natural daylight. The name derives from ljus meaning "light" and rum meaning "room." In traditional Swedish houses, ljusrum were spaces intended for daytime use, often placed to capture sun, with large windows, light-coloured walls, and sometimes a veranda or glass door that blurs the boundary to the outdoors.

Architectural features commonly associated with ljusrum include expansive glazing, abundant daylight, and a bright, calm interior. The rooms were typically oriented toward the south or east to catch morning and midday sun, and finishes were chosen to reflect light, such as white or pale plaster, light wood, or light tiles. The design often aimed to create a spacious feeling while maintaining warmth and comfort.

Historically, ljusrum appeared in houses built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a counterpart to darker, more enclosed rooms. They served as living rooms, drawing rooms, or reading rooms for daily use, particularly before widespread central heating and electric lighting.

In modern usage, the term may still describe bright living spaces and conservatory-like rooms, though it is not a formal architectural category. The concept emphasizes daylight, an indoor–outdoor connection, and a open, airy atmosphere.