Your spare room could be a home office, a guest bedroom, an art studio, or even a rental property that collects cash (instead of dust). Instead, it’s sitting unused.
According to recent data, America’s spare bedrooms could be worth up to $174.9 billion, with surplus rooms far outweighing the number of bedrooms actively used (by a landslide). Even with $33.6 million in unused rooms in the U.S. alone, it’s always better to have too much space in your home than not enough.
So, what exactly can you do with that unused space? Help your extra room reach its full potential, and make the most of your home.
If you’re struggling to decide whether to convert the room into something practical (think a home office) or something fun (think a home theatre), check out this guide for ideas on what to do with your spare room.
Turn Your Room Into a Home Office Haven
With the increased popularity of remote work, a dedicated home office is a necessity for many people. Turning your bonus room into a secluded home office can provide a comfortable and private workspace. That way, you can achieve optimal productivity is possible, even from the comfort of your own home.
If you choose to turn your spare room into a home office, take a moment to think about the personal touches you want to add to your unused room.
Do you need built-in shelving to store books and important files?
Do you want to adopt a more minimalist style by tucking away cords and other clutter that would otherwise gather on your desktop?
Or is a maximalist design oozing with personal touches (trinkets, awards, family photos) more your speed?
Transform Your Space Into an Entertainment Zone
Consider converting your bonus room into an entertainment zone. A space like this can provide you, your family, and your friends with limitless enjoyment for years to come.
If a few video gamers live under your roof, you can create an at-home game room by adding a sofa bed or day bed to the area. Situate the seating areas in front of the TV, so you and your guests have a clear view of the screen. You’ll also want to stock up on gaming controllers, enough for as many as 4-6 people to play.
Don’t be afraid to add additional seating if you have big parties scheduled on your social calendar. For example, people who host viewing parties or gatherings for sporting events will need a spacious seating area.
As you design your entertainment space, consider incorporating a mini fridge, popcorn machine, home bar, or other amenities. That way, your guests don’t have to raid your fridge or walk-in pantry every time they get hungry or thirsty.
Rent Out Your Spare Room as a Storage Space
While you could go the safe route of turning your spare room into a home office or entertainment pad, why not think outside the box?
Did you know that you can turn your spare room into a storage space that people can rent?
You can turn unused square footage into cash by listing your extra room on storage marketplaces like Neighbor. With a time commitment of only a couple of hours a month, your extra room can quickly become a source of passive income. Just invite people to store at your house, then watch the renters flood in.
Whether you choose to rent out the entire room or just a small portion (a closet space, a built-in shelving unit, etc.) is up to you.
Elevate Your Room into a Relaxing Retreat
What if your extra room could be an escape from the everyday stressors? Much like you dedicate a home office to productivity, you can dedicate this peaceful retreat to relaxation.
Curate spaces for meditating, reading, or growing an indoor garden oasis. Add a small desk, place a sofa bed along the window, hang mindful art on the walls, and make use of wall-mounted shelving units to ensure you have even more floor space.
In doing so, you retreat to your sanctuary whenever life overwhelms you.
Design a Creative Studio
Cultivate a small space for your passions and talents by converting your bonus room into a creative studio. Whether you’re an artist with hundreds of crafting supplies, a seamstress who loves using a sewing machine, or a photographer in need of a darkroom, a dedicated creative space can foster your artistic endeavors.
Set up your studio with the equipment you need to bring your ideas to life. Think easels, crafting desks, displays for your musical instruments, or storage to hold your art supplies. Whether you’re installing a music room, a craft room, or a game room, the idea is to turn your spare room into a place where your creative juices can flow.
Transform It Into a Fitness Sanctuary
Are you interested in staying in shape but finding it hard to get to the gym regularly? Why not turn one of the rooms in your home into a fitness center?
That way, you’ll have no excuse when it comes to prioritizing your health. When juggling a busy schedule, it can be difficult to squeeze in a trip to the gym—especially when you factor in travel time and the extra minutes spent waiting for your go-to machine. But with a home gym, a consistent workout routine is just a few steps away.
When planning your home gym, think about what you would like to dedicate your home gym to, whether that’s cardio, strength training, yoga, or Pilates. No matter your fitness goals and exercise preferences, you can create a personalized space that caters to your fitness routine of choice.
If you are looking for inspiration in terms of equipment, here are some ideas for your home gym:
- Treadmills: $150-$3,000
- Stationary bikes: $35-$2,860
- Ellipticals: $1,000-$2,000
- Free weights: $1-$2 per pound
- Resistance bands: $15-$80
- Workout benches: $150-$300
- Yoga mats: $7-$200
Put Together a Multipurpose Family Room
Another way to revamp your bonus room is by putting together a multifunctional family room. It could be a playroom area for kids or a lounge space for both the kids and adults.
Use your extra room as an opportunity to spend quality bonding time with your family.
Does your family enjoy game nights where you play ping pong together? What about dinners spent watching movies on the big screen TV?
Think about what your family loves doing together, and then design the family room with those activities in mind.
In Summary
With the average bedroom renovation costing $7880 and the cost of furnishing a spare room ranging between $1500 and $1200, you won’t want to take this decision lightly. Choose wisely when it comes to your bonus room.
After choosing the function of your bonus room, you’ll need to decide whether you plan to take the professional or DIY approach. Start by looking into the prices of local interior designers, or check out interior decorating tips and tricks if you’re a natural DIYer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bonus room in a house?
A bonus room in a house is typically an additional yet versatile space not necessarily designated for any specific purpose. Bonus rooms do not have a predetermined purpose, unlike bedrooms, kitchens, or bathrooms where you sleep, eat, and get ready. Instead, you get to decide the function that your bonus room serves.
How can I decorate my extra bedroom?
Decorating your extra bedroom in 2023 is an exciting opportunity to incorporate current trends. This year, muted earth tones are all the rage. From calming sage greens to soft terracotta. Warm taupes are another popular color as of late.
Now more than ever, homeowners are leaning toward eco-friendly design options, like LED lights and natural materials, such as wood or stone (over plastics). For more insight into bedroom decor ideas, pull inspiration from interior designers like Garrett Hunter and Laura Gonzalez, among others.
