If you're lucky enough to have a spare bedroom in your home—whether that's from a child moving out or just having some extra square footage—you may be wondering how to make the most of your bonus space. While this is a good problem to have, it can be daunting to bring your vision into full focus and pull the trigger on one idea over another. But interior design experts say there's no right answer—just the one that meets your needs. Read on to find out which nine ideas they recommend for the spare bedroom in your house, so you can finally get going on renovations.
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9 Ideas for a Spare Bedroom
1. Private den
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If all of your more practical needs are already met, Zev Freidus, a house interior specialist and the founder of ZFC Real Estate, suggests turning a spare bedroom into a private lounge or den.
"Make the room your personal haven by adding luxurious touches such as a cozy armchair or chaise lounge," he advises. "Opt for soft lighting like lamps or wall sconces to make the room feel more relaxing. You can also bring nature indoors by adding a few plants. Hang art or photos that remind you of happy memories to personalize the space and make it your own."
2. Home office or study
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Mohammad Ahmed, an interior designer and founder of The Home Guidance, says another great way to use your spare bedroom is to convert it into a home office.
"With the shift towards remote work, turning a spare bedroom into a home office has become a popular choice. It provides a quiet space for concentration, away from the daily hustle and bustle. Invest in a comfortable chair, a spacious desk, and good lighting," he says.
Your study may also include features of a home library if reading is a passion. By adding ample shelves for your books and a comfortable chair, you'll have a quiet and cozy place to relax.
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3. Guest room
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If your spare room is already a furnished bedroom—let's say for a grown-up child who's now left the family home—the easiest transition is to turn it into a guest room. You can do this by decluttering and storing some of the personal items that might make visitors feel like they're intruding in someone else's space.
Aim to make it cozy, clean, and private, says Nicholas Kaiko, founder of Kaiko Design Interiors. A comfortable bed and an empty bureau ready for your visitors' clothes can go a long way in welcoming your guests.
4. Kids' playroom
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Having a designated space for kids or grandkids to play can prevent the rest of your home from becoming overrun with toys. By turning your spare bedroom into a playroom, kids will also enjoy having a space all their own where they can let their imaginations run wild.
Depending on the size of the room, you may be able to add fun features such as a reading nook, craft table, ball pit, or play house. "Incorporate fun colors, include storage for toys, and make sure the room is safe," Ahmed advises.
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5. Home gym
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Getting daily exercise is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health, but getting to the gym every day can be a struggle. Using your spare bedroom as a home gym can eliminate the barrier that stands between you and better health.
"Who needs a gym membership when you can work out in the comfort of your own home? Install a mirror on one wall, add some fitness equipment, maybe even a small TV for workout videos, and you have your very own fitness studio," says Ahmed.
Don't have enough space for larger exercise machines? Even having a designated space for hand weights, resistance bands, yoga mats, and other smaller-scale exercise gear can get you going in the right direction.
6. Game room
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If you like to entertain, turning your spare bedroom into a game room can make another great addition to your home.
"You can add a card table for snooker, pool table, dart board, or a table tennis setup. Install some shelves on the walls to display collectibles and books. And if you want to take it up a notch, also consider adding a wet bar with seating," recommends Jonathan Faccone, an interior designer and the founder of Halo Homebuyers.
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7. Home theater
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Having a home theater comes with two major benefits. Not only can you enjoy a more comfortable entertainment experience than you would in a real movie theater, but you can also get your TV out of your living room—reserving that as a space for socializing.
A few simple changes will help transform the room into the home theater of your dreams. To start, paint the walls a dark color, invest in some comfortable furniture, install dimmable light switches, and use heavy drapes to get fully immersed in the experience.
Kaiko also recommends soundproofing, a good sound system, and a large screen or projector or wall-mounted TV. "This setup provides a special space for entertainment and can be a fun place for hosting movie nights," he tells Best Life.
8. Walk-in wardrobe
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There are few more luxurious ways to put that spare bedroom to use than by turning it into a walk-in wardrobe, complete with storage and a seating area.
"Start by replacing the bed with some high quality, attractive closets and storage solutions to store all your clothing and accessories," suggests Faccone. "Add an area rug or accent rug for warmth and texture, as well as any additional furniture pieces you may need such as a dresser or vanity table. Hang some art on the walls and curtains for an extra touch of style."
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9. Multi-functional space
Finally, if you have more than one need for the space, it's OK to create a room that serves more than one purpose.
"You can create an inviting area that is both a home office and a guest room," says Freidus. "Utilize space-saving furniture to create an attractive workspace, such as a desk that doubles as a bed or a combination of a writing desk and a futon. You can also hang art on the walls to brighten up the area and add more personality."
