Many houses come with a bonus room beyond the designated bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and living areas. This spare room, also known as a flex room is often oddly shaped and frequently located above a garage. Despite it not having any closets, a bonus room has the power to both increase your home value and serve as a multi-use space for whatever you need it to be, from an office to a lounge area.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite ways to make the most of your bonus room.
Build a Library
While many people display books all around the home, this is the perfect time to consolidate and install some floor-to-ceiling bookshelves to house all of your favorite reads. Even if you already have a home office, your library can feature ultra-plush seating and cozy accents like throws and a giant area rug. Forego sleek chairs in favor of a large comfy sofa or daybed that you can sink into after a long day. Don’t forget to light the room well so that you don’t strain your eyes while reading – you’ll likely need a combination of ambient and task lighting.
Transform It Into a Den for Teens
Setting up a spot for teens after school that can also be transformed into a zone of relaxation for parents is another great way to make the most of your bonus room. Your den can easily be made into a hang out space with comfy chairs, a pull-out sofa bed, and a TV console like our Surfrider Entertainment Console. Set up video games, a popcorn machine, and other activities that your teens will love. Pro Tip: Use slipcovers for furniture because spills are likely when your kids are having fun!
Create a Homework Room
Now that school is back in session, turning your bonus room into a homework space might be the perfect way to get your kids to focus. Having a specific homework space without the distractions of the TV and people coming in and out can help increase productivity. To create an at-home homework room, set up a large desk with multiple chairs, bookshelves, whiteboards and anything else your children might need to stay motivated.
Set Up a Home Gym/Yoga Studio
Even if you enjoy going to an actual gym, there are many reasons why you might also like to have a home gym or yoga studio. There will be days where you are short on time and having some weights, a treadmill, and a mat in your home lets you get in a quick workout. A small bonus room is the ideal place to put your home gym because it will allow you a designated space to exercise without bothering other family members. By turning your bonus room into your practice space, you can minimize interruptions. Some ideas for this room include installing flooring, a bookshelf with exercise books and props, standing plants, and a big mirror.
Set Up a Kid’s Playroom
Tired of picking up toys all around the house? Transforming your bonus room into a playroom is a popular idea that keeps everything in one place. Storage is super important in a playroom to keep books and toys organized, but if things start to get messy, it’s no big deal – that’s the beauty of having a playroom. Plus, while this may be a kid’s play space, you can still make it beautiful with rope baskets, hanging artwork, and a rug.
Bonus: Create a Combination Space
Can’t decide what use you’d like your bonus room to serve? Try bringing together two room concepts for a multipurpose space. For example, if you love the idea of a library, but need more room for guests, you might turn your bonus room into a library and a guest room combo space. There are endless combinations to suit your exact needs and our Charleston interior designers are happy to help you create a one-of-a-kind space to live, work, and play. The most important part is that you make use of this extra real estate in a way that benefits you and your family.
Shop the Look
Tyler Swivel Chair
The Tyler chair is a sophisticated addition to any room. It features a wood trim detail around the outside of the frame, a timeless barrel shape and swivels for maximum functionality.
Cameroon Rug
This indoor/outdoor rug has a rich mix of navy, indigo, and sky stripes. Made of 100% PET, a polyester fiber made from recycled plastic bottles.
