10 Fantastic Ideas for Your Spare Room

Trying to decide what to do with that spare room? Spare rooms are often forgotten and left piled with junk. Maybe you’re an empty-nester and have a vacant kids’ room or you no longer need your home office and want to convert the space into something practical.

We’ve got you covered with some fantastic ideas for your spare room. Let’s get started…

Clean

It can be tough to envision the space as something different when toys and trophies fill every shelf, or there are piles of office files, clothes, or collectibles in every corner. Box up anything you wish to keep and get rid of items that are broken or no longer useful. If necessary, now is also a great time to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls.

Make Changes

Next, freshen up anything that looks worn or dated. Replace old carpeting or hardwood flooring. Double check doors and windows to make sure they are working properly.

Decision

Now that you have a clean slate, you can begin to dream up ideas for your spare room. It’s time to pull out all of the design dreams you have stashed away over the years; whether it’s a creative’s studio, a movie buff’s theatre room, or a musician’s music room.

Game Room

Poker night has its own place now. A game table can take center stage, but a cozy lounge area is great for hanging out and other types of games. Have fun with the walls and the rest of the décor in the space. You don’t want the room to be overly formal—it’s a place for play, after all.

Home Office

A place to keep your work and computer equipment away from the chaos of your home is the dream of many business owners. From personal paperwork to the last-minute work calls and deadlines, a home office is a great use for any spare room. Home offices are fairly simple to set up too. Requiring only a desk, chair, file cabinet, and maybe a bookcase.

Sewing/Craft/Art Space

For the creative spirit, a space to “invent” is top of the list for uses of a spare room. There’s plenty of room for fabric stashes and design gadgets in a room devoted to being creative. A wood floor works best in a craft space where art materials are likely to spill. If you don’t have cabinets, consider keeping an old dresser or bookcase that you can upcycle to store all of small pieces for your projects.

Library

A library is a book worm’s dream room and happens to be a wonderful home addition. Sneak away to catch up on the latest news or dig into your favorite novel. Keep things cozy with plenty of pillows, blankets, soft lighting, and comfortable seating. Don’t forget plenty of bookshelves to organize your reading collection. This is the perfect space for beautiful window benches.

Sports Lounge

If you’re a sports fanatic, a spare room is a great place to store all of your most precious memorabilia. Framed jerseys, game-used balls, and other sports related items are obvious décor choices. And don’t forget the big screen television and sound system for game days.

Home Theatre

Movie buffs, get ready! This is the room for you! Relax with the ultimate in comfort: a row of recliners with dual cup holders and a big screen television in your own home. Pop the popcorn, turn off the lights, and press play. There’s no need to fill this room with a lot of furniture and décor. A comfy seating area, pillows, blankets, and a big enough screen for everyone to see is all you need. And a home theater is a perfect option for small or oddly shaped rooms.

Wine Bar

An in-home wine bar is perfect for unwinding after a hard day. It’s a unique use of space and one that friends will envy. However, consider the temperature and light level of your spare room. Ideally, wine should be stored in a dark, slightly dank place between 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit. Light and temperature fluctuation are the worst enemies of wine.

Home Gym

For those inclined to work on their fitness at home, a gym is an ideal use of an extra room. Wood floors or gym mats are a good choice for heavy equipment. Add mirrors and a television in a corner for the real gym feeling.

Guest Room

Perhaps not the most unique of room uses, but one that many homeowners relish, is a gorgeous guest room ready for family and friends at the drop of a hat. Make it an oasis in every way, taking care to have plush pillows and every amenity your guests could want.

Boutique Closet

A walk-in closet is one thing, but a boutique closet is quite another. It’s a room entirely dedicated to the art of clothing and dressing. Think “closets of the stars”. Install mirrors galore, tons of storage, sitting areas, and a vanity. Finish the room with interesting lighting fixtures and coordinating art work.

No matter how you choose to repurpose a spare room, you’re sure to end up with a space that is no longer spare, but an important – and loved – part of your home!