Bonus Room Ideas to Transform Your Empty Spaces

Does your new home have a bonus room or extra unused space? Lucky you! Having a bonus room adds to the enjoyment of your house and can add to its value. A finished bonus room can add thousands of dollars of value to a home. Need some inspiration on what to do with your home’s bonus room? Here are just a few ideas for how to transform your home’s bonus room to fit your lifestyle.

What is a bonus room?

A bonus room is a space that typically doesn’t qualify as a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom or closet. It can be used for a wide range of purposes, depending on your needs and preferences. The technical definition of a “bonus room” varies from place to place. In addition, property appraisers may leave bonus rooms out of the property appraisal equation when assessing the value of a home. You may also notice when perusing real estate listings that a home’s bonus room is referred to as a “flex room” or a “FROG” (finished room above garage).

Ideas for what to do with a bonus room

So, what should you do with your bonus room? Depending on your needs, here are several ideas to consider.

Children’s playroom – Whether you have toddlers or teens, using a bonus room as a playroom is a fantastic use of your flex space. Children learn through play. Having an entire room dedicated to the growth and development of your child can be beneficial. If you have older children or teens, a “playroom” is a great way to give kids a private space to hang with friends and enjoy hobbies.

Music studio – If you or anyone in your family is musically inclined, then having an official music studio in the home is a great idea. Whether it’s playing an instrument or creating a recording studio, turning your bonus space into a music studio will give residents a private area to enjoy music without disturbing everyone else.

Game room – Are family game nights a regular occurrence in your home? Do you enjoy playing games with friends and family? If so, consider transforming your bonus space into a game room. Add board games, a pool table, a ping pong table, arcade games, sporting equipment or video gaming equipment.

Media room – If watching TV and movies is one of your favorite pastimes then using the bonus room as a media room is a great use of the space. Simply add a large screen TV, a good sound system and comfortable seating, and voila, the room is complete.

Home office – Need a place to work from home? Having a home office will help increase productivity and save time that you’d otherwise spend commuting to an office. To create an organized and useful home office, make sure you have comfortable seating, good lighting, a nice desk and plenty of storage.

Homework or study room – Need a place to study and complete homework? Designating a room in the home specifically for this purpose will give residents a quiet place to focus on homework and school. We recommend adding bookshelves and cabinets to help organize the space as well as a desk or table to complete work.

Extra guest room – Need a spillover room for guests? If your home welcomes multiple guests throughout the year, it might be a good idea to turn your bonus room into a guest room for friends and family. If the room is small, we recommend adding a daybed or bunk bed to save space. Keep in mind, you’ll also need a place for visitors to put their belongings.

Hobby room – Ready to get crafty? Try turning your flex space into an official hobby room. Having a room in your house dedicated solely to a hobby means you’re more likely to engage in (and enjoy) your hobby.

Lounging room – Thinking of turning your bonus room into a lounger’s paradise? We can’t think of a more relaxing and enjoyable way to use your space. You’ll need extremely comfortable furniture, comfy throws and pillows and other items to help you relax.

Storage rooms – If closets and attic space don’t cut it for storage, consider using your bonus room as a designated storage room for boxes and extras. It certainly saves you from having to pay for monthly storage at a climate-controlled storage facility. Not to mention, the convenience of having access to your items in your own home is particularly helpful.

Closet room – Need a place to put clothes and accessories? If the closet in your primary bedroom isn’t large enough, consider turning the bonus room into a large walk-in closet. Nowadays, you can order shelving systems and hanging rods online, making it easy to create a closet without built-ins. Or, you can hire a company to help you create a custom closet.

Artist studio – In need of a quiet place to draw, paint and embrace your inner creative? Turning your bonus room into an artist studio is a great way to practice and engage in your favorite hobby. It’s also a good place to hang and store your artwork if you need a space for storage.

Reading room – Whether you simply need a quiet place to read or a large, book-filled library, having a reading room in your home is a great way to embrace your inner bibliophile. Make sure to have a comfortable place to sit and read as well as good lighting and plenty of books.

Gym or exercise studio – There’s no excuse for skipping that workout when you have an entire room dedicated to it. Make sure to set up your bonus room with the right equipment whether you do cardio, weights, yoga or virtual fitness classes. Adding mirrors, yoga mats, fans and comfortable flooring are all great additions to transform the space.

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