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6 Ingenious Uses for an Extra Bedroom

SDHDA_Blog_March19_Bedroom

Having extra space is one of the many benefits that come along with homeownership. But what happens when you have a bedroom to spare? How you fill it depends upon your hobbies, your lifestyle and your priorities. We know that deciding what to do with your extra space can seem overwhelming, so we put together a list of some of our favorite bonus room designations.

As you're reading, consider your space and how each option might work for you.

1. Home Office

Perhaps the most popular choice for homeowners with an extra room, your home office can provide you with a quiet space for you to get work done—away from noisy family members or pets that may be overly distracting. You'll obviously need a desk but—if space allows—consider adding a comfortable reading chair, too. You are home, after all, and you deserve to be comfortable while you're checking things off your to-do list.

2. Workout Room

The gym isn't for everyone, and having a workout room in the comfort of your own home allows you to work up a quick sweat whenever it fits into your schedule. For fans of physical fitness, there's no better way to make use of that flexible bedroom than a treadmill, some free weights, a floor mat and—if you're feeling fancy—a weight machine. Trying to ease your way into the whole "working out" thing? Add a TV to distract yourself while you're feeling the burn.

3. Lounge

Are you an avid entertainer? If so, transforming your spare bedroom into a cocktail lounge to host your house guests could make your home the go-to place to gather friends for a dinner party. Give it an extra boost with a wet bar, dimmable lights, some speakers and a solid collection of smooth jazz, and you'll wonder why you ever bothered spending a Saturday evening anywhere else.

4. Workshop/Craft Room

Whether you're a devout DIYer or a seasoned hobbyist, turning that extra room into a makers' space could be your ticket to having the perfect home. Fit the floor with durable, inexpensive laminate flooring, and pick up a workbench you wouldn't mind covering in paint. Then, just add some shelving for your tools, and you've got yourself a room worthy of tackling any weekend project.

5. Game Room

Do you prefer to play your games on a screen or on a table? Regardless of your choice, dedicating that bonus room to your favorite games is a great way to liven up your house—while freeing up your other rooms for more traditional uses. Adding a mini fridge for snacks and surround sound for an immersive music or online gaming experience will keep you in the zone as you battle for the win.

6. Multi-Purpose

Having a tough time justifying use of that extra bedroom as something other than a guest bedroom? Pick up a Murphy bed and keep the practicality of an additional bedroom with the added benefit of one of the other fun options listed above.

As a homeowner, an extra bedroom is a great thing to have, so don't let all your options stress you out. If one of these options piqued your interest, go ahead and test it out! If you don't like it, there's no reason you can't use it for something else later on. Find the room that's right for you, and love your house more for it.

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Topics: Homeownership

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