13 Ways to Convert a Bonus Room into Usable Space

Published February 2, 2021 by Ryan Castillo
Updated on February 8th, 2021

So, you have extra space but you don’t know what to do with it. While bonus rooms are a great commodity to have, many homeowners struggle to make good use of the space. If this sounds like you, there are many ways you can turn your unused area into a room you’ll never want to leave.

The first step is evaluating your priorities and constraints. If space is limited, a home office or wine cellar are great options. However, if you have the extra space, consider adding the ultimate game room or an in-home photography studio. The possibilities are endless. Now that most of us are spending more time at home, you may be itching to update your bonus room into more usable space or possibly the space of your dreams. Check out the following ideas and get inspired…

Create tunes in a modern music room

Maybe you want to someday be in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN? If so, a music room is a practical bonus room solution. The number one recommendation when creating a music room is soundproofing your walls. Using insulation between drywall and adding acoustic paneling can serve as a noise buffer and improve acoustic quality. Once you’ve got the foundations set, bring in your favorite instruments. Adding a piano in the corner can be a beautiful statement piece. Showcasing your string collection of guitars, violins, banjos, a harp, and a ukulele can reveal the inner rockstar in you. Bring it all together with a drum to create catchy beats.

When designing your space, using musical note wallpaper, dark color tones, and even brick can help you achieve a classic recording studio feel. Posters and records of your favorite bands can double as tribute pieces and inspiration. When you are all done playing, installing hooks to the wall can both maximize storage and showcase your favorite instruments. If you are looking for something more sophisticated, add a home music studio to record your own music.

Watch a movie in a stylish home theater

From thrillers to comedies and everything in between, turning your bonus room into a screening room is a wonderful idea for family movie nights, big sports games, or binging your favorite tv show. When creating a screening room, there are many factors you must control. Insulation is key to limit how much sounds travel through the walls. Restricting ambient light is also important so that it does not interfere with video projection or glares onto a flat-screen. If there is a nearby window, installing blackout curtains can solve this problem. For good audio and video quality, surround sound speakers and high lumen video projectors can bring out the best scenes while you watch.

To really bring the movie theater experience into your home, use red velvet wallpaper, sconce lights, and stadium seating with comfy recliners to mimic that environment. Adding a popcorn machine and snack bar will always leave you munching while you immerse yourself in your show. Watch a movie in a stylish home theater…

Design an arts & craft room that inspires

For the creative in you, an arts and crafts room can act as a sanctuary to fuel inspiration and innovation. Every artist knows the key to a solid art room starts with good organization. Begin by adding built-in shelving and fill them with different-sized storage baskets to fit artist supplies of all shapes and sizes. For spare walls, a mounted pegboard is the perfect piece to keep tools such as scissors, wrenches, or hammers within arms reach. If you love to paint or make pottery, reserve a corner with natural light as you create on your easel or wheel. As you clean up your mess, installing a sink will help wash away all of the extra paint strokes or clay that may have been left behind. Finally, tying the room together with a statement wall can showcase the art you are most proud of…

READ MORE

Pin It on Pinterest