Spare Room Ideas for Creating Space at Home


A man and woman decorating their spare room at home.

If your spare room feels more like a supply closet than a welcoming space in your home, learn how to transform it with helpful ideas. From a music studio to a means of passive income in the form of a room rental, we’ll cover various spare room ideas to help you make the most of every inch of your house.

Create a Home Office

With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm for many professionals, converting your extra bedroom into a dedicated home office is one of the simplest ideas for spare room repurposing. A home office is especially valuable if you run a business from home. When you’re turning your bedroom into a workspace, consider the following:

  • Functional furniture. Maximize your space with a desk that offers ample drawers, utilize shelving, and select a comfortable office chair.
  • Optimal lighting. Keep your desk near a window for natural light, and get a quality desk lamp to avoid eye strain in a dark workspace.
  • Declutter-friendly storage. If you have bedroom furniture that needs a new home, consider a self storage unit to stash bed frames, mattresses, and other items that could clutter other areas of your home, like your basement or garage.

Establish a Creative Studio

A woman working at home in her creative studio.

If you love painting, crafting, and music, but don’t want to commute to a makerspace or rent a commercial music studio, your spare room is the perfect solution. Some of the many ways you can transform your extra bedroom into a creative space include:

  • Art studio. Create room for an easel, wall-mounted racks for your brushes, or cubbies for organizing canvases.
  • Music space. Soundproof your spare room using acoustic panels or thick blankets and carpets, and practice safe cable management for amplifiers and charging stations.
  • Crafting spot. Depending on how messy your crafting time gets, place carpets you’re not worried about staining or getting dirty to keep the actual floor free of paint, dust, and glue.

Set Up a Home Gym or Yoga Space

Nothing beats a private workout spot at home, especially during the hot days of summer or freezing nights of winter! When you’re considering extra bedroom ideas, a home gym or yoga space is an excellent option.

If you’re new to working out at home, start small with equipment like a yoga mat, resistance bands, and adjustable dumbbells. If you have extra-large equipment pieces like a foldable treadmill or workout bench that you only use occasionally, consider rotating them in and out of a storage unit to keep your exercising space uncluttered.

Transform Your Extra Room Into a Guest Retreat

Take your guest room beyond a bed and nightstand and make your extra room feel like a comfortable, welcoming space. Cozy bedding, a quality mattress, and blackout curtains are essential for a peaceful stay, whether you have family visiting overnight or throughout the holidays.

Create an Income-Generating Room Rental

A queen bed in a guest room for short-term rentals.

If your homeowners association or city regulations allow it, take your hosting skills to the next level by transforming your extra room into a space for travelers or tenants. Airbnb offers a listing category called “Rooms” to help you bring in extra income without having to stay elsewhere while your guests stay at your home.

Renting out a room is especially valuable if you live near a college, tourist destination, or popular city center.

Get Cozy With a Library and Reading Nook

A spare room provides book lovers with the ideal spot to create their own library and reading nook, all without leaving home! Depending on the space available, wall-to-wall shelving can provide ample room for your book collection. If you have more books than places to keep them, however, consider a seasonal rotation to swap your favorites in and out.

For a cozy reading experience, consider incorporating a plush armchair or loveseat, throw blankets, and warm-lit lamps to create a relaxing ambiance. You can even set up a tea station with an electric kettle and mug display if you have friends over.

Plan a Playroom for Kids or Grandkids

Toys tend to travel throughout the house, but with a dedicated playroom, you can corral the fun without cluttering your living space! When you convert your spare room into a play area, we have a few tips:

  • Place soft rugs on the floor in case of tumbles, and secure shelving to the wall.
  • Designate spots for reading, crafting, and building toys.
  • Use labeled bins or a toy chest to make post-playtime clean-ups easier.

Make a Home Theater or Gaming Room

Are you a movie buff or gamer? Turn that extra bedroom into an entertainment hub by mounting a TV or installing a projector. A soundbar or surround sound system will also add to your immersive experience. If you’re planning a movie marathon with friends or a mini gaming tournament, add bean bags, recliners, or a small sectional sofa to keep your space comfortable.

How To Make the Most of Your Spare Room Project

Before committing to one of these spare room ideas, take time to ask yourself some questions:

  • Do you need a workspace or a place to unwind?
  • How much do you plan to spend on furniture and decor?
  • Will your spare room transformation displace major furniture pieces?

If your spare room is already packed with furniture or decorations you don’t have space for elsewhere in your home, a self storage unit from Compass Self Storage can help you free up valuable square footage. This way, you can repurpose your spare room without giving up belongings you’ll need in the future.

Transform Your Spare Room With Compass Self Storage

Make your spare room work for you with the help of additional space from Compass Self Storage! From reading nooks and crafting spots to home gyms and remote office stations, we’re here to help you enjoy your home without being limited by its layout. Find your closest Compass Self Storage facility and start transforming your spare room today!

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