11 Ideas for extra space to make the most of your space

Multi-Purpose Entertainment Room

Turn a spare room into a multifunctional entertainment room that can accommodate everything from reading to a game of pool. In this large space, interior designer Kishani Perera wanted it to be more than a simple lounge and TV room.

“We made it into a playroom and study hall, combined with an entertainment room. The kids love this space and homework seems like less of a chore because of its quirky, cozy yet practical feel,” says Perera.

Study room

A study room falls somewhere between an office and a library. It has bookshelves and comfortable seating for a library, but with the desk of an office. This makes it one of the most functional ways to use a spare room. Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director of the Mendelson Group, says this space also has closets for extra storage and a sofa that pulls out to convert the space into a guest bedroom as needed.

Basement arcade

Lean into a dark basement by turning it into a room that should be dark anyway: an arcade. “The basement sat unused until we transformed the space into the ultimate teenage hangout, featuring classic arcade games like skee ball and shuffleboard, complete with a bright neon sign,” says Kristin Harrison, founder and principal designer of Bungalow 10 Interiors.

Wine room

If you have an amazing wine collection that you’re running out of space for, why not turn your spare room into an indulgently fabulous wine cellar? “We transformed a previously dimly lit walk-in pantry into a stunning wine room that’s sure to impress,” says Kristin Kostamo-McNeil, owner and principal of Anne Rae Design. During the renovation, the kitchen was moved, so the pantry space was empty and ready for a new purpose.”

Children’s library

A bright and airy spare room can be transformed into an inviting and colorful place for a children’s library, one that is sure to instill a lifelong love of reading. In this room there are several places to sit and imagine. “One of my favorite ways to repurpose a space is to create a library nook and cozy reading area. This could mean some simple shelving and a cozy chair or built-ins,” says Jennifer Morris, principal of JMorris Design, of this space.

Smart Lounge

A spare room is the perfect place to build a smart lounge, complete with gilt wallpaper, a deep sofa and your favorite memorabilia. With midcentury vibes and abstract art, this space feels like a place to relax with a good book and a cocktail, but it also has a secondary purpose. “I tucked a Murphy bed into bookshelves and put a sofa on wheels in front of it,” says Morris.

Murphy Bed Guest Room

Instead of dedicating an extra room entirely to a guest bedroom, use the space wisely by adding two Murphy beds, which give you back floor space when the beds are not in use. In addition, it allows you to host two guests who may not want to share a bed.

This is a “flex bedroom,” explains Jess Klein, founder of Jess Klein Studio. “The client is a painter, so this multi-purpose space serves multiple functions depending on the need. It’s an art studio, a home gym, and even accommodates two twin Murphy beds for house guests with children. The homeowner also has another dedicated guest room, so they were conscious of making this ‘flex’ room go far beyond just a guest room.”

Home library

If you are an avid reader, consider turning your spare room into a beautiful home library. In this space, interior designer Avery Cox incorporated rich colors and textures to create a cozy space that doubles as a reading room and a place to take a cat nap. We can’t imagine a better way to spend an afternoon.

Meditation room

If you have the extra square footage, what better way to use it than to create a calm space with a relaxing color palette, plants and cozy furniture? “A calming, dual-purpose space can offer both productivity and relaxation. A desk near a window for natural light can increase focus, while a quiet corner with floor pillows, soft rugs and a few plants creates a peaceful area for meditation or yoga,” says Colleen Bennett, founder of CBB Designs.

Changing room

A room dedicated to a beautiful collection of clothes, handbags and shoes sounds like a dream. But if you have a spare room, why waste it on a guest bed that gets used a few times a year? Instead, make it a nice dressing room.

“This client is passionate about fashion, and a standard bedroom closet just wouldn’t do. We transformed the guest bedroom into a chic, boutique-style dressing room curated just for her,” says Sallie Lord, founder of GreyHunt Interiors.

Gym

If you don’t like going to the gym but still enjoy working out, turn your spare room into a home gym. Interior designer Betsy Vohs of Studio BV made this space extra luxurious with the addition of a coffee bar. After weight training, you can brew your morning coffee for the perfect wake-up call.