Did you know that 51% of Americans have at least one unoccupied bedroom in their homes? That’s a lot of untapped potential. Instead of letting that extra room collect dust, why not turn it into something functional, fun, and completely unique? Here are some spare room ideas that’ll help you create a cozy space you’ll actually enjoy!
What Can Spare Rooms Be Used For?
When you think of a spare room, you might picture it being used as a guest bedroom; however, it doesn’t have to be reserved for occasional guests who may or may not ever show up. Instead of letting it sit unused most of the time, you can give your spare room a whole new purpose, whether it’s for work, play, or relaxation.
Home Office
A home office should be a space that actually makes you want to sit down and get things done. Ditch the dull, corporate feel. This is your chance to design a workspace that’s not only functional but also full of personality.
Maximize your space with built-in shelving or a sleek, wall-mounted desk to keep things tidy. A reading nook or small home library in the corner gives you a quiet spot to take breaks, especially with a soft chair and warm lighting. Want a more relaxed, modern feel? Swap out a stiff office chair for a leather bean bag to create a workspace that feels inviting and not rigid.
If distractions are an issue while working from home, soundproofing panels or a white noise machine can help you stay focused. Keep clutter under control with floating shelves or wall-mounted peg boards for easy storage. A few small finishing touches can make your space your own, like:
-
Framed artwork or prints
-
A few low-maintenance plants
-
A quirky neon sign for a pop of fun
-
A vintage or patterned area rug to warm up the space
-
A statement desk lamp
-
A corkboard or magnetic board to pin up ideas and inspiration
Dog Room
Why let your spare room sit empty when it could be the ultimate hangout for your four-legged friend? Instead of tripping over pet beds, leashes, and toys all over the house, give your dog a space that’s cozy, organized, and packed with their favorite things.
Start with the basics. A comfortable dog bed is a must, and cordaroys’ dog bed is perfect for stretching out after a long day of zoomies. Set it up in a quiet corner for uninterrupted naps or by a window so they can bask in the sunshine.
Storage makes life easier for both of you. Wall hooks keep leashes and harnesses from turning into a tangled mess, while bins or open shelving are perfect for stashing treats, toys, and grooming supplies. A soft, washable rug makes the space feel extra homey and also keeps paws from slipping and sliding.
If you want to go the extra mile for your best friend, add a few fun extras:
-
A personalized nameplate or framed paw print
-
A built-in feeding/water station with raised bowls
-
A comfy chair or floor cushion so you can hang out together
Home Theater
Skip the overpriced popcorn and sticky floors at the movies by turning your spare room into a home theater! Start with the essentials: a large screen TV or a high-definition projector. If you want full immersion, consider adding soundproofing panels or thick blackout curtains to absorb outside noise and sharpen the acoustics.
Comfort is just as important as picture and sound. Swap stiff seating for plush recliners, a sectional sofa, or oversized bean bag chairs that make it easy to fall back and enjoy the show. To make sure everyone has the best view, consider installing a raised platform or staggering seating.
Want your home theater to be the go-to spot for family movie nights, football watch parties, or late-night binge sessions? Try adding the following:
-
LED strip lighting or wall sconces
-
Framed movie posters or a “Now Showing” marquee or neon sign
-
A concession area with a mini fridge, popcorn machine, or a candy station
-
Smart home controls for dimmable lighting and sound
Gaming Room
It’s time to get out of the cluttered corner of the house. Go full send on your dream gaming setup. A spare room gives you the perfect excuse to build a battlestation worthy of marathon sessions, clutch plays, and late-night raids. No distractions and no interruptions–just you, your gear, and the best gaming experience.
A gaming desk with multiple monitors is a must, complete with LED lighting that reacts to every explosion, spell cast, and final boss battle. Wall-mounted shelves keep consoles and controllers within arm’s reach, so you’re never scrambling mid-match.
For console gaming, cordaroys’ OpTic gaming bean bag is the real MVP. Not only does it come with a machine-wash and dry-friendly cover for those accidental midnight snack spillages, but our gaming bean bag chair also transforms into a bed. So when the sun starts creeping through the blinds and you realize you’ve been up all night grinding levels, you can crash right where you are, no respawn needed.
Take your space to the next level with a few additions:
-
Cloud lights or reactive LED strips that sync to your game’s music and action
-
Floating shelves for your gaming collectibles, action figures, or LEGO sets
-
A mini fridge because pausing for a snack break is unacceptable mid-match
-
Soundproofing panels so your teammates hear every callout, but your housemates don’t
Meditation Room
Breathe in… hold… exhale. Now, imagine stepping into a space that feels like an instant reset button for your mind. A meditation room is a portal to peace and a retreat from the constant pings, dings, and distractions of everyday life.
Meditation is easiest when you feel completely at ease, so creating a calm and comfortable space is a must. Set up a cozy sitting area with soft floor cushions, a thick yoga mat, or a bean bag chair to help you stay focused and centered.
To keep the energy grounded, consider:
-
Surrounding yourself with plants to purify the air
-
Using neutral colors and natural textures to create a sense of calm
-
Adding a bonsai tree to teach yourself patience and discipline
-
Adding a mini Zen garden for when you want to be more mindful
If you want to make your space actively work with your energy, try incorporating Feng Shui into your setup. Feng Shui, meaning “wind and water,” is based on the idea that your home reflects what’s happening inside of you. The way a space is arranged, the objects within it, and the energy they carry can all contribute to your well being.
Kids Playroom
If you have kids, turn that extra spare room into a playroom! No more tripping over toys in the living room or hunting for lost puzzle pieces under the couch. This can be a dedicated space that’s meant for adventure, creativity, and just the right amount of chaos.
First things first: plenty of storage that actually works and doesn’t result in a mountain of toys dumped on the floor. Open cubbies, labeled bins, and toy organizers make it easy for kids to grab what they want and clean up when they’re done (or at least attempt to).
Next, let’s talk about playtime. A playroom should feel like a mini fun zone, not just a room full of stuff. For kids who never stop moving, cordaroys’ crash pads are always trust-fall ready. These pads are great for endless jumping, tumbling, and play, and they also support gross motor skill development and sensory play.
To make the space truly magical, set up different zones that inspire all kinds of play:
-
A cozy reading corner with bean bags, fluffy pillows, and shelves filled with books
-
An arts and crafts station where creativity (and glitter) can run wild
-
A pretend play area with costumes, a mini market, or a make-believe spaceship
-
A movement zone with tunnels, small slides, or soft climbing blocks
-
A stuffed animal kingdom where plush friends can be tucked in for naps or tea parties
How to Make a Small Spare Room Feel Bigger
If you think your spare bedroom is too small to be anything other than a guest room, think again! With a few clever design tricks, you can create the illusion of space and make the room feel open and airy. To maximize space, try:
-
Light, neutral colors to brighten the space and reflect natural light
-
Multifunctional furniture like a convertible bean bag chair that transforms into a bed for overnight guests
-
Mirrors to reflect light and make the room feel more open
-
Vertical storage like tall bookcases or wall-mounted storage
-
Hidden storage to keep items out of sight and organized
-
Furniture positioned slightly away from the walls to create depth
Ready to Give Your Spare Room a Makeover?
Don’t let that empty room down the hall go to waste. Whether you want an immersive home theater for family movie nights or a cozy, distraction-free home office, your spare room has the potential to be much more than just extra square footage. So, grab some inspiration, make a plan, and turn that forgotten room into your favorite one in the house!
Sources:
Half of Americans have a spare bedroom. What are they using them for? | YouGov
What Is Feng Shui? The Basic Principles and How It Works | Real Simple
