Bonus rooms open a lot of possibilities for homebuyers. They’re creative spaces that add to what you might traditionally have planned for your home. Because a bonus room is not limited to a specific function, it can be whatever you want it to be. Here are a few ideas for how you can use the space.
Game Room or Movie Theater
Making the bonus room into a space for your kids is a more traditional route for bonus rooms. Adding in comfy seating and a TV for movie nights or video games can create an escape from the rest of the house that is purely fun for the whole family. Making a media room is particularly effective if the room will not get a lot of light. After all, no one wants to watch a movie with the sun glaring on their screen.
Home Office or Library
Setting aside a space for work can be beneficial many who work from home. Whether it’s for daily business, homework, or a late night project brought home from the office, keeping work out of the areas where you relax is good for your mind and health.
If your bonus room has areas with low ceilings or unique nooks and crannies, they make perfect spots to add in built in shelving to utilize the space.
Exercise Room
Making a room for workout gear and exercise in a bonus room can be very beneficial for many families. Taking care of your physical health is important for everyone. For many, that’s easier to do when there is a dedicated space at home for physical training. If you have heavy machines for exercises that require repetitive high impact movements, such as a treadmill, talk to your builder about adding additional support beams. This will help reinforce the flooring of a second floor exercise room and reduce wear and tear overtime. Feeling less active? Using part of your bonus room for a meditation space can allow you to escape from the rest of the world and refocus.
Multipurpose Room
Of course, many families choose to turn their bonus room into a multipurpose room. Some combine guest space and a treadmill. Others use the space for crafts or a studio but have a space for gaming. One benefit of a multipurpose approach is that you can modify uses easily over time. As kids grow, interests change or needs arise. By avoiding a narrowly targeted use, you give yourself freedom to make changes more easily in the future.
When planning what to do with your bonus room space, think about what suits your family now but also ask yourself about the future. How long will a home bowling alley be the favorite activity? How many hours do you want devoted to gaming? Will the kids still love it in 3-5 years? Your home is your refuge, and you should love every inch of it when you are building your own.