50 Bonus Room Ideas That Make Use of Your Extra Square Footage
Once you've covered all the bases in your home—that is, satisfied your need for the proper amount of bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room—it's time for the true fun and creativity to begin. If you’re fortunate enough to have a bonus room (or bonus square footage, even if it isn't encapsulated by four traditional walls) in your home, you’re sitting on a treasure trove of potential. Whether we're talking extra attic space, a basement nook, or just that odd corner of your floor plan that doesn’t quite fit anything else, bonus room ideas are the ultimate blank canvas.
The challenge? Figuring out how to best use that extra square footage. With a little imagination, a few clever design tricks, and the right furnishings, your bonus room can offer up the opportunity to cater to your passions, up your enjoyment at home, and make the most of your square footage. Need a quiet escape where you can work? Transform it into an office or a library that’s all your own. Got little ones who need a space to play and let their imaginations run wild? Consider turning it into a whimsical playroom or craft studio. The beauty of a bonus room lies in its flexibility—it can evolve with your needs, upping the functionality of your home and acting as a place to showcase your hobbies and passions. Below, we're rounding up a bounty of bonus room ideas meant to inspire you to think outside the box—or outside four walls—when dreaming up how to best use your space.
More inspiration for your interiors:
Embrace Date Night In
Fancy date nights sound great in theory, but between late nights at work and taking care of everything around the house, sneaking out for one is easier said than done. Instead, bring the local hot spot to you. In this Los Angeles home by Jeremiah Brent Design, an intimate bar is tucked away in a bonus room for a late-night escape that doesn't even require putting on shoes.
Sneak in a Speakeasy
Sometimes, setting a mood is as easy as picking a daring color and luxe fabrics that transport you from the more "functional" parts of your home to a room that screams "fun." In this basement bonus room idea, designer Charlotte Lucas looked to inky walls, velvet furniture, and a variety of seating arrangements to lend a speakeasy vibe.
Foster a Fun Environment
Kids need room to spread out and grow—and it's even better if said spot keeps their toys kind of out of sight. If you find yourself in possession of a bonus room tucked away from the rest of the home, consider transforming it into a magical play space for your little ones. Here, designer Tina Ramchandani crafted a creative playroom with the help of bold colors and pint-sized furniture.
Make Room For Fun
A choose-your-own-adventure bonus room comes with a lot of potential, but also a lot of indecision. If you can't quite decide what you want your space to flex as, try crafting a room that does a bit of everything. In the 2023 House Beautiful Whole Home, the team behind Design Alchemy made the most of a playful conservatory, with spots to indulge in music, drinks, records, and more.
Dress to the Nines
Every little girl dreams of a room dedicated to the art of dressing well, and with a bonus room, that dream can become a reality. This feminine space by Colordrunk Designs has all the making of a grownup Barbie Dream House, from the retail-worthy clothing display to the playful wallpaper and plush perch.
Get Down to Business
Over the past several years, many of us have perfected the art of working from home, regardless of whether or not we boast an "official" office. To transform a bonus room into a corner office fit for a CEO, focus on a setup that offers plenty of storage and workspace. In this office designed by Ariene Bethea of Dressing Room Interiors, a wraparound desk offers enough room for two, while an abundance of closed storage houses all the practical but less pretty components of office work.
Escape in Secret
Even small spaces can live large as a bonus room idea. In this closet-sized reading nook, designer Jeffrey Alan Marks relied on a built-in bench and shelving for a storybook-worthy escape. Name a cozier spot—we'll wait.
Make Every Hour a Happy One
Often, bonus rooms can be a bit wonky, either in size, shape, or both. They often require a bit of creativity to turn them functional—and even more imagination to turn them into something special. Dubbed the "petite room," this charming space by Kipling House Interiors turned a shallow closet into an octagonal room off the entryway into an out-of-the-way bar nook where visitors can enjoy a casual drink.
Envelope Yourself in Beauty
It makes sense that you'd want to save your home's most special architectural assets for your highly trafficked areas, but you can also rely on them to add color—and draw—to a bonus room, turning a blank space into the spot to see your home's signature stained glass or retro ceiling treatment. Here, a sitting room designed by Annie Kern Interiors boasts a little something special thanks to the addition of decorative windows.
Cater to Your Hobbies
Having a bonus room is a great opportunity to give your home a boost of personality and cater your free space to a favorite hobby. Whether you want a dedicated spot to plant your herbs or a room where you can indulge in video games, let your passions guide the way. In this Nashville ranch designed by Liz Bonesio Interiors, that meant a versatile drop zone where the homeowner, a painter, could wash off her tools.
Start the Morning Right
A room dedicated solely to a single meal of the day sounds a bit indulgent—and that's just the point. If your bonus space gets tons of sunlight and looks its best in the morning, consider making it a spot where you can sit as a family and kick the day off right. Here, designers Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett of Kobel + Co. bright life to a circular breakfast room with an expansive mural and similarly round furniture.
WFH in Style
Short on space? No sweat—you can still score a home office that's big on functionally by turning a small bonus room (or closet) into a thoughtful work zone. In this home designed by Liz Carroll Interiors, a feminine wallpaper and striking pink cabinetry team together to form a Zoom backdrop that'll be the envy of all your coworkers.
Set a Memorable Mood
Bonus rooms offer the chance to do a little something different, not just with the functionality of your home but also with its design. To ensure your space feels like a fun departure from the rest of your house, consider making a gutsy design statement, like the bold wallpaper seen here in a bonus room idea by designer DuVäl Reynolds.
Creat a Cloffice
You may not think of a closet as a traditional "bonus" space, but if you've already got all the clothing and linen storage you could need, it can certainly act as one. Here, designer Leanne Ford made the most of a snug spot by transforming it into a "cloffice," complete with a petite desk and fabric inspiration board.
Score the Best Seat in the House
What would you say if we told you the hottest nightlife spot could be in your very own basement? With a little imagination, such a feat can be true—as evidenced by the intimate whiskey showcase nestled into a spare room in this 1920s Spanish Colonial. Designer Regan Baker relied on mood lighting and floor-to-ceiling shelving—plus nearby seating—to mimic the feel of a luxe city tasting room.
Spoil a Fur Baby
For many people, pets are members of the family, so of course they deserve a room of their own too. If you have an unused bonus space in your home, consider crafting a space that caters to your fur baby, with a specialty bath, oversized bed, or built-in food dishes, like seen in this Nashville home designed by Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn.
Shop Your Pantry
Pantries have become a more common occurrence in modern homes, but in most cases, they can't be described as "rooms" so much as "closets." If you have a bonus room free near your kitchen, why not dedicate the whole space to a shoppable pantry that rivals the local grocer? In this California kitchen, designer Meta Coleman chose sunny yellow shelving and plenty of bespoke storage containers to make the most of the extra room.
Engage in Some Friendly Competition
Tech-free hangouts are few and far between these days, but that doesn't mean your home can't encourage it. Instead of outfitting a bonus room idea with the latest video game console and oversized television screen, cater to more old-school pursuits with plenty of spots to sit down to a friendly game of scrabble or shuffleboard. Here, designer Charlotte Lucas took a glam approach, with floor-to-ceiling teal paint and plush upholstery.
Sit Pretty
For a bonus room that's as versatile as it is beautiful, incorporate functional furniture that can flex between a variety of different uses. Here, designer Cecilia Casagrande outfitted a bonus room with a dining table and settee so it could double as both a home office as well as a spot to read, relax, and chat.
Stop for a Sip
How often do you find yourself wishing you didn't have to make the trek downstairs for a morning cup of coffee or a cold glass of water before bed? If convenience is of the utmost importance, consider turning a second-floor bonus space into a drink zone. Here, designer Isabel Ladd included an espresso machine and mini drawer-pull refrigerator to quench any kind of thirst.
Make Some Music
Keep delicate instruments out of high-traffic areas—and give budding musicians a private place to practice—by turning a bonus room into a stylish studio. In this San Francisco Victorian home, the team behind Joy Street Design snuck a cherry red piano into the space, alongside decorative shelving and two poufs perfect for sitting down for a tune.
Indulge in R&R
Nothing screams luxury quite like having a private at-home spa or sauna. If your bonus room boasts ample square footage, it could be the perfect place to indulge in a little R&R, all without leaving the comfort of your own home. In this space, the team behind Studio Griffiths gave the wood-paneled sauna a dark stain, then backlit the walls for additional drama.
Highlight a Hobby
Have a hobby that happens to look beautiful (think: pressing florals, cross-stitching, or wine)? Dedicate a whole room to the pursuit of your passion. For this wine room, designer Morgan Harrison added a display walk-in fridge that both organizes an expansive bottle collection and doubles as art.
Tune Out the Noise
When you need to get down to business, it can help to have a dedicated spot free of distractions. This moody bonus room idea/office by designer Katie Hodges is a form of (very stylish) sensory deprivation, with inky walls and minimal furniture.
Step Back in Time
The art of entertaining and conversation can sometimes feel like a relic of a bygone era—so why not pull inspiration from decades past for your bonus room? Here, Annie Kern designed a sitting area that would make any dapper gentleman proud, complete with plush upholstery, rich wood details, and a chess set.
Cultivate Creativity
The best art happens free of constraints, whether we're talking actual artists or those in the under-five set. To encourage creativity (and corral the mess), turn a bonus room into an art studio—like the cute space seen here by Dunbar Road Design—complete with an expansive work surface and plenty of storage for supplies.
Embrace Eccentricities
Consider a bonus room your permission to get a bit wild with your design and indulge all your fantasies, whether that shows up in the form of a kooky color palette, bold textile, or sculptural light fixture. This bold space by Isabel Ladd boasts all three, turning it into a vibrant escape that's sure to become the favorite room in the house.
Soak Up the Sun
When it comes to the most coveted type of bonus room idea, a sunroom has to be high on the list. The sunny retreat—often enclosed with screens on three of the four sides—can be a fun exercise in indoor/outdoor design, calling for durable fabrics and decor that feel like an extension of your interior. Here, designer Wendy Labrum turned to an inviting curvy sofa (in Perennials fabric) and durable stone floor to set the scene.
Inhale Serenity
Let's face it: Life can be busy, and as much as home should be our retreat from that, it's not always easy to find a quiet place to exhale. The solution? A bonus room that doubles as a recovery space. Here, designer Anita Yokota drenched a room in a whisper-soft blue, adding cozy furnishings and plenty of plants to cultivate a space geared toward mind-body relaxation.
Entertain With Ease
Hosting a crowd can quickly turn a once neat and tidy house into a total disaster. The solution lies in designing bonus spaces that make entertaining easy. Off the kitchen of this Texas home, designer Eddie Maestri turned an extra room into an entertaining hub, complete with a wet sink, barware, and plenty of extra cabinetry.
Focus on Fitness
Having a home gym is a luxury on almost anyone's renovation wish list, so it's probably one of the first functions to consider when you find yourself with a larger bonus room. In many instances, you can even convert extra space in your garage or basement into a place to sweat. Case in point? This luxe home gym designed by Iron House Design, which includes mini circuit zones for strength training and an elliptical machine and treadmill for cardio, which are both positioned to face out to the view.
Shop Your Wardrobe
Feeling bored with your entire wardrobe? What you need probably isn't a slew of new clothing, but an inspirational dressing room, like the one seen here by Id.ology Interiors and Design. Mimicking a luxury retail escape, this bonus room idea will up the style quotient of your whole wardrobe, allowing you to "shop" for new outfits daily and making getting dressed a far more enjoyable experience.
Catch a Late-Night Flick
A bonus room-turned-movie theater is a fun upgrade the whole family can enjoy, whether you're into retro black-and-white flicks or watching the game together on Sundays. Instead of shopping for an oversized television, invest in a projector and screen, like the setup seen here in a Washington, D.C. home designed by Tina Ramchandani.
Foster a Restful Retreat
When you only have one bonus space to work with, you need it to wear a lot of hats successfully. A common combination is a guest room that doubles as a playroom or office, like the chill zone seen here by designer Byron Risdon. In it, bold colors and functional storage combine with versatile upholstery that offers plenty of room for sitting or sleeping.
Make Service a Cinch
If you love cooking, baking, and entertaining, chances are good that your kitchen doesn't satisfy every need you have. To supplement your cooking zone, consider turning an extra room into a butler's pantry, like the handsome workspace seen here by Kelsey Leigh Design Co. The hidden room is accessed through French doors fabricated to look like cabinetry, revealing extra countertop prep space, tons of gadgets and appliances, and even a bonus oven.
Give Teens an Escape
When you're dealing with tweens and teens, one thing is a top priority for them: privacy. Give your budding adults a place where they can gossip, game, and hang with a bonus room designed just for them. In this home by designer Lucy Harris, that means funky wallpaper, bold primary hues, and, of course, a plush couch for relaxing.
Embrace a Vibe
We're not into themed spaces per se, but nodding to a vibe—especially in a bonus room idea—can be a fun way to give your design a unique direction. In this tasting lounge by designer Sarah Vaile, Ralph Lauren vibes take the lead for a moody and sophisticated escape.
Focus on Versatility
You can never go wrong with a bonus room that maximizes the available seating and lounge space you have in your home. Regardless of your unique needs at the moment, such a space will always be used—especially if it's perennially stylish. Here, designer Rajni Alex created an elevated lounge vibe, complete with textural wallcoverings, a 165-foot mohair sofa, and velour draperies.
Crack Open a Book
As anyone with a towering TBR pile will tell you, finding a quiet place to read is easier said than done. The dream? A dedicated library that's quiet, moody, and ideal for indulging in a couple of chapters. In this intimate bonus room idea, designer Anne McDonald turned to custom millwork and antique details to develop a spot dedicated to luxurious solitude.
Go Light and Bright
To create a serene suite where adolescents can escape trails of teenhood, designer Leanne Ford relied on a palette of neutrals, focusing instead of mixing textures to create a layered, lounge-worthy space.
Add Onto a Bedroom
Your bedroom is already a relaxing retreat, but until you're looking to hang in bed, most don't offer up a ton of other lounge space. Instead of cramming in a singular chair in the corner, turn a bonus space nearby into a nighttime hangout, complete with comfy furniture, moody lighting, and anything else you need to wind down. Here, designer Liz Carroll swathed the space in a soft green to channel a tranquil vibe.
Leave Room to Grow
By nature, your bonus room—and what you need it for—is likely to flex throughout the years. Instead of catering your room too far in any one direction, focus on cultivating a space that can grow with your family, like this do-it-all office by designer Laura Hodges that boasts seating, a workspace, and plenty of storage for games, office supplies, and more.
Mimic a Jewel Box
It may seem counterintuitive, but small bonus rooms are a great place to go big with design. From bold patterns to saturated colors, packing a lot of personality into a small space can result in a jewel box of a room that draws all the attention. Here, a bonus room idea by MA Allen Interiors gets the star treatment in the form of botanical wallpaper, red millwork, and a bespoke daybed.
Pour One Out
Sometimes "bonus room" really means a bonus nook in a space that you don't quite know how to utilize. In this Texas home, interior designer Philip Thomas Vanderford of Studio Thomas James added an inset wet bar to the living room for a chic place to saddle up for a post-work cocktail.
Corral the Chaos
The phrase "out of sight, out of mind" takes on new meaning once you have kids in your home—and all their stuff. If little ones rule the roost of your house, a bonus room dedicated to all their extras is a great way to save your sanity. At this California ranch home, designer Rita Donahoe of Rita Chan Interiors crafted a playroom centered on creativity—and storage.
Up the Glam
Want to make your bonus room feel really special? Add some glitz and glam in the form of shiny metallic details. Here, designer Philip Thomas Vanderford transformed a home office into an inspirational sanctuary through a moody color palette, graphic pattern, and shiny gold details.
Give Your Pets Some Space
If there's one person in your family who really needs their own space, it's probably your cat. Feline friends are famous fans of their alone time, making a bonus room idea dedicated to their solitude a fun—if not a bit indulgent—idea. Here, a pet playroom designed by Kelly Ferm grants room for both play and privacy.
Plan for a Party
Be ready to host a crowd at a moment's notice with a bonus room dedicated to the art of partying. In this California home, a contemporary "party barn" by Jennifer Robin Interiors corrals all the makings of a good time, from bar stools for socializing to games for a little friendly competition.
Add a Plush Touch
When luxury is the ultimate goal, you can never have too many over-the-top details, from real stone and glittering lighting to butter-soft upholstery. The bonus room of this Texas home by Marie Flanigan Interiors has all that and more, including a mirrored bar and moody aubergine palette.
Sleep a Crowd
Sure a bedroom isn't considered a "bonus" in a home—but a bunk room certainly is! A popular choice for sleeping a crowd (especially at vacation homes), bunk rooms have come a long way from the overcrowded, under-designed spaces of our childhood. Here, designer Becca Casey mixed full- and queen-sized beds with sophisticated details for a versatile space that sleeps the whole fam.
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