Design Ideas for a Bonus Room

Bonus rooms are most often used as leftover rooms. Anything that does not fit in other rooms of the house gets dumped here. Take that extra space and turn it into somewhere the whole family will want to gather and spend time together. A bonus room is only a bonus when it adds to the enjoyment and functionality of a home. Choose a design for your bonus room that will benefit the whole family or give some their own special space. Does this Spark an idea?

Game Room

A bonus room is ideal for a game room. Place a pool table, Foosball table or a ping-pong table in the center of the room, and place seating around the perimeter. Use a tape measure to section off a portion of the wall, and line with painter's tape. You can paint inside the tape with chalkboard paint. Place a small shelf under the area with an eraser and some chalk to keep score. To hold board games, pool cues, pool balls and sound equipment for music while playing, install built-in storage.

Media Room

Create a media room the whole family can enjoy together. A media room is the ideal place to relax and watch a movie or the big game. Use large sectional couches or lounge chairs to provide plenty of comfortable seating. Purchase some blackout shades to provide an authentic movie experience. An inexpensive surround sound system easily adds to the movie theater affect as does muted lighting. A projector, instead of a large television, will maximize the viewing space. Pick one wall as the focal wall and either mount a projector screen or paint the area a flat white.

Playroom

Design a playroom to keep active children entertained and their toys organized and in one room. Built-in shelving and storage along one wall can provide plenty of toy storage and keep children out of the rest of the house. Kid-size seating and tables offer space for reading or crafting while the walls provide plenty of space to display their works of art. Place a trunk or a dresser in the corner to hold dress-up clothes, and install a full-length mirror to allow the children to see. Place colorful rugs throughout the room for soft areas for floor play.

Home Gym

Move all of the exercise equipment to the bonus room to create an area focused on fitness. Leave a wide area in front of a TV open for space to work out. A treadmill facing out a window offers you the opportunity to look outside while you are walking. Line free weights along one wall, and place a weight bench nearby. A mini fridge will allow you to keep lots of cold water and energy drinks close at hand. Paint with colors that energize you, like bright yellows or choose motivational pictures.