Have you dreamed of adding an office, extra bedroom, walk-in closet, or media room to your home? If you have a bonus room, try out one of these 17 flex room design ideas to create the space you’ve always wanted!
What Is a Flex Room?
Whether you call it a flex room, a bonus room, an extra room, or a spare room, this multi-purpose room is defined as an area in a home that can be used for a variety of functions. Flex rooms can be anything from unused space above a garage to a small room on the first level of your home that a builder designated as “flex space” or “optional room.” These rooms can increase the value of your home, and they give you the ability to change your home for different needs as they arise, such as a growing family or new hobbies.
What Can You Do with a Flex Room?
The possibilities are endless! Before you decide what you want to use your flex room for, think about the space itself. Is it close to a bathroom? Is it in a basement or attic? Would it be easily accessible for guests? Would it be a quiet place to get work done? With a little creativity and space-saving furniture, you can turn this flexible living space into a comfortable spot you’ll love!
Make a Combination Room
Photo via @rochester_homes_inc
With a few functional pieces, you can create a multi-purpose room that can transition between playroom, guest room, and office depending on what you need. Use furniture with hidden storage or storage containers to hide any toys or office supplies when guests stay over. Add a large ottoman with storage at the foot of the bed to hold extra towels, linens, blankets, and pillows for your guests to use.
Put Together a Nursery
Photo via @hollyfayeclatworthy
Tuck your little one into a cozy flex room nursery. Whether the room is large or small, flex spaces are perfect for nurseries, as they can easily transition to a toddler’s room in no time. With a crib, a comfy chair, and multi-function changing table, you can truly maximize your available space for your family!
Designate a Playroom
Photo via @thegoatabode
Having trouble corralling all of the toys in the house? Give them their own home in a flex playroom! Kids of all ages will love to play in a colorful, unique space that’s just for them. Add furniture like small tables, easels for art projects, and big cushions or beanbag chairs. Make storing toys, books, and games easy with bookshelves and cabinets. Or use storage containers and baskets to keep them organized under tables.
Create a Home Office
Photo via @alabasterfox
Turn your flex space into a home office or study so you can work from home! With bookshelves and easy-to-move furniture, you can easily organize and change the space in case you need a makeshift guest bedroom or playroom. You can even add French doors in the entryway to keep the space separate and quiet from the rest of the house. Need an office space for two? There are plenty of ways to save space with a shared office!
Design an Additional Living Room
Photo via @citycottagechic
Why have one when you can have two? Turning a bonus space into a second living room gives you the option of having both a formal living room for guests and an informal space for family time.
Set Up a Bonus Room Bar
Photo via @nikki.rittenberry_realtor
A flex room is an excellent spot for a bar! Set up an island with bar stools, include plenty of storage space for spirits and glassware, and throw in a TV for catching the big game. Then, you’ll have an entertaining spot in your home that’s perfect for cocktail parties and small get-togethers.
Make an Extra Bedroom
Photo via @raveinteriordesign
Growing families aren’t the only ones who need additional bedroom space. Bonus rooms can easily be turned into a bedroom for a third roommate or a relative planning a long-term stay. A futon or day bed makes for a great space-saving seating area that can easily be turned into a sleeping spot for guests.
Turn the Space into a Game Room
Photo via @barrysgame
Keep video and arcade games out of the living room by creating their own separate game room! A flex game room is a great place for setting up gaming computers, video game consoles, and old-school arcade games. Don’t forget comfy loveseats, floor cushions, and bean bag chairs for those long game nights!
Build Yourself a Hobby Room
Photo via @veridianhomes
When you don’t have a designated area for your hobbies, it can be difficult to focus on what you love. But with a flex room, you can build an art studio that’s just for painting, writing, yoga, crafts, and more! To create more space in your hobby room, incorporate free-standing bookshelves to store supplies. An industrial table with stools is good to have if you plan to work on long projects, too.
Enjoy Movies in a Home Theater
Photo via @rndtechnology
An extra room is a great place to set up a home movie theater. Add bookshelves or floating shelves along walls to store DVDs and Blu-Rays. You can also swap out your TV for a projector to create a true big-screen home theater feel. And don’t forget about comfy furniture! Whether you go with a sectional for the whole family to share or leather armchairs for each person, good seating will make movie nights even better.
Design Your Own Music Room
Photo via @downtoearth.style
If you’re a music aficionado, turning a flexible living space into a music room is a great idea! No matter if you play piano, drums, guitar, or another instrument, small music rooms are good for practicing, as well as storing and displaying your instrument or record collection.
Relax in a Lounge Space
Photo via @ourhanburyhome21
Looking for a place to unwind after a long day? A bonus room is the perfect spot to create your own private lounge area. This room can be used for a quiet reading area, a cozy nap space, or watching your favorite television show. Add a chaise lounge or armchair, fluffy pillows, and blankets, and let the relaxation wash over you.
Set Up a Home Gym
Photo via @in.house.design
With a few free weights, a yoga mat, cardio equipment like a stationary bike or treadmill, you can create the perfect home gym that has free membership! Grab a few fans to keep the space cool, put up some mirrors on the walls, and add a bluetooth speaker for some great music. Rubber mats under cardio equipment or weights will prevent damage to floors, and you can even add a small table for equipment cleaning wipes, water bottles, candles for yoga practice, and more!
Make a Dream Hangout Spot
Photo via @lindseybrookedesign
Upgrade an open flex space into a bright and cheerful spot for older kids to hang out. Jazz up the room with colorful bean bag chairs or a long sectional couch. Not only does this bonus living room keep the kids and their friends out of the main living room, but it allows everyone to have a little privacy as well.
Design a Beautiful Home Library
Photo via @jeleenka
Do you have a book collection that you want to display? A flex room library allows you to keep all of your literary favorites in one spot. Line the walls with shelves for all your novels, magazines, and comic books, and add a few comfy chairs to read on. Bonus if the room has built-in bookshelves already installed!
Engineer an Entertainment Room
Photo via @searchviewvegas
For a flex room that puts the fun in functional, turn that bonus space into an entertainment room. A foosball or pool table provides a great centerpiece to the room while darts, billiards, and other space-saving games can be mounted on the wall. Include a flat screen TV and small wet bar, and you have a room you’ll never want to leave!
Create the Ultimate Walk-In Closet
Photo via @house_of_merci
Are you running out of space for your clothes and accessories? A flexible living space can be the perfect spot for your dream walk-in closet! Install small hooks to hang your hats, scarves, and belts. Add a few floating shelves or cabinets to store purses and handbags. Set up cube storage shelves for your shoe collection. And hang some wooden rods to hold blouses, coats, dresses, and more!
