A lot of parents struggle with ideas about what to do with their newly spare bedrooms after their kids move out.
The one thing you may want to consider avoiding is keeping the room exactly as it was. Part of the process of dealing with the emotions that come along with an empty nest is moving forward, so why not turn the room into a space you can get some use out of, rather than wallowing?
If you aren’t sure what to do with your kid’s space once they move out, take a look at these fun spare bedroom ideas to get started:
1. A gorgeous guest room
If you’ve always wanted a place for friends or family members to stay when they’re in town, now’s your chance! Turn your spare bedroom into a lovely room that guests can relax in.
Whether you choose to purchase an extra bedroom furniture set or fill the room with mismatched antiques, building a guest bedroom is a great idea because it gives you an opportunity to get creative. Plus, it’s ultra-practical, as you can still use most of the closet for storing any extra belongings that are laying around, and when the kiddo comes home for the occasional visit, he or she will have a comfy place to crash.
2. A space for visiting children
A lovely guest suite isn’t the only idea for a spare bedroom! Your children may have moved out, but that doesn’t mean they won’t ever return. Make sure they feel welcome anytime by turning the space into a more grown-up version of their past bedroom to reflect their new status in life.
Leave some of the furniture, books and odds and ends they may have left behind, but clear the space of everything else, like old trophies, posters and school-related odds and ends. Box up anything you think they’ll want to hang onto for posterity, though.
Update the paint color (if your landlord doesn’t mind you painting the walls) to really add some pop to the space, and replace any leftover posters with more mature graphic prints and paintings. The room is still available for any guests who want to stay for a few days, but your grown-up child will feel comfortable and at home during their breaks and vacations.
3. A nursery
If the last kid just left the nest, that could mean that older siblings are starting families of their own. If you’re about to enter grandparent status, this is the ideal time to set up a home away from home for grandbabies!
A small crib, changing table and a selection of toys will make it so much easier for you to step in and help out, and your adult child is sure to appreciate an extra-involved grandparent.
4. A peaceful reading room or workspace
Whether you read a lot, or simply waited for the day when you could finally create a home office, this is your chance to create the sanctuary you’ve been dreaming of! For this spare bedroom idea, gather all of the books you own (if your current book collection is lacking, hit up some secondhand bookshops) and transform your spare room into a library and reading room fit for a true bookworm. Just make sure that the lighting is adequate. Eye strain is never a good thing!
You can also easily add a desk, a Wi-Fi connection and some creative shelf space to create a home office where you can earn that money. This is extra useful if you work from home a lot or spend a lot of time in front of your computer.
5. A hobby room
Many parents who have an empty nest recommend picking up a hobby, like sewing or playing an instrument, to take advantage of spare time. If you’ve always wanted to buy a sewing machine or start writing short stories, turn the room into a space where you can enjoy learning a new skill and really let your creativity shine.
Don’t think you have to limit yourself to one new hobby, though! This spare bedroom idea can also serve as a multiple-use creative space. For example, use one area as a reading nook and another for a pretty desk for writing or sewing, set up an easel next to the window or even buy yourself a small upright piano or keyboard.
If you’ve wanted to experience something new for decades, dedicating a room to it is one of the best ways to actually give yourself the space and time to excel at your newfound pastime.
6. A man cave
It’s not that fathers don’t enjoy family time — they just want a place where they can go and unwind from time to time! One way for fathers to use a newly empty kid’s bedroom is a man cave. You don’t have to decorate it with old-school dark wood and leather, either. Cigars are also not required!
Simply having a room with an entertainment center, comfortable seating and perhaps even a classic video game unit, foosball or pool table is the perfect escape for dad and a good recreation spot for both parents. Add a mini-fridge for adult beverages and surround sound, and this room will be transformed instantly into more than just another TV space.
7. A home fitness center
If you love fitness or just want a more convenient place to work out, consider using the spare room to create your own fitness center. Investing in fitness equipment, rather than paying a monthly gym membership fee, is a great way to save some money in the long run, especially if you use the equipment often. Plus, there are no excuses for not being able to work out on the regular!
Whatever your fitness style, there are tons of ways to turn an empty room into the ideal home gym. Aspiring yogis can easily add full-length mirrors and floor mats to turn the room into a yoga studio. Marathon trainers will surely benefit from a treadmill. Or, make it a workout haven by adding basic weights, a bench press and an elliptical machine, and enjoy a fully loaded fitness center from the comfort of your own home. No contest, this spare bedroom idea will be the one that leaves you looking and feeling your best.
Empty nest makeover tips
No matter what you do with your kid’s old bedroom, there are a few tips to keep in mind. For one, repurposing the bedroom to fit your wants and needs is an amazing way to embrace your empty nest, but if your child is headed to college, there’s a good chance they’ll still use the room during holidays or spring break. It’s very emotional for them to see their childhood home totally changed. So, involve your child in the makeover process, to make the transition a little easier for both of you.
Whichever spare bedroom idea you choose, consider keeping a small bed and a little bit of closet space available for them, just in case. Also, after the move out, make sure you check with your son or daughter before getting rid of anything left in the room. While decluttering and cleaning is a good first step in any decorating makeover, you don’t want to toss something that may have sentimental value. If needed, rent out a small storage unit to keep their things until they move into a permanent home of their own.
Take your time with your spare bedroom ideas
No matter what spare bedroom idea you choose, take the opportunity to do it mindfully to really make the most of the space. This is your time to shine at this new stage in your life, so enjoy it!
