Most homebuyers purchase a home with extra space in mind. However, even with every good intention, that space can go unused or not used for maximum efficiency. If you find yourself needing ideas of what to do with the extra space in your home or are looking to create more space, keep reading.
5 Ways to Use the Extra Space in Your Home
Of course it will totally depend on the area you are working with, but most of our ideas can be tweaked to accommodate any kind of space.
Home Library
No matter how big or how small of a space you’re working with, turning it into a home library is easy, inexpensive, and versatile. If you’re already a collector of books then you’ll find this solution practical and a must-have for storing them in an organized fashion. Here are a few ideas for creating your home library:
- Add in bookshelves.
- Build a wall-shelf unit (much like built-in bookshelves).
- Add a few small sitting chairs.
- Consider a table big enough for a lamp, a few books underneath, and space to place your tea or coffee.
- Place a few library-themed pictures or decor on the wall.

Home Gym Area
If staying fit is on your to-do list, but you can’t always make it to the gym, then consider using your extra space for a home gym area. Some people use a portion of their bedroom, which makes early morning and late night workouts easy. Others opt in to use a full spare bedroom or basement area to add some workout-related equipment. Start your home gym area with these ideas:
- Place a pull up bar over the doorway.
- Purchase a small weight rack to hold a variety of dumbbells.
- Use a storage cart to hold jump ropes, stretch bands, hand towels, etc.
- Add another storage unit to hold yoga mats.
- (If space permits), add a stationary bike or exercise machine.
Hobby Space
Knitting stuff beginning to take up too much room? Are your tools all over the place? If your hobby has accumulated a lot of supplies then consider turning your extra space into a hobby center. Depending on what your hobbies are will determine what will go in your space, but almost every hobby can use some type of storage solution. Bins, boxes, tables, and carts are often the go-to for keeping everything in one convenient place.

Storage Room
Sometimes closet spaces, under the bed, and the garage can be overrun with storing things. If you still need more space, then creating an extra storage room is the way to go. There are many unique ways to turn even the smallest of spaces into a storage area:
- Create a shelving area in the bottom of your closets.
- Consider building a shelving area as a headboard to your bed.
- Use a corner area blocked off with a cute curtain.
- Add bins and boxes to a bookshelf.
Multi-Purpose Area
Creating a multi-purpose area is ideal if you’re looking to get more than one use out of a room. Parents of young children may want to double up on a space by creating a bedroom and playroom all in one. Families that have lots of guests may benefit from turning a living room into half of an entertainment area stocked with games and a theater space. A guest bedroom can also double as a home office and coffee bar.
The ideas for ways to use the extra space in your home are almost limitless. Start with brainstorming what you’d like the space to do for you and go from there. Never hesitate to add in, go above, or consider the space beneath your feet. Either way, use your creativity to create a space you’ll love (and use)!
Michelle is a freelance writer, blogger, and author of several Amazon best-selling nonfiction books. Her work has appeared on sites such as Yes I Can Help You, JustinaFord, Mom For All Seasons, Christian Marriage Adventures, and Proverbs 31 Mentor. She has worked side-by-side with well-known business women such as Wendi Schenkel, Carla Du Pont and Dr. Radisha Brown. It is Michelle’s desire to make your words become a reality through her gift of writing. You can share her passion on her blog, The Healing Life, and acquire information about working with her at Michelle Huddleston Services.