If you’re selling a home in Scottsdale and have a “bonus room” – an extra room that’s flexible enough to be used as a bedroom or something else entirely – you’re probably wondering what to do with it. Especially if it’s kind of a catch-all right now. First things first: You should never try to sell a home with a catch-all room; instead, you should stage the room so that it has a clearly defined purpose. That’s what buyers want to see. But where do you start? This guide covers five great ways to turn a bonus room into a selling point for your home.
5 Ways to Stage a Bonus Room to Make Your Home Irresistible to Buyers
Check out these five clever ways to stage your bonus room:- Make it a home office
- Turn it into a spare bedroom
- Spring for a home workout room
- Make it a kids’ playroom
- Transform it into an art studio
Bonus Room Staging Idea #1: Make it a Home Office
With more people working from home now than ever before, the home office has become one of the most popular bonus room transformations. And for good reason – a well-staged home office can make your home more appealing to buyers who are looking for a dedicated space to work from home.What You’ll Need
- A desk. You don’t need anything fancy; a simple desk from IKEA or a similar store will do the trick.
- A comfortable chair. Again, you don’t need anything fancy; a simple office chair will suffice.
- Decor that reflects professionalism and efficiency. Consider nondescript art (like you’d see in an office building), great lighting, and a few live plants.
Bonus Room Staging Idea #2: Turn it Into a Spare Bedroom
An extra bedroom never hurt anyone, so turning your bonus room into a space for sleep can be a great idea. You can show just how much space your home has for people and day-to-day living this way, or you can highlight it as a great place for guests who come to visit.What You’ll Need
- A bed. A twin-size bed is usually sufficient, but a full or queen will work, too.
- A dresser. This can be a standalone dresser or a piece that doubles as a nightstand.
- Make sure you have a bedspread, sheets, and pillows that match the style of the room. The cozier the better!
Bonus Room Staging Idea #3: Spring for a Home Workout Room
Many people are looking for homes with dedicated workout areas. If you’re trying to appeal to this type of buyer, consider turning your bonus room into a workout space. You don’t need a ton of equipment, but if you already have some (especially if it’s stored in your garage) or if you can borrow some, all the better.What You’ll Need
- A yoga mat and some blocks. You can find these at any sporting goods store or online.
- A set of dumbbells or other fitness equipment, such as bands, a stair stepper, or – if you already have one – a bench and free weights are great additions.
- A TV and workout DVDs, or a stereo system setup.
Bonus Room Staging Idea #4: Make it a Kids’ Playroom
If you’re selling a home, there’s a chance that your prospective buyers will want to see a dedicated space where kids can play. A playroom is the perfect solution, and it’s something that you can easily stage on a budget.What You’ll Need
- A toy box. This can be anything from a simple plastic box to a fancy wooden chest. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold all of the toys you’ll be putting in it.
- A few shelves. These can be used to store toys, books, or anything else your kids might need in their playroom.
- Soft flooring. This is optional, but you might want to consider adding a rug or some other type of soft flooring, such as foam play mats.
Bonus Room Staging Idea #5: Transform it Into an Art Studio
If you want to appeal to creatives, consider turning your bonus room into an art studio. This is a great way to show off the potential of the space and give buyers an idea of how they could use it.What You’ll Need
- An easel. You can find these at any art supply store or online.
- Art supplies. Paint, brushes, canvases, and other art supplies are a nice finishing touch.
- A table and chairs. A dedicated workspace is a necessity in an art studio.
