Creative Ways To Decorate Your Bonus Room Bedroom

A bonus room is a great way to add value to your home and express your creativity. Whether it's an extra bedroom, a home office, a playroom, or a hobby room, there are endless possibilities for utilising that extra space. With a few simple renovations, you can transform an unused room into a functional and stylish area that meets your specific needs. So get ready to unleash your inner designer and turn that bonus room into the ultimate flex space!

How to decorate a bonus room bedroom on a budget

A bonus room is typically an extra room in a house that doesn't have a clear purpose. It can be a great space to practice hobbies, pursue passions, or entertain guests. Here are some tips for decorating a bonus room as a bedroom on a budget:

Paint and Lighting

Applying a light paint colour—white, tan, grey, or pastel—to the walls and ceiling can create the illusion of a more spacious and airy room. A satin or semi-gloss paint finish will reflect more natural and artificial light, making the room brighter. Installing white, vertical beadboard on a feature wall adds textural and visual interest and makes the wall appear taller.

Window Treatments

Wooden blinds with 2-inch slats allow more light to enter the room and convey a modern, upscale appeal. Light-filtering or blackout fabric window shades are ideal for covering bonus room skylights to provide a dark sleeping environment.

Flooring and Furniture

Adding a large area rug over a hard-surface floor can bring texture and colour to the room, providing a cosy surface for bare feet. A light-coloured rug over dark floors helps to brighten the space. When it comes to furniture, determine the bed size based on the available floor space and the person who will be using it. Add a small desk and chair if the room is for a student.

Built-ins and Accessories

Make use of existing architectural features and angled walls by constructing built-in storage benches, bunk beds, or cabinets. Keep accessories to a minimum to avoid a cluttered look. Bright-coloured bedding can add visual excitement, while all-white bed linens create a fresh and clean feel.

Other Tips

• Use second-hand or thrifted furniture to save money.
• Create your own abstract art or shop for affordable pieces at craft stores.
• Utilise multi-functional and space-saving furniture, such as a bed with drawers or a fold-down desk.
• Add plants or dried flowers to bring life and personality to the room.

How to decorate a bonus room bedroom with a unique theme

A bonus room is a great opportunity to get creative and design a space that's both functional and unique. Here are some tips to help you decorate a bonus room bedroom with a one-of-a-kind theme:

Choose a Theme That Reflects Your Personality and Interests:

Select a theme that excites you and represents your passions. Whether it's a hobby, a favourite movie or book, or a specific design style, use it as a jumping-off point for your bonus room bedroom. For example, if you're an avid reader, create a literary-themed room with bookshelves and a cosy reading nook.

Play with Colours and Patterns:

Colours and patterns can instantly transform a room and make it unique. Choose a colour palette that complements your theme. Don't be afraid to experiment with bold colours, fun patterns, or accent walls to create a vibrant and eclectic space.

Incorporate Multi-functional Furniture:

To make the most of your bonus room, opt for multi-functional furniture. For instance, a daybed can double as a seating area during the day and a comfortable sleeping space at night. Built-in storage solutions, such as bookshelves or cabinets, can also provide extra space for your belongings while adding a decorative touch.

Create a Feature Wall:

A feature wall can be a stunning focal point for your unique bonus room bedroom. Consider using wallpaper with an interesting pattern or a bold colour to make a statement. Alternatively, you could display a gallery wall of your favourite artwork, photos, or collectibles to showcase your personality.

Add Personal Touches:

Infuse the room with your personality by incorporating personal touches. Display your favourite books, hang string lights, or add house plants to create a space that feels truly yours. These small details will make your bonus room bedroom unique and inviting.

Utilise Natural Light:

Take advantage of natural light to make the room feel more spacious and welcoming. If your bonus room has windows, maximise the light by using sheer curtains or blinds. You can also place mirrors opposite the windows to reflect light and create the illusion of more space.

Remember, the key to creating a unique theme is to think outside the box and incorporate elements that speak to you. By blending creativity, functionality, and your personal style, you can design a bonus room bedroom that's unlike any other.

How to decorate a bonus room bedroom with furniture

A bonus room is typically an extra room in your house that doesn't have a clear purpose. It can be a finished attic space or a spare bedroom that can be transformed into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. Here are some tips on how to decorate a bonus room as a bedroom with furniture:

Consider the room's purpose and your budget:

Determine who will be using the space and set a budget for furnishing it accordingly. This will help you decide on the type and amount of furniture needed.

Address the walls and ceilings:

Angled walls and slanted ceilings are common in bonus rooms and can make the space feel cramped. Apply light paint colours such as white, tan, grey, or pastel shades to create a visual illusion of a more spacious and airy room. A satin or semi-gloss paint finish will reflect more light, making the room brighter. Installing vertical beadboard on a feature wall adds texture and visual interest while making the wall appear taller.

Choose the right flooring:

If your bonus room bedroom has a hard-surface floor, such as hardwood, tile, or linoleum, consider laying a large area rug to add texture, colour, and a cosy surface for bare feet. A light-coloured rug over dark floors will brighten the room, while a colourful rug can add whimsy to a child's room.

Select appropriate furniture:

Furnish the bonus room bedroom with essential pieces such as a bed, dresser or chest of drawers, nightstands, and a comfortable lounge chair. Determine the appropriate bed size by considering the available floor space and the intended occupant. If the room will be used by a student, add a small desk and chair. Storage is crucial, especially if the room lacks a closet, so incorporate storage solutions such as dressers, chests, or built-in cabinets.

Maximise natural light and privacy:

Large windows in bonus rooms can provide ample natural light. Ensure privacy by installing window treatments such as wooden blinds with 2-inch slats, which allow light to enter while providing control over the amount of light entering the room. Light-filtering or blackout fabric window shades are ideal for covering skylights to create a dark sleeping environment.

Create distinct zones:

If the bonus room is large enough, consider creating distinct zones, such as a seating area, an art or desk area, or a play area. This can make the space more functional and versatile, accommodating different activities and users.

Incorporate accessories and personal touches:

Keep accessories minimal to avoid a cluttered look. Choose bedding in bright colours or all-white linens for a fresh feel. Bring in natural elements with pots of greenery, and hang oversized artwork on vertical walls to increase the aesthetic appeal of the bonus room bedroom.

How to decorate a bonus room bedroom with lighting

A bonus room is a wonderful opportunity to get creative and add a unique space to your home. When it comes to lighting, there are many ways to illuminate this extra space and create a functional and atmospheric room. Here are some ideas to get you started on how to decorate a bonus room bedroom with lighting:

• Statement Lighting: Consider adding a statement floor lamp to your bonus room, but be mindful of the ceiling height to avoid a cramped look. Statement lighting can also be in the form of oversized lamps or pendants, adding a wow factor to the room.
• Layering and Flexibility: A key aspect of lighting design is layering different sources of light. Combine ambient, task, and decorative lighting to create a flexible space. Table and floor lamps can be layered with wall or ceiling lights, allowing you to adjust the lighting to suit different moods and activities.
• Adjustable Light Fixtures: Wall-hung adjustable light fixtures are ideal if floor space is limited. Opt for lights with a far reach and full adjustability to provide focused lighting where needed.
• Double Up on Lighting Options: Ensure you have both directional light for tasks such as reading and ambient lighting for a softer glow. Combine a task light like an Anglepoise lamp with a bedside lamp or pendant for a well-lit and versatile space.
• Dimmer Switches: Install dimmer switches to avoid harsh lighting, especially at night. This will allow you to control the intensity of light and create a relaxing atmosphere.
• Lighting for Guests: If your bonus room is a guest bedroom, provide ample lighting options for your guests. Lamps can be a great choice for guest rooms, offering both functionality and a decorative touch.
• Multiple Lighting Sources: More is often better when it comes to lighting. Consider having various lighting sources such as wall-hung lamps, table lamps, and ceiling lights to ensure the room is well-lit and adaptable to different needs.
• Task Lighting: Ensure your bonus room has adequate task lighting for specific activities such as reading or dressing. Bedside lamps are a great choice for soft and pretty lighting, but you may also need additional task lights for reading, such as a linen or cream silk shade that provides more sideways light.
• Recessed Downlights: If your bonus room doubles as a dressing room, consider adding recessed downlights. These can be strategically positioned in front of wardrobes to illuminate the interior or even wired inside the wardrobe, activated by a switch when the doors open.
• Statement Bedside Lighting: The lights beside your bed are essential and prominent accessories. Make a statement with signature pieces in punchy colours or opt for simple, classic designs.
• Less is More: While lighting is essential, avoid overdoing it. Position downlights sparingly and focus on illuminating specific areas such as dressing tables and reading nooks.
• Pendant Lights: Hang pendant lights beside the bed if you have limited floor space. This saves space and adds symmetry to the room, highlighting artwork or other decorative elements.
• On-Trend Oversized Lights: Stay on-trend with oversized fixtures and fittings, especially pendants and lamps. These add a wow factor and draw the eye upward, creating a sense of space and luxury.
• Ambient Wall Lights: Introduce a range of lighting types to ensure the room is suitable for all seasons and moods. Bedrooms serve both practical and relaxation purposes, so a mix of task, mood, and accent lighting will create a versatile space. Wall lights are an excellent choice for ambient lighting and saving floor space.
• Mix and Layer: For a comfortable lighting scheme, consider layering different light sources. This can include ceiling fittings, wall lights, table lamps, and floor or standard lamps. Each layer adds depth and texture to the room.
• Dimmable Lights: Good lighting should be dimmable to allow for mood enhancement and atmosphere. Opt for low-level, flattering, and atmospheric lighting rather than spotlights.
• Table Lamps: Table lamps are essential for a restful and traditional bedroom look. They free up tabletop space and provide better directionality compared to bedside table lamps.
• Symmetry and Proportion: Symmetrical placement of lighting fixtures, such as a pair of table lamps, can help balance the interior scheme. Consider the shape, proportion, and volume of the fixtures to enhance the design and enjoyment of the room.
• Pendant Lights and Chandeliers: Pendant lights and chandeliers add drama and decorative interest to the room. Hang them in unusual ways, such as low over a desk or table, to create a fun and unexpected lighting layer.
• Lighting for Artwork: Highlight statement headboards, bedding, or artwork by lighting them from above with a large pendant. This adds texture and draws attention to the focal points of the room.

How to decorate a bonus room bedroom with colour

A bonus room is typically an extra room in your house that doesn't have a clear purpose like a bedroom or living room. It can be an exciting space to decorate and design, especially when you incorporate colour. Here are some ideas and tips to help you decorate a bonus room bedroom with colour:

Choose Light Colours for Walls and Ceiling

Angled walls and slanted ceilings in bonus rooms can make the space feel cramped and claustrophobic. To create the illusion of a more spacious and airy room, opt for light paint colours such as white, tan, grey, or pastel shades. Applying these light colours to the walls and ceiling will also help create a cohesive and uninterrupted look throughout the room. A satin or semi-gloss paint finish is ideal as it reflects more natural and artificial light, making the bedroom even brighter.

Add Textural and Visual Interest

Consider installing white, vertical beadboard on a feature wall to add textural and visual interest. Not only does it enhance the aesthetics, but it also makes the wall appear taller. Alternatively, you can create an accent wall using wallpaper or paint in a bold colour or fun design. This adds a pop of colour and makes a statement in the room.

Use Colourful Accessories

Accessories such as bedding, rugs, and artwork can bring colour and personality to the space. Bright and colourful bedding ensembles can add visual excitement, while all-white bed linens create a fresh and clean ambiance. Lay a large area rug, especially over hard-surface floors, to add textural colour and a cosy feel underfoot. Light-coloured rugs over dark floors help to brighten the room, and you can also choose a bold-patterned rug to make a vibrant statement.

Incorporate Natural Elements

Bringing in elements of nature can add a soothing touch to the room. Pots of natural greenery or fresh flowers can liven up the space and improve the overall aesthetic.

Create a Colourful Gallery Wall

If you're looking to fill a large blank wall, consider creating a gallery wall with colourful artwork, family photos, or even your children's paintings. This adds a personal and whimsical touch to the bonus room bedroom.

Remember, when decorating with colour, it's essential to consider the lighting in the room. Natural light can be enhanced with light paint colours and reflective surfaces, while artificial lighting can be strategically placed to illuminate colourful accents and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions