A garage doesn’t have to be used for vehicle storage, but neither should it just become a neglected space to dump clutter. Below are a few exciting alternative uses for an unused garage.
Additional bedroom
If you’ve got a growing family, converting your garage into an extra bedroom could be a sensible solution. It saves you having to move or build an addition – you can simply block the garage doorway, redecorate and turn into a cozy living space.
Even if you don’t have a need for an extra bedroom, it could still be useful as a guest bedroom. Converting your garage into a bedroom is also a great way to add value to your home – an additional bedroom can boost a property’s price tag by as much as 15%. You could even rent it out to a lodger!
Home office
Currently work from home and don’t have your own designated office space? You could consider turning your garage into a home office for you to enjoy some privacy while you work. You could design the room in a way that promotes productivity and it may give you the freedom to consider a bigger desk.
A home office conversion could be particularly practical if you run a business from home and regularly meet up with clients – you can invite them into your office through a separate door in your garage so that they don’t have to enter the rest of your home, maintaining a sense of professionalism.
Kids playroom
If you’ve got young kids, an unused garage could make a great kids’ playroom. It could prevent you from having to keep toys in the living room, plus you can move some of their bedroom clutter into here too.
The space could accommodate larger toys that you currently don’t have the space for. As they get older, it could be turned into a gaming space or secondary living room for teens to watch their own movies and TV shows.
Workshop
For those that like crafting things or carrying out repairs, an unused garage could make a great home workshop. It could give you space to put a workbench and storage units for tools. You could even consider large machinery like power saws or sanding machines.
When turning this space into a workshop, make sure that there is enough ventilation and choose a suitable hardwearing flooring solution. Keeping the garage door there could be useful if you need to take in large materials or equipment, however you will need to make sure the door is secure so that no-one can steal your tools.
Gym
Being able to work out at home can save money on gym fees. Of course, most people are limited by the space they have when it comes to planning workouts and acquiring gym equipment. A garage converted into a home gym could give you a dedicated space to do your workouts.
You could consider buying equipment like exercise bicycles, treadmills and power racks that might otherwise be too large to fit in any other room. You could also add speakers, a TV and air conditioning to make it a fun and comfortable space to exercise in.
Home theater
Do you love watching movies? If so, you could consider turning this space into a home theater. You could paint the room black, buy some authentic home theater seats, install surround sound speakers and even consider a projector and a screen. It could also make a great space to keep a DVD library or movie memorabilia. Even if you’re not a huge movie fan, such a space could make watching sports games with friends more fun and make TV series more exciting.
Art studio
If you like to paint, draw or sculpt, an unused garage could make a great studio for you to concentrate in. You can display your artwork here and decorate the room in an inspiring way. You can also furnish the room with easy-to-clean flooring so that it doesn’t matter if things get messy. It could also be a great place to store all your art tools.
Bar
Always wanted to have your own home bar? An unused garage could make the perfect space to set up a bar complete with bar stools, optics and drink fridges. You could add a TV in here and watch sports or play music videos.
You could even add a pool table or dartboard. Alternatively, you could add a mini dancefloor or set up a karaoke machine. It can be your very own entertainment space to drink with family and friends.
Music room
Some musical instruments take up a lot of space. A designated music room could give you a space to place them, while also providing space to practise in private.
For instruments like a drum kit, it may even be possible to soundproof the room to limit disturbance to fellow residents or neighbors. You could even turn it into a home recording studio from where you can record and upload your music if you’ve been starting a career as a musical artist.
Library
Finally, if you love reading and own lots of books, why not consider turning your garage into a library? This could make a nice quiet space to escape to and read. You and your kids could also use it for studying. It’s up to you as to how you design your library space – turning the garage door into a large window to read next to could be one idea to consider.
Conclusion
There are many other potential weird and wonderful uses for a garage. When choosing how to convert this space, consider what your needs and interests are. It may be possible to combine functions such as creating a home office that also functions as a gym, or a home bar that also functions as a music room.
Even if you only have a small budget, a few small modifications may be all that is required to repurpose this room – and over time you can improve it and make it better.
