Decorating your bonus room is an exciting endeavor, but with so many options, how do you know where to begin? Should you decorate it warmly, or keep it cool and fresh? What furniture goes in a den, and what should it be used for? We've researched this topic and have come up with answers to help you get started.
Before you decorate your den, determine how you'll use the room. Here are the most popular options:
- Family room
- Office
- Library
- Hobby room
The style of the decor will depend on the purpose of the den. In general, comfort should be your primary goal when decorating the den.
We're confident that you'll be able to figure out how to decorate your den with this guide. Keep reading for a description of a den, plus decorating examples for the above room formats. Here we go!
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What is a den in a house used for?
The term "den" in a home can refer to a wide variety of rooms. There is no set definition or purpose for the room. Thus, it generally refers to any type of bonus room that doesn't have any defined purpose.
A den can be used as an office, family room, entertainment room, sitting room, library, man cave, hobby room, or another informal room. The way a den is used will change from region to region, so your definition of a home's den will likely be different than someone from a different area of the country.
Most often, dens don't meet the necessary requirements to be called a bedroom (two means of exit, a closing door, a certain amount of square footage, and others, depending on location). If they could be called a bedroom, they would be since more bedrooms can increase the value of your home. In a home with multiple living rooms, the smaller one is often referred to as the den.
In general, a den should be a comfortable room used for informal purposes, whatever that may be for your situation. But don't let the ambiguity of the room take away from its value! A den's flexibility can complete your home and give you a calm, comfortable space. Here are some ideas for decorating your den for some of the most popular uses.
Family room
Family rooms -- which could also include living rooms or TV rooms used interchangeably -- are great for hosting guests, interacting with family, and relaxing in general. Because of this, you might want to make the room feel warm and comfortable. Consider painting the walls a warm color such as pale yellow, light orange, or beige. See how warm the following room is?
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Or, do you want to increase the effects of natural light in your windowed den? Consider painting the walls a light gray or blue to brighten things up.
These colors are also easy to pair with furniture. Since your den is likely smaller than an average living room, plan on using smaller yet comfortable furniture. Oftentimes, these rooms will contain comfortable loveseats, a TV, a small coffee table, and other living room-like furniture. Here are a couple of loveseats that will be plenty comfortable without taking up too much space.
Click here to view this loveseat on Amazon.
Click here to view this loveseat on Amazon.
Add an unassuming coffee table to the loveseat to give you a place to set your beverage or snack. These nesting tables are flexible and can be easily stored when not in use.
Click here to view this coffee table on Amazon.
If you're treating your den like a small living room, you should read this article for more ideas on how to decorate it: 35 Very Small Living Room Ideas.
Office
More people are working from home than ever before. If you're one of these people, a functional and comfortable office space is a valuable investment. The best offices increase productivity, and what's more productive than a bright, clean space? Off-white or cool-colored walls will keep you alert.
The desk is an important part of your home office. A trendy choice for a desk right now is to use a simple table with a few desk-like features.
Click here to view this desk on Amazon.
Or, if you're looking for a classic appearance, a stately cherry desk like this one will do the trick.
Click here to view this desk on Amazon.
You have the same two options in desk chairs: simple and clean or classy and elegant. Here's an example of each.
Click here to view this chair on Amazon.
Click here to view this chair on Amazon.
Want to decorate your office in a modern style? Check out this article first for some great ideas: 25 Modern Home Office Ideas.
Library
A home library is a great excuse to decorate luxuriously. A library should feel cozy and quiet, enabling you to curl up with a good book. Though deep red walls aren't practical in every room of the home, they would be perfect for an elegant library.
Match the red walls with a comfortable armchair. Want to be able to read with a friend or loved one? Put two chairs in the room!
Click here to view this chair on Amazon.
Of course, you'll need some bookcases to hold your collection! You can go with a modern shelf like this one.
Click here to view this bookcase on Amazon.
Or, choose a classic bookcase like this one.
Click here to view this bookcase on Amazon.
Hobby Room
Do you enjoy scrapbooking? Looking for a place to do your paintings? Want a space dedicated to playing billiards and watching sports? Then turn your den into a hobby room! In a hobby room, functionality is more important than style. Use this space for whatever will help you feel relaxed and productive.
For instance, you can put up a bulletin board where you can hang your work and storyboard ideas. The one below comes with a corkboard and a whiteboard section, so you can use whichever method you prefer.
Click here to view this board on Amazon.
A wide table with plenty of legroom is important. This one is super adjustable: change its height to sit or stand and put panels down for ease of use.
Click here to view this table on Amazon.
If your hobby room will be for watching sports, hang up some pennants from your favorite team. This customized scoreboard would be the perfect way to show where your priorities are.
Click here to view this scoreboard on Amazon.
And what sports-viewing area is complete without a comfortable recliner?
Click here to view this recliner on Amazon.
What is the best lighting for a den?
The best lighting for your den depends on how you plan on using it and how you want the room to feel. Are you looking for warm, inviting lighting? Then find fixtures that aim the light upward and deflect harsh brightness.
Click here to view this lamp set on Amazon.
This yellow-ish light would be great for your library, family room, or sitting room den. These rooms should feel welcoming, which is how the lights below will make them feel.
Click here to view these lights on Amazon.
A popular type of warm lighting right now is a classic bulb known as an Edison bulb. These are stylish and give off a retro feel. They're popular as hanging lights, or in glass or translucent fixtures.
Click here to view these lights on Amazon.
Or, will you use your den as an office or hobby room and need plenty of brightness? Then you'll want a type of fixture that illuminates your work and keeps you alert. This means a lamp with a white or translucent shade or a bare bulb.
Click here to view this lamp on Amazon.
Pair it with a type of bulb that offers a bright tone like the ones below.
Click here to view these lights on Amazon.
In Closing
You have so much freedom when choosing how to decorate your den. Decide if you're going to use it as a family room, office, library, hobby room, or for some other purpose. Once you do, decorate it with that in mind. Choose colors, furniture, and lighting that will make it feel most comfortable. Hopefully, this article has gotten you started on all your options. Good luck!