How to make the most use of your spare room
Is your spare room masquerading as a laundrette? Or has it become a storage place for those boxes left unopened since you moved in? If the answer’s yes, it’s probably time to start thinking about how to make the most of your home’s extra space.
"When you haven't got a lot of room to play with, you have to focus on clever ways to use wasted corners," says Elizabeth Wilhide, who’s written a book on the very matter, entitled Small Spaces, "Most people could probably find extra space in their home.”
And that additional space could be right at your fingertips, especially if you have a spare room which has been a little neglected of late. Just follow Confused.com’s top tips…
Buy a sofa bed
A great way to save space in the spare room is to buy a sofa bed, day bed or futon. It’s the perfect option when you’re having friends round to stay and avoids filling the whole room with furniture. While a bed takes up lots of room, a foldaway version that doubles up as a sofa can also result in a second sitting room where you can relax and unwind.
Create a workout world
Stop using your exercise bike as a place to hang the ironing and dust it down ready for use! Beg friends and family for any unused fitness equipment like a stepper, gym ball or some weights. That way you can create your very own workout room and save a fortune by boycotting the gym.
Relax at the spa
For most people, extra cash to spend on beauty treatments and products is thin on the ground at the moment. But with some mood lighting, soothing music and a bit of thought, why not bring the spa to you for a fraction of the cost?
Head down to the high street and pick yourself up a foot spa and a facial sauna – they are some great deals on the market at the moment. Or if you really want to save money, make your own face masks from natural ingredients like oatmeal and egg. For a natural exfoliant, mash up fresh fruit like strawberries or banana and spread across the face and neck. The natural acids in the fruit will eat away the dead skin cells leaving you with a healthy, refreshed glow.
Bring the office home
If you’re looking for other ways to cut back on expenditure as well as making better use of space, try working from home a couple of days a week. Obviously, if you work on the checkout at Tesco, this won’t be doable, but if it is possible, you could save money on your commute.
Movie heaven
Save a packet on cinema visits by creating a movie theatre in your own home. Clear out the spare room and set up a TV and DVD player. Dim the lights and you can relax and enjoy your favourite movies - the kids will love it too. Just don’t forget the popcorn!
But why stop there? If you fancy bunging in a luxury kitchen whilst you’re at it, get some top tips on the latest trends with the Confused.com guide, Tap into Luxury – Kitchens of Distinction.
