Congratulations, you’ve bought your very first home! All that planning and saving has finally paid off, and you’re ready to move into your dream house. But, first, you need to decide what goes where, and for that, you need to have a general idea of what types of rooms you may find in your home.
Ultimately, since furnishing and decorating take time and plenty of inspiration, learning about different types of rooms will without a doubt make your project a lot easier, and all the more fun! So, in this article, you’ll not only find a complete list of rooms but also what type of furniture typically goes in them.
Most Common Types of Rooms Found in a Home
Not every home is built the same. But that’s what makes them great! Some homes are small with a common layout (foyer, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom), whereas others have additional rooms with no specific purpose.
Regardless of which kind you live in, here are the most common types of rooms found in every home.
1. Foyer
Every home has a foyer or an entrance hall. Even apartments. Some may be small, and connected to the living area, whereas others can be quite large. Namely, most people tend to overlook this room, seeing as it’s not a living area or bedroom.
However, a foyer is an incredibly important part of your home. It’s the first thing someone will see when they come in, and it’s meant to hold some of your everyday belongings such as car keys and wallet.
In most foyers, you will typically find the following:
• Mirror
• Umbrella stand
• Coat rack
• A table for your personal belongings
• A shelf for your shoes
More spacious foyers can also have a built-in closet or bench where you can sit down to take your shoes off. Also, depending on the size of the room, there could also be a small table with decorations on it to brighten up the entrance area.
2. Living Room
The living room is the heart of your home. It’s where you spend the most time with your family, and create the fondest of memories. Furthermore, your living room will most likely serve as a reception area where friends and family can gather once they enter your home.
A living room can be located anywhere in your house. But more often than not, it’s the room you enter right after stepping out of the foyer.
Typically, every living room will have:
• A sofa and some armchairs
• A coffee table
• Carpeting
• Wall decor and/or mirrors
• A TV
3. Dining Room
A dining room is where most meals will take place. This is the place where your entire family can enjoy a hearty meal, and it’s also a great space for formal gatherings with several guests.
Dining rooms are typically situated between the kitchen and living room, but this will vary from home to home.
Every dining room should be equipped with a large table, chairs, and proper lighting. Some are incredibly lavish with large tables and chairs, whereas others can be small and cozy. But regardless of how large your dining room is, this is a room that’s meant to bring your family together.
4. Kitchen
Every home has a kitchen, regardless of how big or small it is. In fact, some people consider this to be the heart of the home, seeing as we need food to survive.
The kitchen is most often located beside the dining room, as it’s practical to keep these types of rooms next to each other. As for its location within the house, it could be situated either in the front or way at the back.
Every kitchen should have the following necessities:
• Oven
• Refridgerator
• Sink
• Counters
• Hanging cabinets
If you have a larger kitchen, it could also have:
• a built-in dishwasher
• hanging wine glass rack
• wine refrigerator
• microwave
• other kitchen appliances
Some kitchens will also have an island which is the perfect additional chopping area, as well as a great snacking space.
5. Master Bedroom
Your bedroom is your safe haven after a long day at work. It’s where you can finally change into your comfy pajamas and get some well-deserved rest.
Obviously, the size of your bedroom will depend on the overall size of your home. However, small ones should be able to fit at least a queen-sized bed and a clothing rack or small dresser for your clothes.
Mid-sized and large bedrooms can accommodate end-tables, bedside lamps, larger dressers, a vanity table, floor-length mirror, etc. Some master bedrooms will have their own bathroom and a walk-in closet.
But regardless, the main accessory every bedroom needs to have is a comfy bed.
6. Kid’s Bedroom
Most couples with children will purchase a home depending on whether it has a kid’s bedroom. This is where your children will spend most of their time, which is why this room needs to be equipped with all the necessities including:
• A bed (or beds depending on how many children you have)
• Desk
• Carpet
• Toybox (for small children)
• Computer (for older kids)
• Desk lamp
• Dresser
Typically, a kid’s room will be smaller than a master bedroom. However, if you have more than one child, you may want to give them more space. Some children will prefer to sleep in bunk beds which is a real space-saver. But if your children are several years apart in age, they’ll likely want separate beds.
Just like with master bedrooms, some kid’s bedrooms will have their own bathroom and a walk-in closet.
7. Bathroom
Every home has at least one full bathroom. This room should have a shower, toilet, and sink. But typically, the larger the home, the more additional bathrooms it will have.
For example, you could have a master bathroom that your family will use, and you can also have a guest bathroom or half-bathroom. It’s also quite common to have a separate bathroom within your bedroom.
Obviously, if you live in a smaller space, then it’s safe to assume that your bathroom will contain only the necessary amenities.
However, some people like their bathrooms fully equipped with a large bathtub, spacious shower, heated floors, and a bidet. Although, some modern toilets will have a bidet included, in which case there’s no need to purchase one separately.
8. Walk-in Closet
Not every home has a walk-in closet, however, this type of room is incredibly useful. Instead of having to install closets and shelves in your bedroom, a walk-in closet allows you to place your entire wardrobe in one separate room. This makes it easy to organize your clothes, and if you have enough space, you could even keep your shoes in there.
Some women will even add a vanity table and a few full-length mirrors to make the room appear larger.
9. Linen Closet
Image source: Pinterest
If you’ve accumulated an impressive collection of bed sheets, towels, and tablecloths over the years, a closet can help you keep these items organized. Linen closets are small types of rooms with deep shelves. Most linen closets don’t have space for you to walk inside, however, larger homes can have a walk-in linen closet.
10. Pantry
Pantries are types of rooms that are usually small, yet incredibly useful. If you’re someone who likes to cook, then you probably like to stock up on ingredients. That’s where a pantry comes in handy.
If you have a large pantry, you can also use it to stash away your extra pots and pans as well as any kitchen gadgets that you don’t use often.
Furthermore, large pantries are a great place to keep your freezer or an additional refrigerator.
But even if you have a pantry that’s the size of a broom cupboard, you can still turn it into a functional space. All you have to do is install some shelves, and add a few hooks here and there.
11. Laundry Room
Nowadays, most homes will have a laundry room. It’s a good thing, too, as keeping your washing machine and dryer in your bathroom can take up a lot of space. These types of rooms can be located in the main part of your home, or in the basement.
Every laundry room should have a washer and dryer, as well as a folding table where you can easily fold your laundry. If there’s enough space, you could also add an ironing station.
Furthermore, a laundry room should have a cabinet or shelves where you can store your detergent.
Some homes will have a laundry chute somewhere in the house where family members can place their dirty clothes. The laundry will then end up in the laundry room.
12. Garage
While a garage isn’t exactly considered a room, it still is a space within your home. You can use your garage as just a space to park your car, but most people also like to keep their outdoor equipment and spare tires in there.
It’s a good idea to add a few strategically placed shelves in your garage to act as a storage unit.
13. Basement
Unless you live in an apartment, your home will likely have a basement. The great thing about a basement is that it doesn’t have an exact purpose, which means you can turn it into anything you like.
For example, you can turn your basement into a poker room or a tiki bar. Most people will turn their basement into a game room or a lounging area. But even if you don’t have a lot of space to work with, you can always add a big-screen TV, a small refrigerator, and a comfy couch to create a simple lounging area.
14. Attic
Like a basement, an attic doesn’t have a specific purpose. Most people tend to use this space to store their holiday decorations, photo albums, and objects that they don’t really use anymore but don’t want to throw away.
However, there is so much more you can do with an attic considering how large these types of rooms are. For example, you could turn it into a large bedroom. Or, if you have children, you can make them a large playroom up there. You could even turn it into a walk-in closet if you don’t have one in your home.
But even if you want to use your attic just to store away your items, installing some shelving units will keep everything organized.
Less Common Types of Rooms Found in a Home
15. Nursery
A nursery is a place where mothers can nurse their children in privacy. Unfortunately, most homes aren’t equipped with nurseries, which is why homeowners will typically opt to DIY this type of room.
Essentially, nurseries are dedicated to the care of small children and babies which is why these types of rooms are typically small. But, some people prefer mid-sized or large nurseries that they can later turn into a kid’s room.
A nursery is usually equipped with:
• A crib
• A rocking chair
• Carpet
• Changing table
16. Guest Bedroom
Not all homes have guest bedrooms. Guest rooms are dedicated to friends and family members who are spending the night in your home. More often than not, a guest bedroom is actually a spare room with no purpose that you can turn into whatever you like.
These types of rooms are typically small and will contain only a bed and possibly end tables and a small dresser. Some guest bedrooms, however, will have their own bathroom included.
17. Sunroom
Sunrooms are highly versatile types of rooms. They can be used to lounge, entertain guests, and enjoy the outdoors. The main advantage of having a sunroom is that you can keep bugs, mosquitos, and other insects from getting in while you’re soaking up the sun.
Furthermore, it’s a great place to relax and listen to the gentle sound of the rain.
A sunroom will usually be located at the back of the house, or possibly at the side. Furthermore, a backyard patio can also be used as a sunroom. Typically, a wood or brick base will support the plastic or glass panels, and screens or sliding glass doors could also be installed. This will allow fresh air inside.
Overall, a sunroom will usually have a couch, plenty of cushions, and a coffee table. The rest is completely up to your personal preference.
18. Home Office
Nowadays, a home with an office is almost like a necessity. All you need is a desk and a chair, and your office is complete.
However, just like with some of the other less common rooms on this list, it’s up to you to decide which accessories and furniture to add to your office.
For example, if you like spending your free time there, you can opt to add a couch or recliner, TV, radio, etc.
Types of Rooms: Turning Your Spare Room Into a Fun Space
The following types of rooms aren’t found in typical homes (unless you specifically ask them to be made). This is a list of ideas for what to do with a spare room.
19. Music Room
A music room is a great addition to a home if your family is musically inclined. These types of rooms are used for practicing music, and the interior of this room is dependent on your personal preference.
When it comes to personalizing this space, you will likely need some of the following:
• Guitar stand (if you have a guitar)
• At least one chair
• Shelves for sheet music
• A microphone stand
Keep in mind that the accessories and decorations within your music room will depend on the instrument you’re playing.
But regardless, a quality music room should have soundproof panels. These will keep any outside noise from entering the room.
Furthermore, soundproof panels will keep the music contained within the room.
20. Home Theatre
Image source: Pinterest
It’s safe to say that every family would love to have a home theatre. But the good news is that anyone can have one. Homes aren’t typically equipped with these types of rooms, but you can easily turn even a small spare room into a home theatre.
This will not only make an amazing movie-going experience, but it will also increase the market value of your home.
A basic home theatre should have:
• A big-screen TV or projector
• Comfortable seating
• The proper lighting
But if you have a lot of space to work with, then you can also add a snack bar. As for the decorations, you could add a few movies posters to create an authentic movie-going experience.
If you’re opting for a big-screen TV, make sure to purchase some backlights as they will enhance the overall ambiance.
21. Game Room
A game room is a fun addition to every home. Regardless of whether you have children, this room can be a place where you can invite over your friends and family for an exciting game night.
Depending on your preferences, you can create a game room for board games, a pool table parlor, or a retro pinball game room.
On the other hand, if you or another family member are avid gamers, you could dedicate this room to just a computer gaming room.
These types of rooms require only a desk for your computer and a comfy chair which doesn’t take up a lot of space.
22. Library
A library is every bookworm’s dream room. Some will opt to have a custom-made library, whereas if you’re on a tight budget, it’s quite simple to build one on your own. All you need is a spare room.
Typically, a library will have shelves, reading lamps, and a cozy chair to read on. However, it’s completely up to you to decide whether you want to make a classic-looking library or a more modern one.
For example, if you were to go for a modern look, instead of an armchair or couch, you could opt to add a few bean bags. Furthermore, you could install some invisible bookshelves to make the room a bit more interesting.
23. Home Gym
Most people will keep their gym equipment all around the house. But wouldn’t it be better to make a separate room where you can exercise in peace?
All you need is your regular gym equipment (whatever you already have) some yoga mats (if you’re planning on doing floor exercises), and something to distract you while you exercise. This could be a TV or a radio.
If you have additional space, you could also add a towel rack, and possibly a bin where you can toss your clothes after your workout.
24. Plant Room
If you’re a plant-lover, then a plant room is just the thing you need. You can basically turn any room in your home into a plant room, just as long as it has plenty of natural light.
Also, make sure you pay attention to how the light moves around the room throughout the day taking note of which areas remain in the dark. You should also keep this room at a specific temperature according to the requirements of each plant.
25. Pet Haven
If you love your pet and treat it like a member of your family, then it’s only normal to give it a room of its own. For example, cats love to roam around and jump on furniture, so why not create a cat playground in your spare room?
If you have a dog, on the other hand, you could fill the room with its favorite toys, and a comfy bed.
Fish and other caged pets would also benefit from having a dedicated room, although you won’t have to add much to their space.
26. Craft Room
To be fair, most people tend to make crafts in their living rooms or even in the kitchen. However, if you have a spare room at your disposal, turning it into a craft room is truly an A+ idea!
Ultimately, if you’re a “crafter”, then you know the importance of maintaining a clean and organized workspace. The best part is that you can easily turn any room into the perfect craft space where you can let your creative juices flow.
The most important things you will need are a desk and plenty of shelves and boxes to keep your craft materials in. Depending on how much room you have, you can opt to add a comfy sofa or armchair where you can lounge while you’re taking a break from your project.
27. Combined Room
Image source: Pinterest
Obviously, not all homes are the same size. If you have a larger space, then it’s safe to assume that you may have more than one spare room at your disposal. However, for smaller spaces, having even one spare room can be considered a luxury. So, how do you decide what to do with that one room?
Ultimately, creating a combined room could be just the thing you need. For example, this room could be dedicated to several things:
• Gym Equipment
• Arts and crafts
• Plants
• Books
• Games
• Musical instruments
These types of rooms are also known as recreational rooms and they don’t have just one purpose.
Types of Rooms: What If You Live in a Small Home?
Sometimes, you have to take things into your own hands. If you move into a home that has limited space, there are a few things you can do to turn things around.
For example, if your home has both a kitchen and a dining room, you may want to combine the two. Instead of dedicating an entire room to just a dining area, place the table in your kitchen. This will allow you to utilize the dining room any way you see fit.
Or, if you have a spacious basement, but you can’t decide what to use this room for, you should consider dividing it up into one or more smaller rooms. This will allow you to use the basement for several different purposes.
Also, if you don’t have a laundry room, but you have limited space in your bathroom for a washer and dryer, you can easily turn a part of your basement into a laundry room.
Learning about what types of rooms you can find in a home can do wonders to help you turn it into a functional space.
Regardless of whether you have a lot of room to work with, or you live in a small space, there is a lot you can do if you put your mind to it. This list is meant to give you an idea of the types of rooms you can find in a home, but also to inspire you to turn it into the perfect living space.