So you’ve got an extra room in your house just sitting there collecting dust! Why not turn it into a money-making opportunity? I decided to do exactly that last year when my oldest went off to college. That empty bedroom was just begging to be put to good use.
I’ll admit, at first I was nervous about having a stranger in my home. But after some research and a few test runs, I’ve figured out what works! The key is creating a space that feels welcoming to renters while still fitting with your home’s overall vibe.
Let me walk you through some real-world tips I’ve learned from my own experience and from chatting with other homeowners who’ve gone down this road. These aren’t just theoretical ideas… they’re tried and tested strategies that have worked for me!
The Best Design Tips for Homeowners Renting Out Their Spare Rooms
When I first started this journey, I spent hours browsing through spareroom.com for inspiration. What a gold mine of ideas! Looking at listings helped me understand what renters actually want versus what I thought they wanted. Trust me, there’s often a big difference!
A recent survey by Apartment Therapy found that 68% of renters make their decision within the first few minutes of seeing a room. First impressions really do count! So let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making your spare room rental-ready.
Keep It Neutral, but Not Boring
I learned this lesson the hard way! My first attempt at renting out my son’s old room involved leaving his bright blue walls and sports memorabilia up. Big mistake.
The room should feel like a blank canvas. I repainted with a warm gray called “Agreeable Gray” that goes with literally everything. It’s neutral but not that stark hospital white that feels so cold.
For a touch of personality, I added some simple wall art – nothing too wild or personal. Just a couple of framed prints with nature scenes. My current renter actually commented on how much she loved them during her tour!
Don’t forget that neutral doesn’t mean you can’t have any color at all. I added green throw pillows and a yellow throw blanket that brighten up the space without overwhelming it.
Invest in Practical Furniture
When I was redoing this room, I wanted furniture that would:
- Last through multiple tenants
- Provide what renters actually need
- Not cost me a fortune
The basics you’ll need are a comfortable bed, a dresser with enough storage, a nightstand, and some kind of desk or workspace. According to a Zillow study, rooms with dedicated workspace rent 12% faster than those without one!
I found an amazing deal on a queen bed with built-in drawers underneath – such a space saver! For the desk, I went with a wall-mounted fold-down style that my renter can put up when not using it. It’s been perfect for when she wants to use her laptop.
The nightstand has USB ports built right in – such a hit with younger renters! These little touches make a huge difference in making the room feel updated and practical.
Prioritize Storage
Let me tell you about my storage revelation! My first renter was a grad student with SO MUCH STUFF. I had only provided a small closet and a dresser, and she was constantly struggling to keep organized.
For my next renter, I added a large storage bench at the foot of the bed. It holds extra blankets and winter clothes. I also installed some floating shelves on one wall and bought those vacuum storage bags that shrink down bulky items.
One super easy win was adding hooks on the back of the door. Such a simple thing, but my current renter uses them daily for her robe, towel, and purse.
Remember that renters have their entire lives packed into one room. The more clever storage solutions you can provide, the happier they’ll be!
Add Some Homely Touches
This might sound contradictory after talking about keeping things neutral, but there’s a sweet spot between “sterile hotel room” and “someone else’s personal space.”
I keep a small plant on the desk – nothing that needs lots of care, just a simple pothos that brightens the space. There’s also a little welcome basket I put together for new renters with local treats, a transit map, and some basic supplies.
The curtains are a soft cream color that lets in light but still offers privacy. I’ve found that natural fabrics like cotton or linen feel more luxurious than synthetic ones.
My current renter mentioned that these little touches made her feel welcomed rather than just like a paying guest. Mission accomplished!
Offer the Right Lighting
Lighting can make or break a room! I learned this when my first renter complained about the single overhead light that cast harsh shadows everywhere.
Now I’ve got a layered approach:
- A main overhead light with a dimmer switch
- A reading lamp next to the bed
- A small desk lamp
- String lights along one wall for ambient lighting
According to interior designers, rooms should have at least three sources of light. My renter loves having options depending on what she’s doing – bright light for studying, soft light for relaxing.
I also made sure the curtains can open fully to let in natural light during the day. It makes the room feel bigger and more inviting.
Don’t Forget About Sound and Privacy
This was something I totally overlooked at first! The walls in my house aren’t the thickest, and my first renter could hear everything happening in the living room.
Some quick fixes that made a huge difference:
- A white noise machine
- Acoustic panels disguised as canvas art
- A door sweep to block sound coming under the door
- A heavy curtain over the door
I also established “quiet hours” in my house rules, which has helped everyone know what to expect. My current renter works night shifts, so having sound management solutions has been crucial.
For privacy, I added a simple lock on the door and made sure the window treatments fully cover the windows. These small changes help renters feel secure in their space.
Keep Shared Spaces Clean and Clear
If your renter will be sharing spaces like the bathroom or kitchen, this tip is super important!
I cleared out one full cabinet in the kitchen and labeled it with my renter’s name. She has her own designated shelf in the fridge too. No confusion about whose food is whose!
In the shared bathroom, I installed a shower caddy with separate sections and added hooks with labels. There’s also a little storage cart where my renter keeps her personal items.
The cleaning schedule is posted on the fridge – we alternate weeks for deep cleaning, but we both wipe down surfaces after using them. This system has prevented so many potential conflicts!
Make a Great First Impression With Photos
When I first listed my room, I just snapped a few quick photos with my phone. The lighting was bad, the angles were weird, and the room looked tiny!
For my next listing, I:
- Took photos during the day with all curtains open
- Used a wide-angle lens (just an attachment for my phone!)
- Made sure the room was spotless
- Captured details like the USB ports and storage solutions
The difference was night and day! I got three times as many inquiries with the better photos.
A study by Airbnb found that listings with professional-quality photos earn 40% more than those with amateur snapshots. You don’t need to hire a pro, but taking time to get good photos is totally worth it.
Review and Refresh Between Roommates
After my first renter moved out, I realized this was the perfect chance to make improvements before the next person arrived.
I noticed the mattress had some wear, so I invested in a new one. I also touched up the paint, deep cleaned the carpets, and replaced a wobbly desk chair.
Ask departing renters for honest feedback! My first renter mentioned that shelf space was limited, which led me to install those floating shelves I mentioned earlier.
This refresh period is also a great time to check for any maintenance issues like leaky faucets or squeaky doors that might bother your next renter.
Use Long, Flowing Curtains for a Luxurious Feel
This might seem like a small detail, but it makes such a difference! I originally had basic blinds in the room, but switching to floor-length curtains transformed the space.
I hung the curtain rod about 4 inches above the window frame and extended it 10 inches beyond each side of the window. This makes the window look bigger and lets in more light when the curtains are open.
The curtains themselves are a soft off-white that complements the wall color. They’re not expensive – I got them from a discount home store – but they look much more high-end than they actually are!
My current renter said the curtains were one of the features that made the room feel “special” compared to other rentals she looked at.
Conclusion
Turning my empty nest into a rental room has been such a rewarding experience! Not only does it bring in extra income, but I’ve met some wonderful people along the way.
The key takeaways I’ve learned are to keep the design flexible and neutral, focus on practical comfort over trendiness, and pay attention to the small details that make a big difference.
Remember that your renters are looking for a place that feels like home, not just a place to sleep. With these tips, you’ll create a space that attracts great renters and keeps them happy during their stay!
