When you think of a terraced house, it often conjures up images of cozy spaces, narrow hallways, and rooms stacked one after the other. But one room that tends to confuse homeowners or renters in these types of properties is the ‘middle room.’ Not quite a front room, not quite a back room, the middle room in a terraced house can sometimes feel like an awkward space. It’s often smaller than the main rooms and can be tricky to style. But don’t worry — with a little creativity, the middle room can become a standout feature of your home. Here are a few ideas from SJ Interior Designs to help you make the most of this unique space!
1. Create a Home Office or Study
In recent years, many people have transitioned to remote working or need a quiet space for study and focus. The middle room can be the perfect spot for a dedicated home office or study area.
Consider adding a sleek desk, comfortable chair, and plenty of storage options for your books, files, and office supplies. If you’re worried about it feeling too cramped, try using lighter colors like soft whites, creams, or pastel tones to open up the space. A statement plant or modern artwork on the walls can add personality without cluttering the room.
Pro Tip: Keep the room visually separate from the rest of your home by using a low bookcase or stylish room divider to create a cozy, contained work zone.
2. A Reading Room or Library
If you’re a book lover, the middle room can be transformed into a reading nook or small library. With a comfy chair or chaise lounge, some shelves stacked with your favorite books, and perhaps a soft throw blanket, you’ll create the perfect escape for reading or relaxing.
Consider a warm, inviting color palette with soft lighting and layered textiles like rugs and curtains to create a relaxing atmosphere. If the room has natural light, position a reading chair by the window to take advantage of the sunlight.
Design Tip: Floating shelves can help make the most of the room’s vertical space without overcrowding the floor. A comfy armchair and a stylish lamp complete the look.
3. Turn It Into a Guest Bedroom
If you’re looking to make your terraced house more guest-friendly, the middle room could be the perfect place for a small guest bedroom. With clever furniture choices like a fold-out sofa bed or a murphy bed, you can keep the room functional without sacrificing space.
Opt for a minimalist design to avoid overwhelming the room, using neutral tones to keep the space feeling calm and restful. Add cozy bedding, soft lighting, and perhaps a stylish rug or artwork to make guests feel welcome.
Pro Tip: Choose furniture that can double up, like a storage ottoman or side tables with hidden compartments, to maximize space in a small guest room.
4. Create a Playroom or Kids’ Zone
For families with young children, the middle room can be a great space to create a dedicated playroom or kids’ zone. With plenty of toy storage and colorful décor, you can turn the room into a fun, interactive space for your little ones to enjoy.
Go for bright, cheerful colors that encourage creativity, and keep the furniture simple and functional — think soft mats, low shelves, and cushioned seating. You could also add an activity wall or chalkboard to make the room extra engaging.
Tip: Install built-in shelves or storage units to keep the room tidy and organized, and avoid overwhelming the space with too much furniture.
5. Home Bar or Entertainment Room
If you're someone who loves to entertain, why not turn the middle room into a stylish home bar or entertainment area? This can be the perfect spot for hosting friends, enjoying drinks, or watching movies.
Opt for bar stools, a small drinks cabinet, and some ambient lighting. If you’re a fan of movies or games, a cozy seating area with a projector or TV could work well too. Adding a bit of luxury with velvet cushions, mirrors, and soft lighting can give the space a touch of elegance.
Design Tip: Play around with bold, statement colors like deep blues or rich greens to make the space feel opulent and welcoming.
6. A Creative Studio or Craft Room
Do you love painting, knitting, writing, or any other creative hobby? The middle room in your terraced house can be an inspiring place to unleash your creativity. Whether you're into arts and crafts, sewing, or working on a DIY project, creating a dedicated space for your passion can help keep your main living areas tidy while providing you with a personal retreat.
Organize your materials with floating shelves, stackable baskets, and storage bins. Add a large worktable or easel depending on your craft, and make sure you have ample lighting — both task lighting and ambient light — to help you focus.
Pro Tip: Add a mood board or inspiration wall to help keep your ideas organized and inspire you to keep creating.
7. A Meditation or Yoga Room
Looking to create a peaceful sanctuary in your home? The middle room could be the ideal spot for a small meditation or yoga room. Decorate with calming colors such as soft greens, blues, or even gentle earth tones. Keep the space free from clutter, with just a yoga mat, a few cushions, and perhaps a peaceful water feature or plants to help create a sense of tranquility.
Consider adding soft lighting or even a Himalayan salt lamp to create a soothing ambiance.
Design Tip: Make the room feel larger and more open by using mirrors, which can also add an element of serenity to your practice.
8. Dining Room or Breakfast Nook
Finally, if you’re not sure what to do with the middle room, why not make it a more casual dining space? Whether it’s for family meals or a cozy breakfast nook, this room can be transformed into a dining area that's separate from the kitchen.
Opt for a round dining table to help maximize the space and keep the flow open. You could also go for a more informal, relaxed vibe with a small bistro table and chairs. Keep it light and airy with soft fabrics and neutral tones to avoid the room feeling too heavy.
Pro Tip: Consider folding or extendable furniture if you're working with limited space, so you can create a more versatile dining area.
Conclusion
No matter the size of your middle room, with a little creativity, it can become one of the most functional and stylish areas of your terraced house. From a home office or reading nook to a guest bedroom or playroom, there are countless ways to transform this often underused space into something truly special. At SJ Interior Designs, we believe every room has potential — it’s just about seeing the possibilities and bringing your vision to life.
Need help turning your middle room into something amazing? Get in touch with us for expert design advice and inspiration tailored to your space!