What to Do with the 'Middle Room' in a Terraced House

When it comes to designing and making the most of your home, the middle room in a terraced house can often feel like a bit of a puzzle. It’s not quite the front room, where you entertain guests or relax in the evening, and it’s not the back room, where you might have a kitchen or a dining area. So, what can you do with this often-overlooked space?

Terraced houses—particularly older ones—tend to have a layout with several rooms in a row, and the middle room often gets lost in the shuffle. It’s a space that doesn't have the same clear purpose or obvious function as other rooms, and as a result, it’s often underutilised.

But it doesn't have to be that way. With a little creativity, the middle room in a terraced house can be transformed into something incredibly useful and stylish. Whether you're looking for a multifunctional area, a cozy retreat, or a stylish showpiece, the possibilities are endless. Let’s explore some of the best ways to make the most of this often-neglected space.

1. Home Office or Study

In recent years, the rise of remote work and hybrid working arrangements has transformed how we use our homes. The middle room in a terraced house offers a perfect opportunity for a dedicated home office or study space. It’s a room that can be closed off from the rest of the house, offering a sense of privacy and focus, but it’s not so isolated that it feels detached.

A few considerations when turning the middle room into a workspace:

• Natural Light: Consider where the room is located in relation to natural light. If the room doesn’t get much light, think about adding good task lighting to brighten the space.
• Storage: Use vertical storage or multi-functional furniture like a wall-mounted desk, floating shelves, or a filing cabinet that doubles as a console table.
• Ergonomics: Invest in a comfortable chair and a desk with proper storage for your tech and paperwork. You want the room to be productive but also comfortable for long hours.

A home office in the middle room creates a defined space for work that doesn’t spill into the living areas. Plus, it allows for separation from the rest of the house, helping to maintain boundaries between personal and professional life.

2. Library or Reading Room

If you’re someone who loves books or simply enjoys a quiet retreat, turning the middle room into a cozy library or reading room is a great way to use the space. With a couple of bookshelves, a comfortable armchair or chaise lounge, and soft lighting, you can create a calming environment for reading, journaling, or reflecting.

In a small terraced house, the middle room can feel like the perfect size to avoid overcrowding with too many books or furniture. It’s also easy to carve out a nook with cushions, a blanket, and soft lighting to create an intimate space for solo relaxation.

3. Multi-Functional Living Area

One of the smartest ways to use the middle room is to turn it into a multi-functional space. This is especially helpful if you have a smaller terraced house and want to maximise every square inch of your home.

Think about creating a room that serves multiple purposes throughout the day:

• Daytime: Use the space as a playroom for young children or a homework area for older kids. The room can also double as a home gym or yoga studio during the day.
• Evening: Turn the room into a cozy evening retreat, with a plush sofa, a cocktail bar, or even a game or entertainment area.

By using clever, space-saving furniture (like fold-out tables, stackable chairs, or convertible sofa beds), you can easily switch between different functions depending on your daily needs.

4. Dining Room or Breakfast Nook

In many terraced houses, especially those with an open-plan layout or a kitchen located at the back, the middle room can be a great place to create a more formal dining space or a more intimate breakfast nook.

If you don't have a dedicated dining room and the living space feels too cramped, converting the middle room into a dining room can free up space elsewhere. Adding a dining table, comfortable chairs, and some stylish decor can elevate the room, creating a space to host dinners or casual meals.

For smaller spaces, a breakfast nook with built-in bench seating can make the middle room feel more functional and cozy. You can add shelves or cabinets for extra storage or a space to display decorative pieces like plants, art, or dinnerware.

5. Guest Room or Spare Bedroom

In terraced houses where space can sometimes be limited, a middle room is the perfect spot to create a guest bedroom or a spare room for when family and friends come to stay. A fold-out bed or daybed that can be tucked away during the day is a great way to keep the room feeling spacious.

You can also use the room as a flexible sleeping space by adding a fold-down wall bed (murphy bed) or a sofa bed, which makes it functional for other uses when it’s not being used for guests.

Decorating this room for occasional use allows you to maintain a streamlined look without committing to a full-time bedroom setup. When not in use, it can serve as a reading room, library, or mini lounge.

6. Art or Craft Room

If you’re a creative type, the middle room could become a dedicated space for your hobbies. Whether you’re an artist, a crafter, a photographer, or a DIY enthusiast, the middle room offers a quiet area where you can spread out and focus on your work.

Consider practical storage solutions, like shelving or drawers, for your supplies, and ensure good lighting (both natural and artificial) for the best creative environment. For artists, this could be a painting studio with an easel, while for crafters, it could house sewing machines, knitting supplies, or scrapbooking materials.

With the right tools and a little creativity, the middle room can be transformed into a productive and inspiring space for pursuing your artistic passions.

7. Home Bar or Entertainment Room

If you're someone who enjoys entertaining, why not make the most of the middle room by transforming it into a home bar or small entertainment area? You could install a sleek bar cart, a mini-fridge, and stylish shelving for glassware, creating a sophisticated space to enjoy drinks with friends or unwind after a long day.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed vibe, a small home theater with a projector and comfy seating can turn the middle room into a space where you can enjoy movies or binge-watch your favorite series in comfort. Adding soundproofing, dim lighting, and decorative touches like posters or movie memorabilia can complete the transformation.

8. Zen Room or Meditation Space

In an increasingly busy world, having a space dedicated to mindfulness and relaxation can be a game-changer. The middle room in your terraced house can be easily transformed into a zen room or meditation space.

With soft mats, low-level furniture, ambient lighting, and calming elements like indoor plants or a water feature, you can create a peaceful sanctuary within your home. This could be a place for yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, or simply for taking a break from the stresses of everyday life.

The middle room in a terraced house doesn’t need to remain an afterthought. Whether it’s repurposed as a home office, a guest room, a reading nook, or a creative studio, there are endless possibilities to unlock the full potential of this often-underused space. By considering how you use the space throughout the day, adding multifunctional furniture, and incorporating smart storage solutions, you can turn your middle room into one of the most valuable areas in your home.

So, instead of letting the middle room gather dust, take a moment to think about how it can serve you best. With a little creativity and the right design elements, this space can become a highlight of your terraced house, making it more functional, stylish, and uniquely yours