Dens are getting into fashion again, but the confusion of what exactly a den is is growing along with it. Open-concept architectural designs and large spaces where you can hang out with your family with a feel of airiness are always appealing. But what if you are to work from home, as many people now have to, and want a quiet place where you can sit with your laptop? Or if you want to spend some alone time inside a small, quiet place with the door shut? Is den the answer? Or is den a small cupboard in your hallway which can only fit a pair of shoes in it and nothing else? What is a den in a house?
What is a Den?
A den is a small room in a house where people can pursue activities in private, defines Wikipedia. The den is a term that people started to give their family rooms. They were small and not fit for formal occasions, but people did not work there either (most probably because the computers were not common and ‘work’ was usually outdoor work). It served as a small place that was usually made cozy for the winters and where all family members would gather and sit and drink and talked.
Now, dens range from pass-throughs to storerooms to carpeted areas near the fireplace to a corner in the bedroom. So you can designate any area and call it a den and would have to visit a listing that says it has a den to discover what it is that they are calling a den.
Uses for Your Den
You can use dens for several purposes as they have open functionality. They are versatile and adaptable and can add a look of grandeur to your house. Here are some of the uses of a den:
Playroom for Kids (Or Adults)
In a house that has children living in it, guests appearing out of nowhere often wreaks havoc as the living room is more often than not messy with toys lying everywhere. A room with a contained clutter of toys helps a lot as you do not have to tidy up the other rooms of the house. Kids enjoy playing in a separate location, and you can allow them to do as they please as long as it is inside the den. You can decorate and furnish the den accordingly to make it have an ambiance that the kids would enjoy. Here is a Toy Organizer and a Play House that can add great value to your kids’ room.
Workout Room
For some people, the answer to the question, ‘What is a den in a house?’ is nothing but ‘a place where you can work out.’ Whether you are a yoga person or like lifting weights, a den can prove to be a great workout place. The thought of having to go to the gym is the biggest conflict in the way of exercising, and having a treadmill, a yoga mat, or a few dumbbells in your den can give you the body you crave.
Family Room
You can use a den as a hangout place for the family. Install an LED screen, and you can watch movies or play video games together. Older kids can also hang out with their friends in it. It could have a ping pong or a snooker table in it as well. It is always nice to have an activity room where you can spend a fun time with your family.
Workroom or Home Office
For people who work from home full-time, and for those who sometimes bring some work to finish at home, a room dedicated to work does wonders. It allows you to be able to focus on the job at hand and you can keep away from any distractions happening in the other parts of the house. Even if the den in your house is not a whole room but a corner of your bedroom or living room, it is useful to have a place where you can quietly work. It could have a study table and a chair to place your laptop or desktop on.
Guest Room
If you have friends or family members that visit you often and stay over, and you do not have a guest room in the house already, a den can offer itself up for the task. However, if your den is open to the house, it might not serve the purpose. You can add a bed and a closet to the room to make your guests feel at home.
Reading Nook
Sometimes, you just want to have a nice place with sunlight and fresh warm air coming in from the window to sit back and read. With a bookshelf placed in the den and a few comfortable sofa chairs, you can have a quiet and peaceful place where you can study, read, or take a refreshing nap.
Our Final Thoughts
‘What is a den in a house?’ The answer to this question is up to you. It is essential for you to know what you want a den for in order to make one. If there is an extra small room in your house, you can utilize that for any of the above-mentioned purposes, and if not, you can create or designate a space you can call a den.
You can move your furniture and use up the wall space as much as you can to maximize the square footage of the area. You can repaint it according to the purpose you want to use the location for and decorate it as you like. You can add layers with different paint colors and hangings to give depth to it. The design will take its shape once you know the purpose of the den in your house. It could be a writer’s room, an art gallery, a music room, or even a small wine bar.
