A den is an additional room in an apartment that you can use as a multi-purpose space.
Apartments have different floor plans, rent prices and amenities. Depending on what you are looking for, you can pretty much find it when apartment hunting these days. Want a pool or an on-site gym? That’s an option!
One perk that is rising in popularity is the den. Everyone wants more space and dens are a unique way to get it. So, what is a den exactly and how might you use it? We will walk you through the 10 benefits of an apartment with this room and why you might want to rent one.
What is a den?
A den is defined as an extra room, usually without windows or closets. Dens can be found in both one and two-bedroom apartments. They are not considered additional bedrooms as they don’t have that designated closet space that a true bedroom features.
Does a room without windows sound dreary to you? Well, before you confuse a den with a dungeon, let us show you all the ways that an apartment with a den could be used. Essentially, a den is a bonus room where you can do anything you want.
10 benefits of renting an apartment with a den
What would you do with an extra room in your apartment? A den can be just that; it’s an extra room, albeit smaller than a bedroom, to do whatever you want! Here are some of Rent.’s suggestions on what to do with an apartment dent.
1. Built-in home theater
To be considered a den, the room cannot have any windows. This makes dens a cozy, dark space perfect for binging your favorite TV show or streaming the most recent Hollywood hit. With endless streaming platforms at your disposal these days, having a built-in theater room is an awesome perk of apartment living. If you’re a movie lover or Netflix and chill kind of person, an apartment with a den is a must-have. You can invite all your friends over for movies in your dedicated home theater.
2. Optional work-out room
Do you like to work out but don’t have a gym membership or on-site gym? Get some free weights, a Pelaton and a yoga mat and you’ve got yourself a small, personal workout room in the den. It’ll also be cool as there won’t be hot sunlight streaming in from any windows, so you can turn up that music and crank out a quick burn session.
3. WFH spare office
In a world where remote work is more common, you may need a dedicated office space. While some people use their bedroom or living room as a makeshift option, a den is the perfect extra room to transform into a focused work zone. In the den, you have a specific space to go to work and then at the end of the day go back to your main living room without feeling like you never left home that day. You can WFH and live at home without feeling burnt out when you have a den.
4. Meditation or wellness room
We could all use more R&R in a stressful world. If you rent an apartment with a den, you can transform it into a Zen meditation or wellness room. Get a comfortable couch or yoga mat, light a nice candle or essential oils and settle into some dedicated meditation time in your new den wellness room.
5. Private “man den,” “she cave,” or “theysment” space
Bears hibernate in dens, and honestly, that can sound kind of nice. So, why don’t you turn your den into a private space? Do you like to paint? Make your cave a painting studio. Do you like to play poker or chess around some drinks? No matter how you use it, a den is the perfect extra room to make it anything you want it to be.
6. Secondary living space
Are you simply feeling crowded in your apartment and needing more space? Then a den is a great option for additional living space. You can have your bedrooms, kitchen and dining areas and living room plus a den. Extra space in an apartment is always a pro. But, keep in mind you’ll likely pay more in rent for the extra square footage.
7. Peaceful reading room
Escape to a fictitious land by reading or listening to a book. When you turn your den into a peaceful reading room and library, you can go anywhere you want when you escape through the pages of your book. This dedicated reading space can be charming and like your own small bookstore. Get some cozy couches and plush pillows and your den is now your escape.
8. Game room
Do you enjoy game nights with friends? Well, turn your den into the go-to game room. Depending on the size, you could add a pool table or ping pong table here. Or, get a cool table and lots of board games for any sort of competitive gaming setup. Dens are ideal for game rooms.
9. Additional guest room
While it’s not technically a bedroom, a den can double as a spare bedroom for short stays. Get a futon so your guest can have a couch and bed to stay in. This additional room will enable you to host guests without giving up your precious bedroom space or main living room area.
10. More storage space
You probably have too much stuff, as we all do, so extra storage space is never a bad thing. Because apartments are smaller and often have fewer storage options, a den can double as a storage unit. Free up those closets and put your seasonal clothes in the den. Or, fill it with holiday decorations or food storage. Really, you can use it however you like because it’s extra space.
How to find apartments with dens
Does an apartment with a den sound appealing to you? Then it’s time to start the apartment hunt! You can search for apartments in your desired area, within your price range and with the desired amenities — like a den!
Source: rent.com