Dens are officially back. While they never really left, the multi-purpose rooms are seeing a recent resurgence in popularity. As people continue to seek comfort and meaningful moments at home, dens provide the ideal environment. “To me, the best part about a den is it doesn’t ask you to behave, it asks you to put your feet up and get comfortable; it’s the room where the puzzle stays out on the ottoman for a week and nobody minds,” says Erin Napier, designer and co-host of HGTV’s Home Town.

The secret to a great den lies in its effortless versatility. “Whether it’s book club on a Tuesday night or family movie night on a Friday, the perfect den flexes with whatever the week throws at it,” Napier says. Read on for expert tips to turn your den into a stylish space that accommodates everything from cozy evenings in to Mahjong night with friends.

Must-Have Design Elements for A Den

The key to a well-designed den is striking a balance between style, comfort, and practicality. For Napier, there are three design elements that play a key role. “My number one must-have for any den is having somewhere soft to land, whether it’s a deep sofa or a couple of oversized chairs that you can sink right into,” the designer shares.

Good lighting is another essential component, as it sets the mood for the entire space. “For me, a den is a place to gather, so I always opt to use a good lamp instead of relying on overhead light, because lamplight makes people want to linger,” Napier says. Last but certainly not least, Napier believes every den needs at least one surface that’s built for a mess; “A coffee table or ottoman that can take on a board game, a stack of books, and a pile of homework, and still bring the room together,” Napier says.

The Den as A Place for Screen-Free Connection

There is a growing emphasis on creating spaces that encourage connection at home. Additionally, people are looking for ways to incorporate screen-free activities and areas. The den serves as the perfect backdrop for one such activity that’s soaring in popularity right now: Mahjong.

“Mahjong is about so much more than the game—it’s about connection; a den has a relaxed energy that gives people permission to get comfortable, pour another drink, and play one more game,” says Stacey White, the founder of The Mahjong House, a brand that crafts intricate, hand-painted Mahjong tiles and accessories.

For her, the best Mahjong spaces are designed for lingering, which is exactly what a good den does. Like Napier, her go-to’s are comfortable seating, great lighting, as well as layered textiles that make the den feel warm rather than formal. “Add a game table, a beautiful Mahjong set, and a tray for drinks and snacks, and you’re ready to host—the goal is to make gathering feel effortless,” White says.

Tips for Designing A Versatile Den for Multiple Activities

The difference between designing a den and a bedroom is that a bedroom has a designated function, while a den needs to accommodate numerous activities, often for multiple household members. Napier recommends you start by being honest about everything the room needs to hold in a week—like homework, movie nights, or visits with grandparents. Then, “design for the busiest version of that room, not the tidiest,” she says.

Investing in multi-purpose pieces of furniture is an excellent way to maximize style and function in a den. “A large ottoman is a great versatile piece because it can serve as a footrest tonight and extra seating tomorrow,” Napier says. She also likes including flexible seating that can turn to face the TV or turn back into a conversation circle. Her other secret design weapon? Don’t underestimate the power of lighting zones! “Adding a bright reading lamp in one corner and dimmer lamps elsewhere allows you to easily shift the mood of the room without having to rearrange the furniture,” Napier shares.

How to Incorporate Storage in A Stylish Way?

To keep the den organized and allow it to seamlessly serve multiple purposes throughout the week, thoughtful—and stylish—storage is essential. “I never want storage that looks like storage,” Napier states. “A vintage cabinet or an old dry sink can hide board games and cords just as well as a plastic bin and adds character instead of clutter,” she says. Baskets are the designer’s forever answer for the in-between stuff like throws, remotes, and toys, because it takes seconds to gather everything before company arrives and they still look intentional.

If you play games in the den, treat them as decor. “I love letting beautiful Mahjong tiles become part of the decor—displaying a set on a bookshelf, console, or bar cart not only adds personality to a room—it draws you in and makes you want to play more often,” White says. Her rule is simple: make your games easy to access and you’ll play them more often.

For a more permanent storage solution, Napier says built-ins are worth the investment. “Built-ins, when you can swing them, are totally worth it; shelving with a mix of books and objects up top, and closed cabinets below for the stuff you don’t want on display,” Napier says. For her, the goal is to create a room that always looks like itself, even when it’s been fully lived in that day.

Dens are Officially Back – But Not The Way You Might Think by Maria Sabella | Better Homes & Gardens