About a quarter of Britons can play a musical instrument, according to a recent YouGov analysis. The survey went on to ask the people who don’t play an instrument if they would like to learn, and of them, six in ten said they would. It’s not clear what’s holding them back from the unique pleasure that comes from getting lost in playing music – but possibly a lack of space to practise comes into it.

A room where you can shut the door

Let’s face it – not all music practice is enjoyable to listen to! Being able to close the door while you’re practising music means that you can play in private without worrying that you are disturbing other people in your home. Musicians who live in smaller homes might have to get creative with using a bedroom or a hallway, or even an outbuilding.

You might even go as far as renting a practice room outside the home if you really can’t get the space you need. But if there is a box room in your house that is mainly used to keep stuff out of the way, it may be more cost-effective to put these items that you don’t use regularly into storage to open up a room for your music practice.

You can rent a storage unit for as long as you like – some companies offer deals if you commit to six months or a year. You can also save a bit of cash on your self-storage bill by shopping around for self-storage insurance. Get a quote from Store and Insure.

Choosing an instrument to play at home

Some instruments are less suitable for musicians short on space. Bagpipes, for example, probably won’t be welcome in a mid-terrace house. But it’s not just the noise – some instruments, like the double bass, take up a disproportionate amount of space. Not only that, but stringed instruments are vulnerable to being knocked and bumped. The same YouGov survey identified the piano (with the guitar a close second) as the most popular instrument. It’s interesting that people are choosing to play a furniture-sized instrument that is awkward to move, but maybe more of them are opting for smaller electric keyboards.

Space saving ideas for your music room

Thoughtful storage can make all the difference to your practice space. If the room has more than one use, then it’s handy to have storage that will let you quickly tidy your instrument at the end of your session. That way, you can be sure that it won’t get accidentally damaged by someone else who uses the room.

Guitar hooks will allow you to store instruments on the wall out of the way. A keyboard shelf could let you conceal it under your computer desk.

Rather than sheet music and books, many musicians prefer to use a tablet, and this can save space and improve organisation in your music room.

Soundproofing a music room

Music enthusiasts can get really technical about soundproofing, and some solutions are definitely pricy. But even quite low-tech solutions can be effective – for example, soft curtains, rugs and foam mats can help, as can full bookshelves against the walls. And with some instruments, you can plug headphones in and practise in complete privacy.

Don’t let space considerations hold you back from the joys of music

You will never regret making room in your home for the activities that mean the most to you.