18 Inspiring spare room ideas

A spare room doesn’t need to be spare. Turn that dumping ground or untouched spare room into a functional and fashionable place with these inspiring spare room ideas.

Spare rooms are a notorious dumping ground for clutter. But spare rooms are one of the easiest to makeover if you treat them like a blank canvas. Even a box room can be turned into a multifunctional space worthy of a spot in House and Garden magazine.

If Pinterest has you scrolling for spare rooms ideas, guest bedroom ideas, or spare room office ideas, this article is for you. With some inspiration and planning, your spare room can be anything you want it to be.

What can I turn my spare room into?

There are endless possibilities for your spare bedroom - would a home office, mini-gym, or book nook suit your lifestyle? Or do you dream of a luxurious hotel-like guest room where your friends can stay after a successful hosting evening?

Homeowners wondering 'what to do with a box room?' might love the idea of a sewing room or hobby corner. But, before you crack open that tin of paint or start dismantling furniture, think about how you spend your days and what you might need from a spare bedroom.

So, throw out those dust-covered unpacked boxes, put away the piles of creased laundry, and transform your spare room into a stunning and valuable space.

Small spare bedroom ideas

1. Personal library

When a bed would dwarf a spare bedroom, a personal library is a perfect small guest bedroom idea.

Turn your spare room into a bookworm's paradise with the addition of;

• A comfy chair - preferably near a window so you can listen to the rain fall as you read

• A footstool - because everyone deserves to put their feet up

• A velvety throw and plush cushions for comfort

• Low-lit lamps, ceiling lights, fairy lights or candles for ambience

• A personal library - freestanding bookcases or bespoke shelves containing your favourite novels

2. Dressing room

Call it a beauty room, dressing room, or walk-in wardrobe, this spare room idea is perfect for those with bursting wardrobes.

Make space in your bedroom or bathroom by moving your clothes, footwear, accessories, dressing table and beauty items into your small spare bedroom.

Insert a dressing table and lots of storage via fitted wardrobes, storage boxes or bespoke shelving units.

3. Laundry/clothes drying room

Turning your spare room into a laundry or utility room means you'll have a dedicated space to air all your washing, even in the winter.

Turn your spare room into a clothes drying room with the addition of a freestanding or wall-mounted clothes drying rack and tumble dryer.

Your spare bedroom could even be a full utility room. Contact a good plumber and electrician near you and move your washing machine upstairs.

4. Yoga/meditation room

If your house lacks a private space to unwind from the daily stresses of life, this is one of the best ideas for a spare room. Why not turn your box room into a yoga or meditation room?

Adorn your spare bedroom with calming, neutral tones, some plants and maybe a bean bag or two. Don't forget your yoga mat, and make the temperature warm and relaxing.

5. Ensuite

Turning that small spare bedroom into an attached ensuite is one of the most popular small spare bedroom ideas.

Contacting the right tradespeople is key to transforming a spare bedroom into an ensuite.

Knocking through your main bedroom to create an ensuite can add value and curb appeal to your home.

Popular spare room ideas

1. Spare room office ideas

Whether you're a YouTuber, Copywriter, voice artist, or simply catching up on some work at home, a quiet and calm space is vital for focus.

Create space in your living room by moving your office desk, computer, printer, files, etc., into your home office. Now, your living room is only for relaxing and family time.

Your home office can also double as a homework hub/station for teenagers preparing for end-of-school exams.

2. Playroom

Are you hopping in pain from stepping on Lego bits? Sliding over toy cars? Get the toys from your living room into a spare room, and wow your children with their new playroom.

A fresh coat of paint, fresh carpet and cartoon-themed decor are all you need to create a playroom. Add a plush, fall-proof rug and lots of toy storage to make your spare room a playroom.

3. Home studio

Artists, sculptors, crafty people, hobbyists; a creator needs a place to create. Forget those basic ideas for guest bedrooms and make your spare room a functional space you enjoy daily.

Furnish your home studio with whatever storage, materials, and tools you need to make your spare room a home art studio.

4. Multipurpose Room

For homes short on room, utilising any space in a multifunctional spare room can be helpful. You can;

• Combine a dressing room with a home office - use a large dresser that moonlights as a writing desk

• Use a sofa bed/day bed for a guest bedroom and a compact office desk and wall shelving as your home office

• Combine any ideas in this article to create a multipurpose spare room

5. Home cinema/games room

If your family has had enough of you hogging the tv playing Call of Duty or binging the latest Netflix series, turning your spare room into a games room or home cinema is Bafta worthy.

Go for an L-shaped sofa for lounging, a big TV or projector for maximum enjoyment, soundproofing (if you've got the budget) and even a popcorn machine or snack bar.

6. Mini Warehouse

For all those online sellers - a mini-warehouse is one of the best ideas for small bedrooms.

Running your business from home can be easier when you have a dedicated space to store your items and complete admin tasks.

A mini-warehouse spare room works best if you sell small items like art prints, jewellery, cosmetics, small ornaments, etc. Add a desk and computer/office supplies to run your business from a dedicated space.

7. Pet retreat

Is your home awash with cat scratches, cat posts, cat climbing trees, dog beds, and dog toys? Turning your spare room into a pet retreat is the easiest way to free up space in your living room.

Cats will love a room dedicated to climbing and scratching, and dogs will love a comfy, cosy space to lounge on a sunny afternoon.

8. Guest bed solutions

Guest bedroom ideas can be versatile enough to host friends from out of town, parents or even your grandchildren. But, depending on the size of your spare room, you can utilise some of these guest bed solutions.

• Day beds transform from beds at night to sofas by day with lots of comfy cushions

• A stacked daybed with a second bed stored underneath creates double the sleeping space for sleepovers

• Purchase a good sofa bed for when guests only stay a few times per year

• Try bunk beds for two or more children - who doesn't love a bunk bed?

• Make any room a guest room with a blow-up bed

• Fold guest beds are more sophisticated than ever - camp-style beds, futons, or footstool-design beds are popular guest bed ideas

Guest room decor

If something's not broken, don't fix it. If your friends and family frequently stay in your guest bedroom, keep that spare room a guest bedroom. Opt for a light makeover or complete facelift to add sparkle to your guest room.

Some of the most inspiring guest room decor ideas include;

Create a cabin in the woods

All you need is a big, inviting armchair, wood panelling, a wood-burning stove, and some faux fur or plaid cushions to create a rustic vibe. Pair with a dark, moody colour scheme and lots of wood for extra effect.

Go bold with colour

Combine bold colours, patterns and themes for a modern and fun feeling your guests will love, just like this tropical-themed bedroom.

Make it cosy

Throw cosy blankets and cushions all over for a chilled-out vibe. Try neutral or warm, calming tones like Autumn colours - think warm honey, browns and burnt oranges.

Wow, with wallpaper

A bland spare room can quickly be turned into a vibrant space with the addition of some fun wallpaper. Wallpaper an accent wall or go for the whole room. Either way, your spare room will be calling out for guests.

Go for luxury

Why not treat your guests in style with a spare bedroom that looks like it just stepped out of a hotel? This isn't that difficult; you can try;

• Stick to clean, neutral tones like creams, whites and greys

• Add in high-quality furniture and a super comfy bed

• Provide excellent linens and towels

• Go extra on light fittings and switches in place of the budget option

• Create an exciting accent wall

• Provide a little tea and coffee station - don't forget the biscuits

Whether you decide to implement any of these spare room ideas into your space, know that you can transform your spare room into a stylish and practical space to suit any needs.

Hiring a trusted builder is the easiest way to start if your spare bedroom needs a minor or even major renovation. We have a host of tradespeople who can help you get the most out of your spare bedroom. Fill in the box below to get started.