We’ve all been there – you don’t know what to do with an item, so you leave it in the one space where it can stay out of sight, and out of mind: the spare room. But these extra corners of our homes have so much more potential than just serving as a borderline dumping ground! Enter our 14 spare room ideas to help you make the most of these hidden gems…
In this post, we’ll explore a few of the options at your disposal with the hopes of inspiring your next home transformation. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming up:
How To Decide
First things first, with so many options out there, how do you even go about making the best choice for you? Well, the good news is that there are no hard and fast rules. Since a spare room tends to have no permanent guest, there’s no need to begrudgingly tiptoe around family preferences or functional demands, meaning that you’re free to experiment as you’d like. So, get creative with it – after all, you can always repurpose the space further down the line if needed!
That being said, it can be helpful to have some guiding principles in place in order to ensure that you’re making the best decision for your needs and lifestyle. Luckily, we’ve collated a few considerations that can offer just that!
Size and Shape
Firstly, you’ll need to think about the physical restrictions of the actual room: it’s no use trying to create a fully decked out home gym in a 4x4 box room! That’s not to say that you can’t achieve your spare room dreams with a box room, just that you’ll have to think a bit more carefully about how you’ll execute your box room ideas.
Since the spare room tends to be the smallest room in the house, the size and shape can have a massive bearing on the scope of what you’re able to do and may even dictate how you go about decorating the space. For instance, a small spare room might benefit significantly from a light or neutral colour scheme paired with strategically placed mirrors to make it appear bigger, whereas a larger spare room can be a great opportunity to play with darker colours. In terms of shape, if you’re considering a home library, for example, an attic room with a pitched ceiling might require lower bookshelves than a standard spare room. So, before you get checkout-happy, take a moment to think through the physical reality of the space.
Style
The overall style and aesthetic of your home might also direct your attention towards specific spare room ideas, or at least how you’ll go about bringing them to life. For example, a super high-tech home cinema might feel out of place in a chic mid-century home. If you’ve really got your heart set on a big screen, though, you could balance out the technology with a more balanced decorating theme to ensure cohesion throughout the whole house.
Nonetheless, utilising spare rooms to experiment and play with interior ideas can be a great opportunity to add character, especially if you’re working with a new build, where a rustic study could break the impersonal, cookie cutter feel. It’s all about sitting with your ideas and thinking through what will suit your specific personality and home requirements the most.
Costs
Here’s a big one: cost. Different spare room ideas will require different budgets, with significant variations between different types of property. An extra bathroom or utility room upstairs might require calling out professional contractors and plumbers, which could prove very costly depending on the level of work that needs to be carried out. In a similar vein, expensive equipment, such as gym machines or a brand-new television, could be off-putting if the budget is limited.
To think through cost then, you should always consider the expected longevity of your project. Is your chosen spare room renovation likely to be the product of a temporary whim, or is it something that you’ll use for a long while, potentially boosting your home value? If you think it’s more a case of the latter – then it might just be time to go big!
An additional tip: if you’re still struggling to envision yourself using any of the spare room ideas below, consider renting it out via the Rent a Room Scheme to generate a bit of additional income from your unused space.
(Multi?) Function
Speaking of being unsure, much of the beauty of a spare room lies in its flexibility: having no specific purpose lends itself particularly well to becoming multipurpose. As you’ll see, different spare room ideas can be combined to create the ultimate personalised space. Why not try a split office/game room? Or maybe a home art studio paired with a library? The possibilities are quite literally endless.
Ultimately, consider which function you would benefit from most and make that your primary concern. If you’re needing a home office/guest room hybrid, for example, it’s enough to create a welcoming daily office space first and foremost, integrating a fold-out sofa bed to cater for any overnight friends or family.
14 Stunning Spare Room Ideas
Now that you’ve got your thinking cap firmly on and have considered what your needs and wants are, it’s time for what you’ve all been waiting for: our collection of spare room ideas. Let’s get exploring…
1. Guest Bedroom
It’s obvious, but it has to be said: consider turning your spare room into a ready-to-go guest sanctuary. Other than choosing the right mattress and sifting through the many types of bedframes on the market these days, you’ve pretty much got free rein to do as you please. Whether it’s a hotel-esque and versatile room you’re going for, or something bolder such as an art-deco theme, there are a few suggested features to implement where possible:
- Comfortable bedding
- Storage for guests to place their belongings
- Appropriate and adaptable lighting, such as a table lamp alongside overhead task lighting
- Some kind of hard surface, such as a bedside table (which you can dress up a little for a more luxurious touch)
- Basic amenities (such as towels, a bin, and so forth)
2. Office
Paperwork, bills, kid’s homework, the printer: what do each of these things have in common? To put it simply, they’re likely taking up space somewhere, probably less organised than we’d like them to be. A home office can be the perfect solution, especially in a world where working from home is becoming the new norm. When it comes to small spare room ideas in particular, a home office is great, since all that’s needed is a comfortable desk, chair, and a storage solution or two. If you’ve got more surface area going, though, you can select a comforting fabric sofa, or sofa bed, to serve as your reminder to take a break (or two or three… we don’t make the rules!)
3. Library
For all those bookworms out there, there’s probably no better spare room idea than an at-home library. Tailorable to any sized space – even the tiniest of nooks – covering the walls with bookshelves can provide the ultimate peace of mind. Pair the bookshelves with a couple of welcoming armchairs and a coffee table, and you’ve got what we would call heaven.
What’s even better is that you can tailor the aesthetic of such cosy nooks to match your personal tastes. If you’re looking for a sleek and modern room, consider metal bookshelves to add a stylish industrial touch. Conversely, implement a bed into the centre of the space and coat the walls in a deeper hue to craft the ultimate dark academia bedroom.
4. Games Room
It’s not just child’s play – playing games can have some serious benefits for adults too. From reducing stress to promoting critical thinking, there’s the perfect excuse to channel your inner child and turn your spare room into a bustling games room. From video games to table and board games, this spare room idea offers something for everyone. If you’re not catering to little ones, consider integrating a bar or drinks space for an elegant adult touch!
5. Dressing Room
If you’re tired of heaping clothes into too-small wardrobes, then turning your spare room into a dressing room could be the option for you. Think of it a little like a walk-in wardrobe, offering both a practical storage solution, but also the chance to enhance your aesthetic by organising a dainty dressing table, or adding stylish home interior accessories to complement the fashionable vibes. Smaller rooms would also benefit further from sliding door or mirrored wardrobes to maximise floor space for that all-important daily runway.
6. Home Cinema
For the avid movie buff (or even just for the household remote hogger), a home cinema is the perfect use of spare space. Best for those homes with slightly more surface area, implementing a funky corner sofa opposite a big screen or projector offers a decidedly modern way to unwind. Pair your furniture with quirky lighting features and creative tech solutions, such as a popcorn machine or a mini fridge, and you can get the ultimate viewing experience from as close as your spare room.
7. Playroom
Why not dedicate your spare room to your little ones? Use fun and bright storage solutions to house the masses of toys that they seem to acquire, and balance play with a low seating area perfect for reading, learning, or simply spending time with one another. Embark on this project and gone (or at least minimised…) are the painful days of tripping over dolls or standing on Lego.
8. Home Studio
If you’re lucky enough to be creatively inclined, why not create a focussed and relaxed space to pursue your hobby, whether that’s music, painting, or even crafts. Like a home office, choose several storage solutions to organise supplies and keep them within reach, but also use wall space and display cabinets to get those creative juices flowing - you could even consider displaying your own finished pieces too!
9. Home Gym
Depending on the level of space and budget available, carving out somewhere to exercise and care for your body can be a hugely worthwhile investment. It doesn’t have to be anything overwhelming, either! Whilst those who are particularly gym-inclined may love to integrate numerous machines, a complete set of barbells, or even a mirrored wall to monitor progress, a low-key meditation and yoga space may be preferable for those looking to reduce stress and tune in with their body.
Depending on what exactly you’re looking to get out of your home gym, you may want to adapt the aesthetics accordingly. If yoga and mindfulness are more your speed, neutral and earthy tones, along with a houseplant or two, will provide the perfect backdrop for warm wooden furniture pieces that store your workout essentials. Alternatively, if you’re looking to feel energised and upbeat after your workout, you might opt for vibrant colours or wall slogans, and furniture pieces with a sleeker, more technical finish.
10. Home Bar
Remember the drinks corner we mentioned in the games room idea? Well, why not take that to the next level with a complete home bar? Think dimmable lighting paired with neon signs and music speakers, along with a few comfy bar stools for late-night chats. Depending on your favourite beverages, wine racks or a spirit shelf can offer the perfect dedicated home for your go-to drink. It’s like going out without leaving the house… what’s not to love?
11. Utility Room
Traipsing up the stairs as stray socks slip from your hands is an unnecessary nuisance if you’re lucky enough to have a spare room. Consider joining the growing trend of moving your utility space upstairs to create a room dedicated to washing, drying, and organising laundry. Once you’ve got the go-ahead from a plumber and electrician, you can pretty much style the space as you like, from shabby chic pinks and florals to stripped back minimalism. The best part is no more piles of clean clothes to move whilst half-asleep when you get into bed!
12. Business Space
If you’re one of the 960,000 Etsy sellers in the UK (or, indeed, a seller on any other platform), it’s likely that you’re conducting most of your business in your own home, especially since 87% of sellers are one-man bands. To keep organised and scale up your enterprise, utilising your spare room space as a mini HQ can make all the difference. Picture perfectly organised supplies, streamlined creation processes, and a quiet space to focus on your admin tasks without your work cluttering up the rest of the house. Sounds great, right? The best part is that you only need a desk, a chair, and a few shelves to get started.
13. Pet Room
Sunny spots and scratching posts galore – why not dedicate your spare space to your beloved pet? With approximately 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats in the UK alone, it’s clear that we’re a nation of pet-lovers. But where there are pets, there are also pet supplies and small damages from overexcited companions, both of which aren’t the most attractive of additions to your house. By implementing a pet room, you can avoid the clutter and help to localise the damage, whilst offering your much-loved furry friend a place of their own.
14. An Extra Bathroom
Finally, an extra bathroom is a wise investment for those looking to increase home value. One of the most popular conversions, it’s been estimated that a well-installed additional bathroom has the potential to add around 4-5% onto your overall home value. Not to mention the increased convenience it offers you and your family in the meantime! So, if you’ve already got the space, why not? Of course, make sure to consult reliable tradespeople before undertaking such a large project.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, 14 spare room ideas to get you inspired. If you pay attention to your needs and wants, the physical limitations of your space, and any budget constraints, you’ll be all set. But don’t forget to have fun with it too! A spare room is a great opportunity to give something new a shot: you never know, it might just become your new favourite space.
Looking for more interior design and furniture advice? From buyer’s guides to more inspirational ideas like these, our blog has it all. So why not grab a cuppa and venture down the road of further reading?
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