According to Forbes UK, at least 39% of us work from home, with 24% also working in hybrid patterns. For many, this can be a dream: a customised schedule, a better work-life balance, no commuting… the list goes on! And the great thing is, you needn’t have masses of space in order to create the perfect office. In fact, you don’t even need to sacrifice your guest room. How? Well, here are 23 of our favourite office spare room ideas to keep your spare room adaptable and stylish.
Storage is Key
For the 50% of us who have a spare room, it can be tempting to fill it chocablock with the masses of random things we tend to acquire in busy daily life. However, giving into this temptation can leave the space feeling overcrowded, disorganised, and drab. Especially if the spare room is a multifunctional space, it is important to keep things organised so that your guest won’t inadvertently end up sleeping on piles of paperwork or runaway pens. Luckily, there’s plenty of savvy storage solutions on the market, from blanket boxes to comprehensive units. So, without further ado, here are some ideas for office guest room storage…
1. Be flexible with footstalls
Pouffes and footstools offer storage that is both practical and stylish. Doubling as a trusty assistant for putting your legs up with a cuppa, the hidden compartments within keep clutter at bay whilst maintaining a sleek look. Plus, they can even serve as extra seating or a makeshift nightstand when guests are over!
2. Store and display with shelving
Shelving is a saviour when it comes to multifunctional or small spaces. Wall-mounted shelves free up floor space whilst keeping books and office essentials within easy reach. Options like storage cubes can also provide display space alongside solutions like fabric pullouts. For keeping the space warm and personal, bookshelves are another great option, ensuring your favourite volumes are both accessible and tidy. Balancing your shelf space with practicality and aesthetics is a great way to keep the space fun and visually appealing for guests without sacrificing your daily needs.
3. Don’t forget drawers
Drawers offer a discreet way to store paperwork and office supplies whilst maintaining a clean and streamlined look. Choosing a desk with built-in drawers is perfect for saving space and ensuring that everything you need is within easy reach. Alternatively, a compact drawer unit can double as a nightstand for guests to keep personal items on whilst visiting.
Colour Schemes
Whether you’re looking to add character to your new build or spruce up a period property, the right colour scheme can completely transform your multifunctional office/guest room, setting the tone for both productivity and relaxation. The key is to ensure that the space remains versatile and inviting. Whilst deep, rich hues can boost focus and creativity, overly bold shades can feel overwhelming or claustrophobic for your guests. So, to help you strike the right balance, here are some of our suggested colour palettes for a spare room.
4. Naturally neutral
A neutral colour scheme creates a serene, sophisticated, and effortlessly versatile backdrop to your office spare room. Beige, taupe, and warm white are timeless and tasteful hues that can adapt as your home changes. Plus, they work beautifully with textures such as wood, linen, or sleek metal.
5. Pretty in pastels
If you’re looking for a touch of colour, pastels are the perfect balance. From blush pink to powder blue, you can add personality to the walls without sacrificing a calming atmosphere. Keeping the space airy with crisp white and natural wood accents ensures that your spare room office remains inviting, for both work and relaxation.
6. Olive greens galore
One of our favourite hues, olive green, brings an earthy elegance to a multifunctional space. Rich yet understated, this colour brings both focus and tranquillity. Complementary tones like soft beige or warm golds can offset against the green beautifully, creating a stylish and serene space.
7. White and more white
If you’re hoping to make your room look bigger, a white colour scheme can do just that whilst creating a bright, clean, and contemporary atmosphere. You could even separate your work and guest zones by adding different coloured accents. To prevent it from feeling too stark, choose soft textures such as rugs, throws, and cushions for warmth and comfort.
8. Make a statement in your sectioning
Beyond paint and block colours, wallpapering specific sections of your office guest room is a great way to add texture, colour, and character. However, avoid going too crazy! Use wallpaper on one accent wall or divide the room into designated zones to create a sense of structure. Bold prints, geometric shapes, and floral designs all work here – just be sure to balance it with more subtle choices.
Finding the Right Furniture
From wood to plastic to metal, there’s perhaps no step as essential as choosing the right furniture. When it comes to office spare rooms, balancing comfort, practicality, and style is integral. Pieces that can serve more than one purpose are the backbone of any great multifunctional space, and you’ll find quite a few of them in our ideas below!
9. Space-savvy sofa beds
Stylish sofa by day, comfortable bed by night: the sofa bed. The ideal solution for a spare room that functions as both an office and guest room, a sofa bed helps avoid the looming presence of a bed in the background of work calls whilst still offering enough comfort for overnight stays. Plus, it’s ideal for those all-important work breaks…
By the way, if you’re wondering how to go about picking your sofa bed, the same guidelines as picking a sofa apply. Just don’t forget to think about the mattress and bed mechanism too!
10. Handy murphy options
You’ve likely heard of a murphy bed before, but did you know that there is such thing as murphy desks? In both cases, the bed or desk is folded away into the wall when not in use, freeing up valuable space for daily work. These space saving solutions work miracles to transform the room in as little as a pull.
11. Chunky armchairs
For both you and your guests, consider adding a high-quality chunky armchair. If you have the space, there’s really no better decision than creating a cosy and comfy spot for a change of work scenery or for your guests to curl up in. If you fancy some further reading, our dedicated guide to different styles of armchairs can get you started!
12. Divide and conquer
For an additional layer of separation, consider using room dividers. From unassuming, foldable screens to fabric curtains, there are plenty of options to suit your spare room aesthetic whilst enhancing the flow and organisation of the space.
13. Double up
If you’re adding a desk space to an already-established guest room, consider using what you have! Dressing tables and vanities can work well as desks, whilst bedside tables can become convenient office supply storage.
14. Desk demands
The desk is often the most important piece of furniture in any office, whether that be in an entire dedicated room, or the smallest of work corners. It should be spacious enough to comfortably hold your daily essentials whilst also being versatile enough to work around when guests come to stay. Additionally, the style of your desk can hugely impact the atmosphere of the entire space. For instance, if you’re looking to create a dark academia haven, this mango wood Westbury Writing Desk might be perfect, whereas a more sleek and minimalistic design may work better for modern aesthetics.
The Art of Layout
When it comes to any office spare room ideas, the layout of the space is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Start by defining clear ‘zones’ within the room: where will you work? Where is the rest area going to be? Where do you need storage? Once you’ve decided on your zones, ensure a natural flow between them without making the room feel overcrowded. Here are a couple more factors to think about:
15. Maximise vertical space
In office guest rooms, where space may be scarce, maximising vertical space will usefully keep the floor area clear and create a sense of openness. Use wall-mounted storage and hanging shelves to store items off the ground whilst keeping them accessible or opt for a high sleeper bed that can house a desk underneath. By thinking vertically for less important things like storage, you can free up more floor space for other key furniture pieces.
16. Nooks and crannies
Don’t overlook the potential of a good corner! These often-overlooked nooks and crannies can become charming and practical spaces given the right furniture or décor. A corner desk can be a welcome addition when space comes at a premium, and even the smallest of alcoves can be transformed into efficient work zones with compact desks and layered shelving.
17. Watch the windows
In the interior design world, windows are a key element in any room as they provide natural light that is crucial to both productivity and relaxation. Look to position furniture in such a way that takes advantage of the light. For instance, placing your desk in front of a window to maximise sunlight exposure throughout the day or positioning the (sofa)bed away from the window to create a more restful environment.
18. Keep it compact
For smaller spaces in particular, opting for compact pieces can help to avoid overcrowding a room that serves more than one purpose. Modular furniture, such as nesting tables, can allow for maximum flexibility when it comes to surface space. Clever solutions like these ensure that the room remains efficient, clutter-free, and adaptable, whilst still providing adequate functionality.
Accessorise and Personalise
The finishing touch is to inject your personality into the space. From cosy touches like adjustable lamps to functional additions like desk organisers, the right accessories are the cherry on the cake for your office spare room ideas!
19. Plants
For vibrancy and texture, consider adding plants on shelves, desks, or windowsills to make the most of available space. Don’t forget to have fun and experiment – the right combination of plants can bring an energising natural element to your workspace whilst also creating a calming atmosphere for relaxation!
20. Mirrors
Strategically placing mirrors around the room can brighten up dark corners and visually expand the space, making them excellent additions to small areas. Framed mirrors can complement the room’s colour scheme whilst stylish statement pieces can add visual intrigue.
21. Soft furnishings
Plush cushions, cosy throws, soft rugs… all the best things in life, right? When it comes to the guest area, layering different fabrics serves to enhance the room’s overall aesthetic whilst also elevating their comfort levels. But don’t neglect the workspace too! A soft throw over the back of your office chair and a plush rug beneath your feet can be a key motivating factor to get stuff done.
22. Frames
For a simple yet impactful way to accessorise, frames can aid in adding structure and cohesion to the space. Whether they contain artwork, family photos, or inspirational quotes, choose frames that complement the overall style of the room to make the décor feel more intentional and put together.
23. Window coverings
Whilst you might thrive in sunlight during working hours, it can be a nuisance if you’re trying to sleep! Curtains, blinds, or shutters can allow you to control the amount of light entering your spare room, allowing you to create the desired environment for work or relaxation. Plus, they’re another chance to tie together the décor with carefully chosen materials, patterns, or colours!
Final Thoughts: Office Spare Room Ideas
If you made it all the way through these office guest room ideas, give yourself a pat on the back. Designing a multifunctional office and guest space can be difficult, but it really comes down to finding the right balance between style, flexibility, and comfort. With the right storage, colour schemes, layout, furniture, and décor, your spare room can become a versatile, organised haven that enhances productivity and comfort.
Loved these ideas? Be sure to check out our other blog posts for even more tips, tricks, and inspiration for making the most of your home!
