For a long time, most spare rooms were used as bedrooms. That said, with the rise of working from home, and recent surge of hobby activity, many are reconsidering the function of these rooms. In this blog, we’ll be showcasing some of our favourite spare room ideas and provide you with some top tips for how to style them.
1.Spare bedroom ideas
There are still good arguments for making your spare room into a bedroom. Whether you regularly host guests, or need to escape a loved one’s snoring, a spare bedroom will provide you with fantastic flexibility.
Some of the best spare bedroom ideas include decorating the space in a light, neutral colour palette that’s both calming and refreshing, while mixing in natural elements such as potted plants, and a divan bed for extra storage. Wooden details are also perfect for curating a soothing spare bedroom. Consider wooden panel headboards, cabinets or even rattan lampshades for the best results.
2.Work from home space
Ever since the pandemic, there has been a marked rise in people working from home. Back in 2020, countless people were making do at kitchen tables, but as the transition to home working stuck, many have been converting spare rooms into dedicated working spaces.
Our top tips include investing in an ergonomic desk and chair to best support your posture, finding a neat solution to tidying all the cables for your computer, monitor, printer etc, and plenty of natural light. You can also consider adding natural elements and calming colours to help you best concentrate on your tasks.
3.Hobby / craft room
In somewhat of a rebellion against our increasingly digital lives, many are embracing hobbies in their leisure time. From sewing and knitting to board games and painting toy soldiers, having a dedicated space to enjoy your hobbies and crafts can have a positive effect on your mental wellbeing.
Many creative hobbies require lots of items including fabrics, paints, yarns and glues so investing in aesthetically appealing storage solutions is important. Explore quality cupboards and cabinets and don’t forget to save space to showcase all of your creations. Floating shelves are also a brilliant way to display your most beloved pieces.
4.Mini library
In 2023, £4.27bn was spent on books (over £1bn more than in 2013). With more books being bought than ever before, converting a spare room into a reading room or mini library will help you enjoy your favourite works in peace.
Investing in comfy chairs and stylish bookshelves is very important, but don’t forget the smaller details. Somewhere to rest your cuppa near the chair, and plenty of soft cushions are equally important. What’s more, many bookcases feature a beautiful nature-inspired wood finish so why not add greater harmony to the space by featuring similarly coloured wainscoting and wooden furniture?
5.Games room
Games have an important part to play in day-to-day life. For classic games, first ensure your room is large enough to not only feature something like a pool or air hockey table, but also leave enough space for you to move around freely. If you like to enjoy these games with friends and family, you can even add a mini fridge, but again double check there is plenty of space first.
Moreover, video games continue to grow in popularity. Whether you're a casual player, or an avid streamer, building a dedicated gaming space can help you really focus on the quests at hand. Similarly with work spaces, finding a comfortable desk and chair combination is vitally important so take time to find one that works best for you.
6.Dressing room
One of the best small spare room ideas is a dressing room. Even In very small spaces, you can easily add a dressing table and hang curtain rails along the walls to safely store away your clothes.
With clothes of different lengths hanging down, adding an interesting feature to your wall will help you enjoy a beautiful yet functional space. Explore half-wall panelling options to easily and affordably curate a classic-meets-contemporary look in your dressing room.
7.Kids play room
Play rooms help children feel safe and secure. What’s more, when appropriately decorated, they can also help your little ones fully engage their imaginations.
Including framed posters or wallpaper featuring their favourite book, tv or movie characters will make a child feel like this is their own space. With so many toys in many modern homes, it’s also important to add some storage units. For best results, look for storage solutions that your child can easily use, and fits with the theme, to encourage them to pack away their beloved belongings after use.
8.A place for mindfulness
Finding a retreat in the home for a little zen and mindfulness will help you combat the strains of modern life, and find peace where you feel most safe.
Yoga mats, meditation tables and incense sticks are popular elements found in a mindfulness room, but the way it's decorated matters too. Calming natural tones, soft blues and nourishing shades of green are all perfect colours for promoting wellbeing and relaxation. Be sure to also invest in soft lighting, acoustic wall panels and plenty of plants to further perfect your space.
9.Art studio
Seasoned artists and novices alike will benefit from a small art studio. Art requires a place to focus and explore different ideas and styles, so whether you paint classical landscapes or ultra modern pieces, having a room dedicated to your work will help you achieve your goals.
To match your art style, why not consider paintable MDF panelling? If you’re a fan of dark monochromes, or vibrant colours, you can easily paint your wall panels to accurately reflect your unique style.
10.Home cinema
Home cinemas were often the preserve of the ultra wealthy, but in recent years they’ve become much more affordable.
With some cosy seating, a projector and a projector screen you’ll be able to enjoy the latest box office hits from the comfort of your own home. For a truly immersive experience, invest in some blackout window coverings to block external light and glare.
There is an almost endless list of spare room ideas which you can enjoy in your home. Whether you're considering a home cinema, kids play room, or your very own mini library, a well thought out spare room will provide you with a fantastic space to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.