Ever wondered what to do with a spare room? Often a smaller or less accessible space, finding a long-term use for your spare space can be a fun problem to solve: as interior design expert, Diana Greenhalgh says, ‘You can be more creative and fun with smaller rooms.’ We’ve come up with some creative ideas you can use for your small spare room, giving you the chance to turn unused space into something special.
If you’re decluttering as part of the decorating process, you could consider secure furniture storage. to keep your belongings safe and sound. With multiple sizes available, we can store your spare possessions for as little or as long as you like.
1. Guest bedroom
Save the hassle of finding a spare bed by turning your spare room into a charming guest bedroom. A comfortable bed, fresh linen sheets, and some framed prints can really add some life into your guest room, and make your friends and family feel right at home. If you’re short on extra storage space, opting for an ottoman bed will mean you can keep extra belongings hidden away until you need them.
2. Office space
In recent years, remote working has skyrocketed in popularity. In 2023, the Office for National Statistics found that 44% of the UK work on a hybrid schedule, or from home full-time. If you work remotely or simply need a quiet space to deal with daily life admin, renovating your spare room into an office could be for you.
All you’ll need is a desk, a lamp, an ergonomic office chair, and a laptop or computer to create a workspace at home. Consider adding plants around your office to brighten up the place and help your working day feel calmer.
3. Walk-in wardrobe
It might sound lavish, but revamping your spare room to become a walk-in wardrobe is as practical a solution as it is luxurious. Adding extra closets and clothes rails to your box room can reduce clutter around your bedroom, especially if you have clothes or shoes bursting out of your current wardrobes.
Another benefit is ease of access. Looking for your summer dress or smart shirt? It’s hung up, organised just the way you like it thanks to the space a walk-in wardrobe offers. Find out some more top tips for storing clothes.
4. Reading room or library
Love reading books and have a spare room to play with? Turn it into a bookworm’s haven by adding floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a cosy chair, and soft lighting.
Diana warns not to ‘cram [your room] full of furniture that’s too big, which can emphasise the smallness. Choosing the right size and balance of pieces is really important’. Making use of your walls and any shelving will help you make the most of your space. Browse creative book storage ideas for more inspiration.
5. Games room
Keep your kids and their friends entertained by turning your spare room into a games centre. Fill the space with game consoles, board games, arcade machines, or a pool table – the choice is yours. It’s fun for the whole family, too, making those game nights even more competitive.
6. Home cinema
A cosy sofa, a screen, and a projector means one thing only: A movie marathon. Bring the theatre to your home by converting your spare room into a cinema, complete with blackout blinds for premium viewing. You could even invest in some surround sound speakers and a popcorn machine for the ultimate cinematic experience.
7. Music room
A space for you to practise, your kids to learn, or your friends to jam, changing your spare room into a music room is a great way to make your space more versatile. Soundproof your walls, set up your instruments, amps, microphones, and express yourself without disturbing your family.
If you’re someone with lots of guitars, you could also consider investing in wall hangers for your instruments. This way, you can avoid any damage or clutter in your space.
8. Home gym
Save money and get fit by redesigning your spare room into a gym. Whether you prefer a Peloton or lifting weights, a home gym lets you use your favourite equipment, whenever works for you.
Because you’ll be working up a sweat in your spare room, it’s crucial to keep it clean, safe and tidy. Wipe down any equipment after you’ve used it, and make sure to leave no weights or mats lying around to extend the lifespan of your home gym.
If you have enough space in your spare room, you could install a full-length wall mirror. This way, you can check your form, keep yourself motivated, and help the room feel more spacious, too.
9. Ensuite bathroom
Thinking about changing your spare room into an ensuite bathroom? It’s a big investment, but it’s one that will add value to your property. In the meantime, you can enjoy the privacy, convenience, and comfort of having a bathroom close to your bedroom.
Diana Greenhalgh’s top tip is to ‘embrace the space and go for a dark warm colour or use a bold wallpaper to make it feature. This is very popular with small WCs’.
Before you start ripping out any fixtures, make sure you check that the conversion is possible with professional support. Once they’ve given you the go-ahead, you can start choosing your new bathroom furniture.
10. Home studio
There’s no better feeling than having your own personal space to be creative and productive. If you have a hobby you want to pursue, a home studio could be the perfect use for your spare room.
Personalise your studio with a comfortable work chair, a stylish lamp, and perhaps a display cabinet to showcase your creations. Add your favourite pieces of art onto the walls to inspire your work, or keep things calm and clutter-free to let your creativity soar.
From a cosy guest bedroom to a home studio, there are lots of ways you can transform your spare room into the perfect room for you. If you need some extra space during your renovation, we offer a range of short-term storage units to keep your belongings safe and sound.