How to Use a Spare Room: 10 Creative Design Ideas

So often a spare room can become an overlooked storage space or an underutilised guest room. Yet, this room can be a source of space and inspiration in your home.

Let OVS unlock the potential of this often-underutilised space with these 10 creative design ideas for how to use a spare room.

1. Home Office

With the increased number of people working flexibly from home, a home office is now more valuable than ever. A well-designed dedicated workspace can dramatically improve your productivity and well-being. Turn your spare room into a home office in four simple steps – declutter, opt for ergonomic furniture, install built-in storage, and go for good lighting. To elevate your space, introduce personal details, such as framed artwork, indoor foliage and soft furnishings. If your budget allows, sound-absorbing panels enhance privacy and reduce noise. For more top home office interior styling tips check out our journal entry How to Design the Perfect Home Office.

2. Guest Bedroom

A beautifully designed guest bedroom can be a thoughtful addition to your home.  A sofa bed or a Murphy bed are great options if you want the room to remain multipurpose and multifunctional. We suggest a neutral colour palette complimented by hotel-style accessories such as blackout blinds, sleek storage, and soft lighting to create a feeling of luxury and a sense of sanctuary.

3. Creative Studio or Hobby Room

Why not tailor your spare room to your creative endeavours, whether that be painting, crafting, writing, or making music? To avoid the space becoming cluttered or chaotic, invest in creative storage such as baskets, trolleys and cabinets. Modular shelving, a durable desk, and task lighting are essential. Wall-mounted pegboards and open storage make tools easy to access as well as provide opportunities for you to curate and display your creativity and inspiration.

4. Home Library

A quiet room lined with bookshelves and flooded with natural light can become a dreamy personal library. Invest in a luxuriously upholstered reading chair and warm lighting to create a luxurious peaceful escape. Custom built shelving around doorways or windows adds charm and storage without wasting space.

5. Home Gym or Wellness Room

Save on gym memberships and create a wellness zone at home. A spare room is perfect for a home gym, yoga studio, or meditation space. Install mirrored walls, use cork or rubber flooring, and integrate open storage for equipment like mats and weights.

6. Playroom

When you have a young family, so often toys can be found throughout the home. A playroom can minimise chaos and clutter while providing a dedicated space for creativity and play.  Soft flooring and smart toy storage are essential. To ensure the room is maximised for functionality use washable wall finishes and low shelves to encourage independence. Inspire creative minds with easels, blackboards, corkboards and open shelving to display your children’s artwork. For the budding gymnasts consider installing a climbing wall or swing. The opportunities are endless! Check out our recent journal entry: Playful Interiors: Top Tips for Designing a Children's Bedroom.

7. Walk-in Wardrobe or Dressing Room

Storage is often key to creating a calm and organised space. A spare room can become the ultimate in luxury storage when transformed into a walk-in wardrobe. Think full-height wardrobes, mirrors, and integrated lighting. Sliding doors or curtain partitions can be used to keep the space open yet organised.

8. Home Cinema or Entertainment Room

Who doesn’t love a movie night? A spare room can be easily turned into a home theatre with a projector, blackout curtains, surround sound, and plush seating. Use rich textures like velvet or dark panelling to enhance the acoustics and ambience. Transform your spare room into the perfect space for socialising and home entertainment.

9. Combine Guest and Workspaces

No need to choose just one purpose. With smart zoning, your spare room can serve as both a guest room and an office. Wall beds, folding desks, and modular furniture make it possible to turn your spare room into an easily adaptable multi-use space. You can also consider using rugs, lighting, and furniture to visually divide the room into zones.

10. Indoor Garden Room

With the increased popularity of design trends such as biophilic design, more and more people are seeking to blur the boundaries between the indoors and the outdoors. Why not transform your spare room into a lush indoor garden? Large planters, natural light, and comfortable seating could turn your spare room into the ideal space for rest and reflection. Add skylights or install grow lights to help your plants thrive all year round.

Rethinking Your Spare Room

Knowing how to use a spare room effectively is all about intention and flexibility. Whether you’re working, relaxing, exercising, or entertaining, the right design approach can help this space evolve with your needs. Are you considering transforming your spare room? Contact OVS today to discuss our tailored design solutions.