A spare room is a blank canvas brimming with potential, waiting to be transformed into a space that reflects your needs and interests. Whether you’re looking to create a space to unwind, work, or explore new hobbies, the right design can turn an underused room into an invaluable part of your home. In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of creative spare room ideas for transforming your spare room—from a DIY workshop or home gym to a cozy guest retreat or personal wellness sanctuary. With a thoughtful approach to design, you can make the most of your extra space while enhancing both functionality and style.
Transform your spare room into a creative studio
Design a spare room as a functional DIY workshop for your creative pursuits. Some ideas include woodworking, painting, crafting, or upcycling furniture. Include organized storage for tools, materials, and projects. You might also turn a spare room into a home studio where you can practice an instrument in peace.
Organized workstations: Create work zones that not only maximize your space but foster creativity and flow. Consider how to arrange your tools and materials for easy access or sensibility depending on your work process. Leave enough room for movement and experimentation.
Right lighting: Adjustable lighting is key to any creative space. Make use of natural light where possible, but make sure to include task lighting and ambient light—think movable desk lamps, overhead lights, and accent lighting.
Personalized comfort and decor: A creative studio should feel uniquely yours. Personalizing your space with artwork and plants can spark inspiration. Also incorporate comfortable seating and proper ventilation if that is something to consider in your creative pursuits.
Convert your spare room into a wellness room/home gym
Practical for the whole family, a wellness room is a great use of extra space. Whether wellness looks like a home gym, aromatherapy/massage room, nap room, or yoga room (see below) is up to you.
Flooring and equipment: A mix of machines/equipment for a home gym is essential (e.g. cardio machine, resistance bands, kettlebells) as well as soft, safe flooring (rubber mats or joint tiles.)
Mirrors: Full-length mirrors can make your space feel larger and help with form during exercises.
Motivational decor: Put up inspirational quotes or posters and other aspirational decor thats put you in the right mind space for wellness.
Turn it into a yoga or meditation room
Transform your extra space into another type of wellness room—your very own yoga studio or meditation space. In our list of spare room ideas, this is one of the easiest to achieve and customize.
Create a tranquil atmosphere: Use calming colors like soft blues or muted earth tones with splashes of color, add natural elements like plants, and incorporate minimalistic décor to foster a peaceful environment.
Focus on flooring: Choose soft, non-slip flooring options like cork or bamboo for comfort during yoga or meditation practice, and add a few cushions or floor mats for extra relaxation.
Ambient lighting: Install dimmable lights for soft, adjustable lighting that enhances relaxation and sets the mood for mindfulness or a calming yoga session.
For more tips on how to decorate a relaxing room, see our guide on how to design a meditation room and our guide on how to decorate a yoga room.
Add a home theater or media room
Ever dreamt of having your personal movie theater? If you’ve got the space—go for it! This is also a great way to entertain guests and visiting nephews, nieces, and grandchildren.
Comfortable, stylish seating: Invest in plush, reclining chairs or a sectional sofa for the ultimate viewing experience. Or, if your inner child so desires, splurge on luxury bean bag chairs for the coziest film-viewing position.
High-quality audio and visual setup: If space allows, you might set up a projector instead of the standard TV screen. Invest in a quality audio system and smart lighting that can be adjusted for movie time ambiance.
Sleek storage solutions: Incorporate stylish media consoles or built-in shelving to store electronics, DVDs, and accessories, maintaining a clutter-free room.
You might even consider turning your spare room into a photography studio or music lounge if your interest extend beyond films.
Design a personal library
For those who prefer to be in the company of books, why not turn your spare room into a custom library? Not all spare room ideas have to be work-centered!
Curating your book collection: First, curate your shelves with your favorite reads: fantasy novels, nature magazines, comic books.
Maximizing space and functionality: Your personal library could quickly get overrun withy our favorite works. Avoid clutter by implementing storage solutions such as bespoke shelves, floor-to-ceiling shelves, and corner shelves. Remember to organize your books in some order, for instance by genre or author.
Creating a cozy atmosphere: Most importantly, make your library your safe place. Set up a cozy reading nook, install ambient lighting, and incorporate indoor plants for a relaxing, inviting atmosphere.
Customize a home office
When thinking of spare room ideas, consider how much use the space will be getting. If an extra working area is something you will use regularly, it may be worth pursuing. Turn your spare room into a chic working space for freelance work or collaborative projects.
Designing your ideal workspace: Choose furniture for comfort and function. This begins with an ergonomic chair and desk area, then branch off to the best kind of lighting and color palette.
Creating an inspiring atmosphere: Incorporate art, lighting, and personal touches that are conduce to maximizing your flow. Your decor should not distract you during work, but should be inspiring and motivational.
Maximizing organization: Be strategic about storage solutions to keep a tidy, productive home office. To start with, think of what drawers, bookshelves, and paper shelves will be best for your home office setup.
Create a walk-in closet or dressing room
Now that the kids have gone, you might finally turn that spare room into your dream dressing room!
Optimizing storage space: Design shelving and hanging solutions for maximum organization. Consider baskets, drawers, and shelves to meet a variety of storage needs. Don’t forget to install hanging rods and perhaps island storage. The empty top will serve as a space for folding clothes or storing accessories.
Adding glamour: It wouldn’t be your dream walk-in closet without a few luxury touches. Add full-length mirrors, a chic vanity table, and soft lighting to personalize your dressing room.
Ensuring functionality: Lighting is key for both functionality and creating a luxurious, well-lit atmosphere. Consider layering light: overhead lights, task lighting (for dressing areas and the vanity), and accent lighting (LED strips or under-shelf lights).
Grow an indoor garden
Ever dreamt of having a slice of nature right inside your home, no matter the time of year? With today’s indoor gardening tools and techniques, turning any space into a year-round botanical sanctuary has never been easier.
Choosing the right plants: There are many indoor plant varieties that don’t require special equipment. If you’re a beginner gardener, start with a spider plant, peace lily, and pothos. If you’re ready to graduate to something a bit more exotic, consider the bird of paradise, African mask plant, or fiddle leaf fig.
Designing your garden layout: You might try creating zones for different plant needs, e.g. a shelf with plants that need more sun, a shelf that requires a grow light, etc.
Creating the ideal environment: Most importantly, create the right environment for your plant lights. You’ll need to consider lighting, temperature, and humidity for thriving plants.
Make a play room for children or visiting grandchildren
For parents who often host visiting children and grandchildren, why not turn your spare room into a play room? This way, entertaining is easy even when the weather calls for indoor play. In our lineup of spare room ideas, this one may require the most hands-on approach, but it will be worth it!
Designing a safe and fun space: Make sure to childproof the space, even if the children aren’t exactly toddler-age anymore. Removing any fragile items such as vases and antique decor, as well any safety hazards such as window blind cords.
Organizing toys and games: It can be a challenge keeping toys in check. Your lifesaver will be various organizers such as baskets, trays, and shelves.
Incorporating interactive features: Make interactive features available such as movable (but child-friendly) furniture, chalkboard/whiteboard walls, and sensory tables. You might go step further and install a climbing wall, an obstacle course, or a DIY art table.
If you’d like to make a play room for adults instead, bring in entertainment options such as a pool table, bar cart, or board game table. Incorporate shelving or hidden storage for games, DVDs, and other accessories.
Create a cozy guest room
Out of all our spare room ideas, a guest room is a classic choice. A dedicated welcoming guest room not only shows your guests how much you care but also gives you a space to unwind when you’re not entertaining. With a few simple upgrades like plush bedding and a comfortable chair, you can create an inviting space that makes every visitor feel like they’re on a mini-vacation.
Designing a comfortable bed: High-quality linens in natural fabrics like cotton and a cozy duvet that’s suitable for the season will make guest feel right at home.
Adding personal touches: Create a space where guests can relax beyond the bed, if space allows. That might look like a reading chair by the window or a small table with a cup of tea and book or a desk area. Ensure there is soft, adjustable lighting and special decor such as framed artwork, decorative throws, and indoor plants.
Maximizing storage: If your spare room has a closet, make sure it’s accessible and well-organized. Hang a few extra hangers, and perhaps add a few shelves or baskets for folded clothes. Consider including a dresser or small set of drawers and a luggage stand for extra storage room.
The possibilities for transforming your spare room are endless, limited only by your creativity and the needs of your lifestyle. Whether you opt for a creative studio, a serene wellness room, or a chic home office, each idea offers a unique way to make your space both functional and stylish. By focusing on smart storage, comfort, and aesthetics, you can turn your spare room into a space that enhances your daily routine and provides a sanctuary for relaxation or productivity. Whatever direction you choose, remember that your spare room can become one of the most versatile and inspiring areas of your home.
