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25 Spare Bedroom Ideas | West Elm

25 Spare Bedroom Ideas To Make the Most of Unused Space

White and beige wicker bedframe with white bedding, wood nightstand and white area rug.

When it comes to hosting visitors, it’s nice to have a comfortable spot for them to crash overnight. But what are you supposed to do with the extra room that isn’t used when guests aren’t there? 

With just a bit of creativity, you can repurpose your spare room. You could transform the space into a yoga studio or create a spa bathroom for your home. 

Here are 25 spare bedroom ideas to help you convert your unused space into something more practical.

Opting for a large mirror will give the impression of more space in your bathroom and open up this area of your home. When paired with bright lighting, a bigger mirror can change the whole look of your bathroom. If you’re looking to make a big impression, choose a big mirror.

1. Set up an art studio

In need of a space to use your creativity? Set up a dedicated studio space away from distractions to express your artistic skills. Incorporate a craft table or art easel to help those creative juices flow.

Dark wood craft table with rainbow area rug underneath in a kids playroom.

2. Give your kids a playroom

Creating a dedicated playroom will not only help reduce clutter throughout your home, but it will also let your kids have fun beyond their wildest dreams. Try adding additional storage space for toys with a dresser, and throw in a play tent and other playroom furniture for maximum fun.

Kid playroom with basket of toys, map on wall, wood dresser, and play tent.

3. Try a reading nook

There is nothing better than relaxing in a corner with your face buried in a book. Create ample space with a ladder bookcase to store all your new and old reads. Don’t forget to add in a comfortable accent chair and knitted throw blanket to complete your reading nook.

White accent chair with white pillow next to white and wood ladder bookcase in reading nook.

4. Build your dream walk-in closet

Say goodbye to your cramped and cluttered wardrobe and hello to your dream walk-in closet. Using your spare bedroom is an excellent way to help you organize your belongings and put your favorite pieces on display. Turn your unused room into the ultimate walk-in closet with the help of closet organizers

Walk in closet in spare bedroom.

5. Develop a cinema room

Developing a cinema room is a great spare bedroom idea for all the movie lovers out there. Decorate with a media console, big-screen television and ample seating for all your guests. You can even incorporate a projector for the ultimate cinematic experience.  

Dark wood media console with tv on top next to a small plant and a gray couch and gray area rug.

6. Make the most of a multipurpose room

The multipurpose take on a spare bedroom involves strategically making the most of your space. This is the perfect place to choose unique pieces of furniture that maximize the area without compromising style. Try adding a desk, storage console and loveseat for a multifunctional spare room.

Bulb light fixture above office desk and chair with black and gray area rug and light wood media table.

7. Keep things versatile with a daybed

When it comes to finding the perfect seating arrangement for guests, daybeds are the most practical. During the day, your friends and family can lounge around on the sofa, but when night falls, convert the couch into a cozy bed. 

Dark gray daybed with white fluffy area rug and ladder bookcase.

8. Make a meditation space

Transforming your spare bedroom into a meditation space is an excellent way to create more zen in your home. All you have to do is add a spacious area rug in front of a window for ample relaxation. Practice breathing techniques or try out yoga poses in your newly renovated room.

Medallion area rug acting as a meditation space with an accent chair and floor poof.

9. Create a study room

Doing your homework or studying at the kitchen table is so last year. Utilize your spare space by creating a study room where your kids can concentrate on their assignments. Try incorporating a module desk that has plenty of space to work and store school supplies. Don’t forget to throw in a comfortable office chair!

Wood module desk with matching desk chair next to small table and blue and black painting.

10. Design an indoor garden

Bring your green thumb inside by designing the ultimate indoor garden in your spare bedroom. Design your greenhouse with indoor planters and seeds. If you aren’t ready to commit to the gardening life just yet, try adding fake plants throughout your empty space.

Assorted rust brown indoor planters.

11. Change it into a music room

Get your rock on by changing your empty space into a music room. Practice your instruments or jam out with friends with the help of a record player. Don’t forget to add high-quality speakers and floor pillows to amplify your redecorated room.

Blush pink record player in music room with record collection and assorted trees.

12. Set up a designated pet sanctuary

Spoil your furry friends by designing a pet sanctuary where they can play and live their best lives. Set up a pet bed so they can comfortably sleep in their newly designated space. Try adding a basket with their favorite toys and pet-themed artwork to set the mood.

Golden dog on top of floor bed in pet sanctuary.

13. Design a game room

Give game night a whole new meaning by creating a designated space for all your favorites. When you create a game room in your spare bedroom, your loved ones can gather comfortably as they put their thinking caps on and compete in dominoes, cards or video games. Try setting up a card table or media console to play your favorite games.

Colorful dominos laid out on marble table.

14. Build a home office

Your spare room doesn’t need to be a designated space for your guests—in fact, you can build a home office fit for a boss. Choose a spacious office desk and leather chair for a luxurious feel. Accessorize with a desk lamp and bookcase to store all your paperwork.

Home office with dark wood desk, brown leather desk chair, white curtains, and white bookcase.

15. Turn it into a bar lounge

Bottoms up! For all our fellow entertainers, a bar lounge is an excellent spare bedroom idea to add more style to your space. Skip the traditional take on a guest room and create a disco or classic lounge where your friends and family can mingle at your next gathering. Choose a bar cart that fits your needs and decorate it with your favorite beverages and glassware.

Wood bar cart with martini and cocktail glasses and assorted liquor.

16. Create a sewing or knitting room

Are you tired of knitting or sewing on the couch or in bed? Create a dedicated sewing or knitting room equipped with a sewing machine, plenty of yarn and a spacious work table.

Navy blue chair in front of wood and glass desk table.

17. Make it into a dressing room

Calling all fashionistas! This dressing room idea is for you. The sky's the limit when it comes to transforming your unused room into a tranquil place to get ready. Choose a clothing rack to display your latest pieces and a floor-length mirror to make sure your outfits look ready for the runway.

Modern clothing rack displaying clothing pieces next to blue sofa in a guest room.

18. Design a comfortable retreat

When it comes to decorating a spare bedroom, comfort is the way to go. Whether you are looking to create a relaxing spot for your guests or yourself, think of a five-star luxury resort for inspiration. Keep the color scheme neutral to add more brightness and tranquility. Add a large throw rug, herbal diffuser and plenty of fluffy pillows.

Gray bedframe with gray quilt and gray area rug.

19. Transform it into a laundry room

Who says you can’t expand your laundry room into your spare bedroom? Transforming your empty area into a dream laundry and utility room can relieve you of squeezing into a confined corner. Decorate with a clothing rack, storage bins and laundry basket to better organize your space. 

White washing machine in laundry room with blue striped rug and wicker laundry basket.

20. Convert it into an en suite

Looking to create your dream bathroom? Convert your spare bedroom into an en suite! Not only does an additional bathroom space create more functionality, but it adds more value to your home. The limit doesn’t exist when it comes to choosing bathroom vanities, backsplashes and color schemes.

Blue floor tile with dark wood bathroom vanity and storage unit.

21. Use it for additional storage

Struggling to find extra spots to store your belongings? Hold your horses—we have the perfect spare bedroom idea for you! Utilize the area for additional storage. Set up multiple storage units with baskets and bins to organize your items without the clutter.

Assorted wicker storage baskets.

22. Design a brainstorming space

For all the creative minds out there, this spare bedroom idea is for you. Writers, entrepreneurs and other visionaries need a separate space to work out their plans. Redesign your area in a way that allows the ideas to flow with proper desk organization. Set up a whiteboard, large L-shaped desk and plenty of wall space to map out concepts.

White l-shaped desk with bulb light fixture, picture frames and blue rug.

23. Create a relaxing guest room

The more practical use for your space is to dedicate it to guests. When thinking about what guest bedroom furniture to choose, think of comfort similar to a hotel stay. Pick a natural wood bed frame, gray or white area rug, quilted comforter and perhaps a large plant in the corner if you’re unsure of guest room decor ideas.

Natural wood bedroom, white and gray bedding, beige area rug, and large plant in corner.

24. Set up a beauty room

Calling all makeup gurus! Design your dream beauty room in place of a guest bedroom. With your makeup brushes and products on display, you can artistically create glamorous looks in your new beauty room. Don’t forget to add a stylish chair to help support your back as you get ready to take on the world.

White makeup vanity with gray velvet chair.

25. Try out a photography studio

Creating a photography studio is a picture-perfect spare bedroom idea. Hang up white sheets to design a photoshoot-ready room, and create a gallery wall of assorted picture frames for your loved ones to see your masterpieces.

Five black picture frames creating a gallery wall with a wood dresser, small plant, and candle.

Now that you are more familiar with spare bedroom ideas, you can get started on the designing phase. Keep in mind our tips for decorating small spaces and large ones alike. 

Still not sure which style to choose for your empty space? Check out a few featured bedrooms to get more inspired. Good luck on your renovation project and happy decorating! 

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