How to Decorate a Spare Bedroom: 10 Tips

The spare bedroom is the unsung hero of the home – a space that can host guests, double as an office, or quietly become a retreat for reading and recharging. Yet because it’s often out of sight and used less frequently, it’s also one of the most neglected rooms when it comes to design. The good news? With a little planning, your spare bedroom can become the most flexible, stylish, and inviting space in your home.

Here’s how to decorate a spare bedroom that feels polished, purposeful, and personal – whether it’s hosting your best friend for the weekend or serving as your weekday office.

1. Start With Function Before Aesthetic

Before you buy a single cushion, ask yourself: What’s the main purpose of this room? Is it primarily for guests? A part-time office? A creative nook?

Defining the room’s function first ensures you decorate with intent. For example, if you’ll regularly host overnight visitors, prioritise a comfortable bed and good storage. If it’s mainly an office that occasionally welcomes guests, a high-quality sofa bed might be smarter. Every decision – from paint colour to layout – flows from this core purpose.

2. Choose a Calm, Neutral Base

Because spare bedrooms often serve multiple functions, keep the base palette neutral. Soft greys, warm whites, and beige-greens create a sense of calm that suits both rest and productivity.

That doesn’t mean bland – texture becomes your best friend here. Think boucle cushions, linen curtains, or a wool throw. When your base is muted, even small accents (a dark wooden frame, a brass lamp, a clay vase) stand out beautifully without overwhelming the space.

3. Invest in a Quality Bed or Sofa Bed

A spare room lives or dies by how well it accommodates guests. And no one wants to sleep on a lumpy pull-out. If space is tight, look for a sofa bed that doesn’t compromise on comfort or design.

Furl.co.uk specialises in sofa beds that blend craftsmanship with real-world practicality – their designs fold down smoothly, look beautiful by day, and offer genuine mattress-level support by night. It’s an investment that instantly elevates your guest experience while keeping the room versatile enough for everyday use.

4. Layer Lighting for Every Mood

The right lighting can completely shift a room’s mood. Layer it – don’t rely on one overhead bulb. Combine:

• Ambient lighting (a soft ceiling or wall light for general glow)
  
• Task lighting (a reading lamp or desk light)
  
• Accent lighting (warm fairy lights or candles for atmosphere)
  

Dimmable bulbs or smart lighting systems can take your spare bedroom from workspace-bright to guest-ready with one touch.

5. Keep Storage Smart and Subtle

Guests need somewhere to unpack, but spare bedrooms often double as storage zones for everything from winter coats to old paperwork. The goal is to make it look intentional, not improvised.

Choose multi-functional furniture – a bench with hidden storage, under-bed drawers, or a sleek built-in wardrobe with closed doors. Keep surfaces minimal, leaving one or two empty drawers or hangers for guests. This small courtesy makes the space feel welcoming rather than cluttered.

6. Add a Personal Touch Without Overcrowding

Unlike your main bedroom, the spare room doesn’t need to tell your whole story. A few thoughtful details go a long way – an art print that reflects your taste, a framed travel photo, or a small stack of coffee-table books.

The key is restraint. You want the room to feel like you, but not so personal that a guest feels like they’ve stepped into your private space. Think of it as a boutique hotel with a hint of personality.

7. Prioritise Softness and Comfort

Even if your spare bedroom is small, you can make it feel luxurious through texture. Layer the bed with fresh linens, plump cushions, and a throw in a tactile fabric like wool or cotton-blend knit. Add a rug underfoot – especially if you have hard floors – and a set of blackout curtains or blinds to guarantee a restful night.

Comfort isn’t just physical; it’s sensory. Keep scents gentle – a reed diffuser with lavender or a candle with bergamot – and avoid overly bright bulbs or synthetic fabrics.

8. Zone for Flexibility

If your spare bedroom also doubles as a workspace, define each function clearly. Use a rug to separate the sleeping area from the work zone or a folding screen to visually divide the space when needed.

A small desk can easily double as a vanity when guests visit – simply clear away office clutter and add a mirror. When each area has a purpose, the room feels more balanced and less like an afterthought.

9. Don’t Neglect the Small Luxuries

It’s the little things that make a guest feel cared for. A carafe of water, a few books or magazines, and a basket of toiletries instantly elevate the space. Keep extra towels within reach and add a small bedside tray for glasses and jewellery.

Even if the room mainly serves you, these details add an air of hospitality and make it easier to switch into “guest mode” without fuss.

10. Bring It All Together with Cohesion

Finally, cohesion is what separates a spare bedroom that works from one that simply exists. Repetition of materials – like warm woods or matte black hardware – ties everything together. A consistent colour palette across soft furnishings ensures harmony even if the space serves multiple roles.

Add greenery for life and movement – a snake plant or peace lily thrives in low-light rooms. Finish with a signature detail, whether it’s a sculptural lamp, textured wallpaper, or an upholstered headboard that anchors the room’s identity.

Final Thoughts

A spare bedroom is no longer just a “spare.” It’s a quiet multitasker – part guest suite, part retreat, part workspace – and when decorated thoughtfully, it becomes a true extension of your home. Focus on flexibility, comfort, and calm cohesion.

When guests stay, they’ll feel like they’ve checked into a boutique hotel. When you’re alone, you’ll have a space that restores and inspires – proof that even the most underused room can become one of your favourites.

FAQs

1. How can I make a spare bedroom feel inviting?

Focus on warmth and comfort – crisp bedding, layered textiles, soft lighting, and a few personal touches like books or fresh flowers make the space feel lived-in rather than leftover.

2. Should a spare bedroom have a specific theme or colour palette?

Keep it neutral. Choose calm tones like beige, grey, or sage that suit multiple moods and guests. Then add small accent colours through cushions, throws, or wall art for character.

3. How do I make my spare room multi-functional?

Choose flexible furniture – a sofa bed or daybed lets the space function as an office or reading room when not hosting guests. Brands like Furl.co.uk design models that balance style and comfort beautifully.

4. What storage solutions work best in a guest room?

Under-bed drawers, built-in wardrobes, and ottomans with hidden compartments are ideal. Always leave a few empty shelves or hangers so guests can unpack and feel at home.

5. How do I make a small spare bedroom feel more spacious?

Use mirrors to reflect light, keep the walls pale, and avoid heavy drapery. Raised furniture legs and minimal clutter help the space breathe and appear larger.