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Having a spare room to play around with is an interior designer’s dream. Whether an extra office space sounds ideal, you’re hankering for a cozy T.V. room, or the prospect of a personal library gets you excited, a spare room can in most cases be made into a truly value-added part of your home. We understand that it’s easy to get a touch overwhelmed by your own ideas and plans, so we’ve compiled a list of spare room ideas for your inspiration.

A Book Lover’s Haven

It doesn’t matter if you’re a young homeowner or a parent, converting your spare room into a small library is a wonderful way to bring some culture and quiet into the home. Even better, a library can turn a dull room into a remarkably aesthetically-pleasing space.

First of all, of course, you’ll need books and a smart way to store them. We typically recommend ceiling-to-floor bookcases, which creates exactly that Victorian-esque atmosphere that every bibliophile lusts after. While a darker wood stain is essential for that traditional vibe, if you’re wanting something a bit more modern, painted bookcases and a couple of Scandinavian inspired mid-Century chairs may suit the look you’re after. A cushion-y window seat is also a great addition for prime reading comfort.

Room by BWID/Photo by Martin King

A Convenient Theatre

Ever felt like going to the movies, but stayed home because you couldn’t bear listening to other people talking and crunching their popcorn? Problem solved: a theatre in your own home. Small rooms make for cozy entertainment spaces, and with the right wall finish and some smart mood-lighting, you’ll be on your way.

If you fancy the Old-Hollywood film era, then a color palette rich in black and silver could be right up your alley. Are you an action movie buff? A red palette might be the ticket to energize your space. What about using movie posters as art to really set the theme?

Room by BWID/Photo by Martin King

A Wake-Up Room

If you’ve made a resolution to give some time to yourself each day for meditative activity or a work out stretch, then a dedicated “wake-up” room can help expedite that goal. We usually suggest a soothing palette of cool tones or neutrals to create a calm, restful atmosphere. A serviceable flooring material like tile, stone, or wood with a textured area rug allows the room to be used for Yoga or Pilates.

Light control is important. We would determine drapery treatment depending on your exposure. To assist with the ethereal quality of this type of room, we may suggest a breezy sheer drapery, perhaps paired with a solar shade the help control any harsh morning light. Goodbye stress!

Room by Joshua Smith

A Guest Room

This may seem like a no-brainer, but a guest room needn’t be large, nor solely dedicated for guests. Having an additional sleeping area when someone in your household is ill can be quite handy. This space can also be used as a retreat for an afternoon nap or to just simply get away for a few minutes. Think simple and spare, with a few items of luxury like a high quality down duvet, a lovely water container, and down pillows covered in fabrics with a satin-like touch.

We like to make guest rooms airy and light, with excellent light control for late sleepers. Spa blue, mint green, soft butter yellow, and pale lilac are fun color choices for these spaces. Carpet is always a favorite for floorcovering, the more sumptuous, the better.

Room by BWID/Photo by Ken Henry

A Wine Room

Lately our clients have been asking us to create wine rooms in underutilized spaces like hallways or storage closets. Even a small area can be re-purposed to store your favorite vintage. Whether it’s a walk-in or just an enclosed rack, this type of storage can add quite a bit of luxury to your home.

Think wood racking with deeper tones for a more traditional feeling; stainless racks with lighter, brighter tones for more contemporary spaces. Cheers!

Room by BWID

An Art Studio or Craft Room

There are no hard and fast rules for how to design a spare room of this variety, as you’ll want to personalize your studio to fit your own art style. Generally, though, it’s a smart idea to leave the walls white so that you can let your artwork do the talking. Don’t neglect the humble easel, as propping up one of your pieces might well prove the difference between a messy rec-room and a proper artist’s studio.

On a practical level, linoleum or vinyl is a sensible option for studio floors, typically in a lighter shade. Add a collection of paintbrushes, craft bins, a sewing machine, or whatever strikes your creative fancy, and you’ll have your own artistic sanctuary in no time.

Room by Vid Benisek