Spare rooms are useful, but you don’t want one sitting empty for months just to accommodate the occasional guest. With a little thought and effort, you can turn the space into something that adds real value to your daily life.

Whether you need a home office, hobby zone or cosy reading retreat, put your guest room to work. Here’s how to do it without it feeling cluttered or chaotic.

Decide what else the room is for

Begin by thinking about how you can use the room better when guests aren’t staying over.

If you work from home, a separate office setup could help you enjoy a better sense of work-life balance. If you enjoy yoga or painting, the room could double as a quiet retreat for those activities.

Find something that fits your lifestyle so the space stays useful instead of becoming a storage overflow. That’s where the real value will be added.

Invest in the right furniture

Instead of a traditional bed that dominates, go for space-saving alternatives. A high-quality sofa bed provides a comfortable sleep surface while serving as seating during the day.

A wall-mounted Murphy bed folds away when not in use, leaving more open space for work or activities. Multi-purpose furniture, like an ottoman bed with hidden storage, helps keep things practical without feeling overcrowded.

If the room is also going to be a workspace, consider a compact desk with a fold-down feature or a sleek design that blends seamlessly into the decor.

Get enough smart storage

Clutter is the enemy – it makes small spaces feel smaller. Efficient storage should be a key design point.

Built-in shelving above a desk or around the bed maximises vertical space without taking up extra floor area. A bed with storage drawers underneath keeps spare bedding and essentials neatly tucked away.

If guests need hanging space, a slim wardrobe or a wall-mounted clothes rail provides a subtle solution without sacrificing too much room. Use baskets, storage cubes or stylish boxes to keep everyday items organised and easy to clear away when visitors arrive.

Choose the right design and decor

A cohesive style keeps a space feeling intentional rather than mismatched. Stick to a neutral or calming colour palette that suits both relaxation and productivity, or whatever your multi-purpose room is destined for.

Soft textiles like a plush rug and layered cushions add warmth, while wall-mounted artwork or decorative shelving can add a reflection of your personality. Choose accessories that can easily swapped or repositioned to match how you’ll use the room.