Budget-friendly spare bedroom ideas

When it comes to decorating a spare room, it’s natural to want to keep costs down whilst creating an inviting space for guests, work or play.

Whether it’s a hub for hosting or a small home office that doubles as a crash pad, spare room designs don’t have to be spendy. The important thing is to create a space that suits your lifestyle and reflects what matters most to you. Let’s get creating…

1. Create a gorgeous guest suite

For those who regularly host, creating a guest bedroom is a great use of extra space.

Instantly transform a blank canvas into a cosy place to rest and recharge with the addition of a bed, and we’ve got plenty of options to choose from to keep costs down. You’ll be ready to welcome house guests and overnight guests in style!

If you’re working with a small spare room, choosing a bed with raised legs is a great way to create the illusion of space, drawing the eye upwards. Alternatively, if you’re seeking somewhere to keep spare bedding, blankets, cushions and more, our range of guest beds and storage beds offers ample space to prevent unsightly clutter.

Not sure which guest bed style suits your space? Our guide to choosing the perfect guest bed walks you through the options, from sofa beds to day beds and beyond.

To complete the ultimate cosy guest experience, it’s time to choose a spare bedroom mattress – and don’t worry, you don’t have to break the bank! Traditional spring mattresses offer reliable comfort at lower price points, while hybrid options combine springs with memory foam for a plusher feel. A medium comfort grade suits most sleepers, making it the safest choice for guests with different preferences.

And don’t forget beautiful bedding. Think inviting layers of bedding to create a hotel-like feel, complete with cosy blankets. A small blanket box at the end of the bed can add a touch of elegance and extra storage. All these thoughtful bedroom layout ideas will maximise comfort for your guests.

2. Create an office for happy home working

With an estimated 44% of Britons now regularly working from home, creating an office space in your spare room can be a worthwhile investment.

The fabulous thing about a home office is that it can be completely personal to you and the way you like to work. For some, it’ll be all about having the ultimate tech set-up, but for others, let your imagination run wild with cosy spaces that spark your creativity.

Speaking of… why not carve out a corner of your home office to relax and unwind with a comfy sofa bed? Stretch out between calls or take a moment of reflection at the end of a long day. Need help picking the right one? We’ve rounded up five of the best sofa beds for any space to get you started. The best part is, when guests come to call, it’s easy to transform your home office into an instant crash pad.

3. Spare bedroom ideas to suit your lifestyle

If you don’t regularly host or work from home, the world is your oyster when it comes to the spare room!

Let’s explore our favourite ideas for making the most of extra space. Why not try…

• A cosy snug with a soft and squishy armchair to curl up in. Create a mini library with overflowing bookshelves and ambient lighting for an instantly calming atmosphere.
• A glamorous dressing room with everything you need to start your day. Think spacious wardrobes decked out with all your favourite accessories.
• A high-tech gaming room for the ultimate hideout. Whether your style is dark and moody or fantastic technicolour, create a space to kick back with your console.
• A bright and sunny playroom for little ones to let loose! Try patterned wallpaper, handcrafted paper decorations and plenty of storage to keep clutter at bay. A day bed is a great addition for sleepovers or quiet play.

4. Decorating ideas for your spare room

When it comes to a spare bedroom, you have the opportunity to try new and emerging styles.

An extra bedroom comes with extra creativity – it’s your place to let loose and try any style that takes your fancy. As it’s a room you’re likely to use less often than your master suite, you can be experimental with colours and styles without worrying about becoming weary of them.

Why not go all out with atmospheric dark hues, or a stand-out statement wall? Though it can be tempting to play it safe, a bold and beautiful bed can do the heavy lifting for you when it comes to decorating a spare room. Texture also plays an important role here, from rich velvet to faux leather and characterful wood.

5. Spare bedroom colour ideas

The beauty of choosing colours for a spare room lies in its versatility. Are you aiming for tranquillity for house guests, or perhaps a vibrant, energising zone for creative pursuits? Your chosen colour palette can set the entire mood.

Serene sanctuaries for guests: If your primary goal is a welcoming space, consider a calm colour palette. Soft, muted neutrals like dove grey, warm beige, or creamy off-whites create an instantly soothing backdrop. For a touch more personality, consider gentle greens inspired by nature, like sage or the ever-popular soft blue walls, known for their restful qualities.

Dare to go dark and dramatic: A deep, sophisticated dark blue or a rich forest green can create an incredibly cosy and enveloping atmosphere, perfect for a snug or a grown-up guest retreat. If painting all four walls feels too bold, an accent wall in a dramatic hue can provide that impactful punch.

Energising hues for work and play: For spare rooms designated as home offices, playrooms, or hobby spaces, don’t be afraid to inject a burst of colour. Uplifting yellows can spark creativity, while vibrant oranges can bring energy. Consider a playful block of colour on one wall or use accessories to introduce brighter shades against a more neutral background.

Whether you opt for a full room refresh or decide to highlight architectural features with a contrasting shade, paint is one of the most affordable decor items to completely alter the feel of your bedroom space.

There’s real science behind these choices, too. Soft blues and greens encourage the body to relax. For guests staying in an unfamiliar space, surrounding them with calming colours can make the difference between a restless night and genuinely restorative rest. If you’d like more ideas for creating a sleep-friendly guest space, our article on how to make a guest room more comfortable covers everything from colour palettes to finishing touches.

And if you need a hand with choosing colours, let our interactive Colour Wheel guide you to harmonious bedroom palettes.

1. Save on size: If space and pennies are tight, a small double bed or single gives guests plenty of room without overwhelming the space. Opt for built-in storage or a divan base with drawers for added convenience. For more ideas, browse our guide to the best guest beds for small spaces.

2. Second hand treasures: Try your local recycling centre to take your pick of perfectly good paint. Alternatively, why not pick up some testers at your local DIY shop? A simple lick of paint is often the most transformative yet affordable update you can make.

3. Beautiful bedding: One easy way to avoid replacing a spare bed is to bring an old frame to life with brand new bedding. Plump pillows and a fresh, bouncy duvet will instantly transform any tired frame, and we think your guests will thank you for it too…

4. Skip the bedsides: For lesser-used spare bedrooms, you can be tactical about what furniture you need to save space and spending. One simple swap is to add floating shelves in the place of bedside tables. This gives guests plenty of space to store the essentials and helps to navigate any tricky floor plans, too.

5. Greenery goes a long way: Real or faux, plants can bring a room to life with a burst of colour – plus they’ve got sleep-boosting qualities too. For guests sleeping somewhere unfamiliar, these touches help create conditions for genuinely good rest.

So there you have it! All the inspiration you need to create the spare room of your dreams. If you’re looking for more interior ideas by colour or style, browse our full range of articles to feed your imagination.