Oh-so stylish box room ideas

Got a tricky box space in your home? Or maybe an unused spare bedroom that feels more like a storage locker? Let’s turn it into a stylish and practical space with our creative ideas.

Able to be turned into everything from walk-in dressers to cute cosy dens, box rooms are packed with potential. Here, we provide our favourite ways to update your small space with flair and functionality, helping you turn that extra bedroom into a space that truly delights.

1. Craft a contemporary home office

With remote work being so common, creating a dedicated office space is an excellent way to keep your work and home life separate.

A box room can offer the perfect solution. You’ll be surprised at how much you can fit when you understand how to use the space. Take advantage of an L-shaped desk to maximise surface area, giving you room for a dual-monitor set up. If your room is also a guest bedroom, you could also try a high sleeper bed.

The key to a successful workspace is organisation. Invest in desk organisers, and if you don’t have room, floating shelves on the wall will make the most of your vertical wall space. It’s a classic for a reason. Finish with good directional lighting to ensure you’re not working in the dark, and add colour with some houseplants. If there’s enough room, you could even add a small armchair for a change of scenery.

2. Make the ultimate cosy den

From reading nooks to private cinemas on rainy days, embrace the snug feeling of a box room to create your escape.

Who said functional needs to be productive? We all appreciate our own space to de-stress, and a den is a special box room idea. Fill the room with comfy seating like a plush chair bed, which you can decorate with cushions and throws for a calm ambience. Alternatively, for a more permanent set up, try a daybed instead of a chair bed. You can accessorise your day bed by draping a canopy over it, creating an elegant, cocoon-like effect. Add fairy lights for a touch of magical charm.

You want this room to feel intimate and cushy, so don’t be afraid to go maximalist. Add lots of decorative pieces, bean bags, and soft, warm lighting for a relaxing feel. This could also be the perfect spot for a fun bedroom makeover, like a gamer bedroom with immersive LED lights and soundproofing. And if you’re aiming for a home cinema, try a projector and blackout blinds to save space while getting the big screen experience.

3. Get practical with a modern utility room

A utility room is often high on the wishlist, somewhere to sort washing and store coats. For a busy family, this is one of the best bedroom solutions going.

If your box room is on the ground floor or you’re a bungalow-dweller, it can feel like a complex space to do something with, but don’t worry – there are plenty of great options. We love utility rooms as they’re so versatile and can free up a lot of space elsewhere if you can fit your washing machine and tumble dryer in there. It’s often a much more achievable project than considering the house extension cost for a new utility space. Just make sure to ensure good ventilation.

4. Turn a box room into a darling nursery

Decorating the nursery is an exciting upgrade, and the box room is ideal for an adorable first bedroom for your bundle of joy.

A secure, smaller bedroom is perfect for a nursery. With limited space, you can focus on essentials and avoid unnecessary purchases. Utilise smart storage solutions to maintain a clutter-free environment. Choose functional, multi-purpose pieces to ensure everything has its place. For instance, the versatile baby-changer and drawers from the Koko range help create a calm and organised space for you and your baby.

When using a box room for a nursery, we recommend using brighter colours for the décor, such as cream, beige, and yellow, to make the room feel brighter. Explore our best colours for a nursery for more advice on colour schemes and get inspired on your renovation journey.

5. Create a dreamy box bedroom

Let’s be honest, sometimes the box room needs to be just that, a bedroom. Whether it’s for guests or a permanent resident, there are so many clever box room bedroom ideas to make it feel special.

This is your chance to create a bedroom that feels like a deliberate, well-designed retreat. If you’re dealing with an awkward shape, think about investing in an ottoman bed. This will create a cosy sleeping nook and leave you with space for integrated storage. This approach to bedroom layout makes the most of every inch.

For a guest bedroom, a small double bed and a single bedside table might be all you need. For a more permanent modern bedroom, consider taller furniture to draw the eye up. A slim wardrobe and a tall chest of drawers will provide crucial box room storage without eating up the floor. This is one of the most important bedroom storage ideas: think vertically.

6. Treat yourself to a walk-in wardrobe

No more lamenting about where to put this season’s must-haves. Turn your box room into a private dressing room that will help you look your best every day.

Use your extra space and treat yourself. This is one of those fun bedroom space ideas that feels like pure luxury. With a mixture of built-in wardrobes, mirrors, and clothes racks, you can create an enviable space just for getting ready. There are some brilliant built-in wardrobe ideas that are designed specifically for small rooms. Add a dressing table with decent drawers for make-up and jewellery to complete the package.

This makeover has the added benefit of freeing up space in your master bedroom, helping to keep your sleep sanctuary relaxing.

However you use your smallest space, follow these key design rules to make the most of your box room.

When working with a box room, you need to be mindful of your colour palette and how you use lighting to ensure the space doesn’t feel overwhelming.

7. Understand how to use light

Dark corners and shadows can make even an enormous room feel small. Use natural lighting to keep it bright and airy. The distribution of lights is everything.

If your room has a window, don’t crowd it. Bright colours on the walls, like classic white walls or soft grey walls, are best for making a room feel bigger.

To create a relaxing room, you’ll want to focus on layered lighting. Avoid relying on a single, harsh ceiling light. Instead, use warm-spectrum LED lights in lamps and string lights. For a truly professional finish, you may even find an expert at lighting specialists who can offer clever solutions you hadn’t considered. For more tips on how to illuminate your room, take a look at these bedroom lighting ideas.

8. Reclaim vertical space

A box room may not have much floor space, but your walls are prime real estate. Shelves and tall storage are key.

Most people focus on storage options that go on the ground, but you can create more surface area by looking up. Try to find storage pieces like shelving units that use the full height of the room to expand storage space without taking up precious square footage. We also love floating shelves for books, plants, and other trinkets to give the room personality without feeling too busy.

9. Pick multi-purpose furniture

A box room calls for you to work smarter, not harder. Furniture with built-in storage or that serves more than one purpose can make even the smallest spaces feel impressive.

You’ve probably heard it before, but choosing multifunctional pieces is the best way to get the most out of a small space. Thankfully, there are tonnes of options now, so you don’t have to compromise on your aesthetic vision to be practical. From storage beds to ottoman footstools, there are so many unexpected ways to maximise storage space.

10. Use mirrors to create the illusion of space

Mirrors do more than just capture your outfit of the day—they can expand a box room by catching the light and adding depth.

Much needed for getting ready every day, mirrors can also be an integral part of a room’s design, especially in small spaces. Make a statement by creating a feature wall of mirrors to dramatically expand the sense of space. Remember to work with the room’s natural light to enhance the effect, or choose a lit mirror for a flattering light source.

11. Give everything a home

Constantly putting things down and forgetting them? Get organised to save space. This is a common bedroom design mistake that is so easy to fix.

Even the slightest mess can feel overwhelming in a tight room. The best way to combat clutter is to assign a home for everything and stick to it. No matter what you use your box room for, there are solutions – a storage box for office snacks, a basket to hold extra blankets, or hooks for bags and coats. Cut down on tidying-up time and keep your room functional. Explore the benefits of staying organised with our guide, where we delve into the psychology behind tidying your bedroom.

So, whether you aim to make a den, a home office, or a practical utility space, there’s a box room idea for every need. Embrace smart organisation, maximise vertical space, and choose multi-purpose furniture to transform your small room into a charming and functional area.