Be inspired by these guest bedroom design ideas
Guest bedrooms and spare rooms can often be overlooked in home decorating plans. But as rarely used areas of the home, guest bedrooms offer an opportunity to sample new interior styles that may seem difficult to incorporate into more high-traffic spaces. You might create a unique escape for your guests or generate a more restful ambience.
Maximise your existing space and transform an unloved spare room into a sumptuous haven for your guests with these inspiring bedroom schemes.
A serene retreat: ideas for small spare rooms
Even in a more compact space, a great way to enhance your spare room is to create a natural scheme that is reminiscent of the outdoors. Make guests feel calm and well-rested by combining muted green tones for a tranquil, soothing finish. Here, Aquamarine and Ambleside are complemented by natural wooden furnishings, whilst linen fabrics add a textural element.
Explore more colour schemes for small spaces.
Upper Wall: Aquamarine
Lower Wall: Ambleside
An opulent finish: luxurious guest bedroom designs
The intricate floral detail in this wallpaper is derived from a precious tapestry, which has been lovingly conserved by the National Trust. Originating from 1478, it is the oldest design in our collection and perfect for adding an element of texture to a traditional guest bedroom. In this deep blue Knight colourway, Millefleur exudes luxury and elegance.
Wallpaper: Millefleur – Knight
Right Wall: Basalt
Create impact with a mural: bold spare room ideas
For an impactful finish, consider using a bold mural design in your spare room. The Mandalay mural from our National Trust Papers II collection features a flowering tree of life. The organic shoots reaching up from the ground create serene and inspiring surroundings to enliven your morning routine. When used on the wall behind the bed, it creates a lively backdrop that is reminiscent of the outdoors.
Explore alternative ways to bring nature indoors as part of your guest bedroom design.
Wallpaper: Mandalay – Ceviche
Right Wall: Olive Colour
Inside Window & Windowsill: Loft White
Wake up to a burst of sunshine: designs for north-facing guest bedrooms
Yellow is a wonderful shade to use in the bedroom, as it starts your day with instant joy and energy. Paint your guest bedroom in a warm, inviting shade like Sunlight. Shades of yellow work particularly well in north-facing bedrooms as they introduce an element of sunshine to add warmth.
Accessorise with contemporary monochrome furnishings and lush greenery for a space that feels light, airy and full of life.
Discover how to consider the orientation of a space when creating a colour scheme.
A hybrid space: dual purpose spare rooms
Of course, your spare room may have dual purpose, perhaps also serving as a home office or an additional dressing room.
When designing a hybrid room, opt for a versatile shade that will sit comfortably whatever the function. A warm neutral such as Portland Stone or French Grey is ideal for this dual usage, providing a restful atmosphere and an unobtrusive backdrop for working.
Wallpaper: Carlton House Terrace - Pompon
Skirting: Canton
Door: Cool Arbour
It’s especially important to carefully consider what furniture you include in spare bedrooms that double as home offices. Sofa beds are perfect for enabling effortless transitions from office to bedroom. You can also utilise any extra space for storage, with built-in cabinetry or book shelves.
Explore our recommended colours for home study rooms to create beautiful yet practical spaces that work around your lifestyle.
Lower Wall: Tuscan Red
Upper Wall: French Grey
Ceiling: French Grey – Pale
Home Study DesignsExplore more bedroom design schemes and find a scheme that suits your interior style.
Once you’re ready to begin, learn how to prepare a bedroom for painting and browse our advice hub to start your project with confidence.