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Designing a spare bedroom? You’re not alone. We’ve all had that one guest room that turned into a storage unit with a duvet.
It’s time to reclaim it—stylishly, of course. Think of this as your design cheat sheet 🛏️.
From twin beds that actually match to lighting that won’t make your guests squint or feel like they’re in a waiting room, we’re covering ideas that make sense and look good.
Whether you host once a week or once a year, these design tips make sure your spare room doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Scroll on—your guest room’s glow-up starts here.
1. Elegant Neutrals with Sculptural Lighting
A refined space that combines clean lines, plush textures, and warm champagne tones. The oversized upholstered headboard and symmetrical pendant lights create a sense of harmony, while the abstract chandelier adds a sculptural focal point above the bed. Crisp bedding in layered cream tones contributes to a calm, elevated ambiance perfect for a sophisticated spare room.
2. Sun-Kissed Natural Textures
This bedroom is designed with a soft neutral palette highlighted by sandy beige and muted mustard tones. The simplicity of the crinkled cotton bedding and the inclusion of natural light through skylights lend a casual charm. Potted greenery and delicate patterns on the pillows offer a relaxed, organic feel that makes guests feel instantly at ease.
3. Modern Cottage Charm in Soft Sage and Linen
Blending traditional structure with current comforts, this room features a tufted headboard, striped bedding in sage green and white, and cozy throw pillows in earthy tones. The decorative wreath adds a personal touch, while the dual wooden nightstands and matching lamps maintain balance and utility in a room perfect for hosting visitors.
4. Contemporary Masculine Style with Natural Views
A striking contrast of deep navy and warm wood brings depth and character to this spare bedroom. Tailored linens in soft grey tones are paired with charcoal stripes for a sporty edge. Black-out window treatments and framed wall art provide functionality and aesthetic structure, making it ideal for a guest with a taste for contemporary comfort.
5. Whimsical Touch with Blue and White Accents
Balloon-themed wallpaper in soft blues creates a playful yet tasteful atmosphere, especially appealing for younger guests or family stays. Upholstered details and decorative pillows mirror the wallpaper’s color scheme, while the warm lighting and textured blanket complete the look with a timeless storybook feel.
6. Classic Sophistication in Olive and Pink Tones
This guest room showcases refined wall paneling in a muted sage green paired with an upholstered headboard in a pale blush print. Layered bedding in olive green adds depth, while the jute rug and wicker trunk provide texture and storage. A crystal chandelier overhead offers a graceful contrast, enhancing the traditional elegance of the space.
7. Transitional Warmth in Soft Greys and Linen
A seamless mix of modern and rustic, this bedroom uses warm greys, soft whites, and wood tones to craft a welcoming setting. The angular vaulted ceiling and neutral area rug add architectural interest, while woven wall sconces and natural-fiber furniture bring warmth and texture into the room.
8. Minimalist Comfort in Plush Ivory
This room pairs contemporary design with cozy finishes. The low, padded platform bed is upholstered in soft white boucle, contrasting with black bedside tables for a modern edge. Dim lighting from twin ceramic lamps emphasizes the room’s cocoon-like atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for guests who appreciate understated comfort.
9. Soft Grey Serenity with Button-Tufted Detail
A tailored upholstered headboard anchors this calming grey room. Subtle dot patterns and pinstripes on the pillows break up the monochrome look while maintaining cohesion. The natural light from the window further enhances the airy appeal, creating a peaceful escape for guests.
10. Black and White Simplicity with Modern Touches
A crisp monochrome palette gives this spare room a modern edge. Whitewashed flooring, matte black accents, and framed graphic prints offer a clean, gallery-like aesthetic. The practical addition of a mirrored vanity corner doubles as a workspace, making it both functional and stylish for visitors.
11. Contemporary Glam in Soft Greys and White
This room strikes a confident balance between modern and elegant. The geometric accent wall adds depth behind the scalloped-edge upholstered bed, while the all-white furniture and satin bedding elevate the atmosphere. A crystal drum chandelier delivers sparkle overhead, anchoring the space with a touch of glamour.
12. Moody Texture with Sculpted Lighting
A sculptural black pendant casts dramatic shadows across the walls, bringing an artistic edge to this warm neutral room. The soft beige tones in the bed and textured bedding are grounded by matte black fixtures, a leafy plant, and a round wall mirror, creating an inviting space with modern character.
13. Tailored Twin Setup in Dusty Blue and Olive
This twin bedroom uses deep olive headboards and crisp striped linens to give a structured, timeless feel. Accented with plaid throws and framed vintage-style art, the room feels layered and intentional. The shared wooden desk between the beds is a thoughtful inclusion that provides both utility and charm.
14. Eclectic Charm with Berry and Blue Accents
Pattern mixing and color coordination bring this guest bedroom to life. A berry-red throw and sky-blue upholstered bed frame are paired with printed pillows and a striped headboard. Textures vary from wicker to wool, and pops of mustard and gold add vibrance to this welcoming and playful retreat.
15. Soft Pastels and Country Touches
Light-filled and cheerful, this guest bedroom features powder blue curtains, pale wood furniture, and a vintage quilt. The patchwork bedding and warm wall color bring in subtle pattern, while a green trunk at the foot of the bed introduces an element of rustic storage that feels purposeful and curated.
16. Cottage Style with Gingham and Blush
A traditional layout meets inviting details, including gingham pillows, pale pink accents, and a tufted headboard. The chandelier adds a classic note, while patterned table lamps and layered bedding bring warmth. The faded area rug softens the space further and ties the colors together effortlessly.
17. Minimalist Warmth with Bold Knits
A neutral backdrop allows key elements to shine here—most notably the oversized chunky knit throw in charcoal grey. A modern art pillow introduces subtle personality, while a warm beige half-wall, gold pendant light, and plush textures complete a balanced and approachable design.
18. Compact Built-In with Sage and Emerald
This built-in daybed setup uses soft sage walls, structured millwork, and deep green accents for a refined and functional look. The brass sconces provide practical lighting, while the surrounding shelves create visual interest without crowding the room, ideal for smaller guest spaces.
19. Soft Heritage Style with Dusty Pink and Olive
Blending traditional tones with clean paneling, this room feels polished yet easygoing. An olive green bed frame pairs with rose-toned pillows and soft beige carpet for a subtle contrast. The glass pendant overhead adds delicate movement, rounding out the room’s tailored charm.
20. Fresh Neutrals with Olive Contrast
The combination of creamy neutrals and earthy green tones gives this bedroom a balanced, calming energy. Embroidered pillow accents, antique brass lighting, and a statement chandelier contribute depth without overwhelming the space. The paneled feature wall adds structure and quiet interest.
21. Twin Comfort in Soft Blue and Gingham
A tailored twin layout in soft green gingham offers both charm and symmetry. Crisp white bedding with blue piping and botanical bolster pillows ties in effortlessly with the window shade. Natural woven wall decor and brass-mounted sconces add depth, creating a welcoming space for guests of all ages.
22. Botanical Accent with Soft Grey and Teal
A leafy wallpaper in forest green wraps the upper half of the wall, paired with crisp white paneling below. This feature balances clean modern lines with nature-inspired softness. Soft grey and teal pillows on a white and charcoal bed bring subtle contrast, while the organic ceiling light adds texture overhead.
23. Olive Backdrop with Bold Print Accents
This guest bedroom layers earthy green vertical paneling with soft neutrals and statement floral cushions. Red-patterned lampshades introduce a pop of color, while pale blue throws and neutral bedding maintain calmness. Built-in shelves provide both function and styling potential, perfect for a cozy guest space.
24. Neutral Foundation with Rich Brass Details
Warm beige tones form the base for this inviting room, with brushed brass wall sconces introducing a modern edge. The patterned wallpaper and layered textiles—including a chunky knit throw—add depth. Subtle artwork and a low reading chair round out the design with a curated, lived-in feel.
25. Streamlined Elegance in Ivory and Gold
This room brings a polished approach to neutral design, featuring a channel-tufted headboard and matching ottoman bench in soft beige. A circular pendant light, abstract framed prints, and gold-ring table lamps add structure without clutter, creating a calm and orderly spare bedroom.