Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many of us, through no apparent fault of our own, end up with a spare room that’s so overrun with stuff (ironing boards, computer screens, coats, unidentified cables etc.) that they cease to be useful in any way. Despite our best intentions, this extra space turns into a sort of eternal black hole, eating up everyday items, never be seen again. But it doesn’t have to be this way. All it takes is a little imagination, and a shift in attitude – it’s time to stop thinking of your spare room as ‘spare’.
The minute you stop referring to it as an extra bit of space in your otherwise useful home, it will cease to be the no man’s land that it is,
and turn into something genuinely useful instead. Here are some of our favourite ways to turn your spare room into a purposeful, tastefully revamped, and definitely not spare room.
1. Second living room
A second living room… upstairs? We know, it’s an ‘out-there’ concept, but trust us, adding a second living space to your home can be a revelation. Not only does it give you an extra chillout zone, it alleviates some of the pressure when it comes to fighting for the TV remote – particularly useful for big families or for the relationships in which somebody wants to watch all the latest sport and their partner, well, doesn’t. If the room is small, invest in a super slim-fit sofa and a wall mounted TV (there are some great budget options on the market). That way you’ll make the most of the space while ensuring it’s genuinely useful too (goodbye piles of tangled coat hangers, odd socks and unread books). Add a couple of small side tables at either side of the sofa, plus lamps a-plenty and a coffee table if it’ll fit, and voila – you’ve turned that useless space into a cosy, very useful snug.
2. Dressing room
If your bedroom wardrobe is overflowing with clothes, turning your spare room into a dressing room can be a godsend. Use open clothes rails instead of wardrobes for an eclectic, laid-back vibe, and shop around for a chic dressing table, complete with mirror and handy drawers for all your beauty bits and bobs. Invest in a decent sized, full length mirror (a major part of the outfit-decision operation), and brighten the room with plenty of fresh flowers. Install spotlights to ensure there’s plenty of bright light for make-up application, and remove all unnecessary clutter and furniture for a calm and restful room with a feeling of spaciousness – the perfect place to prepare for the day… or glam up for a big night out.
