Skip to main content
IKEA logotype
A desk placed directly behind a sofa with a nearby cabinet.
Overview of a small, multi-functional room furnished with soft light colours and natural materials.
A small suspended rail and low row of cabinets in a room with a steep, sloped ceiling.
Cabinets, a hook rack and a curtain wire create storage from a single wall.

A spare room with no space wasted 

Black and white image of Anna Cardell smiling.

Name
Anna Cardell

Location
Stockholm, Sweden

Profession
Interior designer

It’s far too easy for a spare room to quickly become a dumping ground for all of your random possessions. The key is to create a space that easily adapts from one function to the next.

Our lives have many needs, but we only have so many rooms at home to satisfy them. So if you’re lucky enough to have a spare room, give it multiple functions. It’s easy when you keep things simple. Stockholm-based interior designer Anna Cardell shares a design for a spare room that is part home office, part craft and creativity zone, part guest room and 100% laid back, chilled out beauty. It’s filled with enough smart ideas and personality to turn a once under-used space into your favourite room in the home.

Overview of a small, multi-functional room furnished with soft light colours and natural materials.

Feeling inspired?

At your local IKEA online store, you'll discover even more tips and ideas to make the most of every room in your home.

Space planning: Create an island

Make the most of every bit of space in a small room by floating the big pieces of furniture in the middle. Here, an island is formed when a desk snuggles up to the back of a sofa bed. It creates two zones; one for working and one for relaxing, while leaving precious wallspace free for a small room’s best friend: lots of storage!

When the desk isn’t in use and you’d rather be lounging on the sofa, swivel the desk lamp around for some more direct light for reading.

Fluid function: From your place to a guest space

A sofa bed that goes from a chillout zone for you to a comfortable bed for overnight guests in no time, is the biggest helper in making this a multi-tasking room.

"When guests stay, just move the coffee table into bedside table mode. I used one that even has room inside for extra bedlinen." – Anna

Problem solvers: no more awkward spaces

In a small room, every bit of space is precious. A storage solution that fits under the eaves holds lots of books, while creating a surface for lighting, plants and favourite decorative items. Functional and beautiful.

"We made use of a sloped ceiling by hanging a minimalist rod from stylish leather straps to create a place for guests to hang clothes." – Anna

Organising: Work those walls

Using vertical space goes a long way toward keeping compact, multi-tasking rooms like this one neat and organised. A combination of drawers, hooks and baskets hold plenty while still keeping things looking light and uncrowded.

The drawer units are perfect for things you need but don't want to have on display.

On/off: Room for creativity

Solutions like an easy-move trolley full of supplies, an easel that hangs on the wall when not in use and a wire and clip combo for holding recent masterpieces fits an art studio into a corner. Just spread out when inspiration strikes.

Even in a small space, managing to fit in a spot designated for your creative activities makes it easier to tap into your passions.