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A shelf topped with a plant, frame and ornament hung on Sunlight yellow wall.

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

Bedroom with the upper wall painted in Aquamarine and the lower wall in Aquamarine - Pale with a double bed and side table.

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.

Upper Wall: Aquamarine
Lower Wall: Ambleside

An opulent finish: luxurious guest bedroom designs

Bedroom with blue small floral wallpaper 'Millefleur - Knight' and deep blue 'Basalt' walls.

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

Bedroom with off white floral mural wallpaper (Mandalay - Ceviche) with a bed, sideboard and plant.

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

Bring nature indoors

Wake up to a burst of sunshine: designs for north-facing guest bedrooms

Bed with cushions below a wall painted in vibrant yellow Sunlight, with a shelf topped with a plant, frame and ornaments.

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.

Walls: Sunlight
Woodwork: Ceviche

An intimate sanctuary: cosy spare bedroom designs

Bedroom painted in warm red (Nether Red) with contrasting grey woodwork and a bed scattered with cushions.

Create a truly inviting guest bedroom by using a deep and earthy shade with red or pink undertones. Nether Red, from our Stone palette, has a natural mud red base which provides an innate sense of calm.

Let your guests escape to an intimate haven with a rich and sophisticated colour combination. Nether Red pairs beautifully with French Grey - Dark on woodwork to create a romantic ambience. Finish with soft textural elements and fresh flowers to welcome your guests to their temporary retreat.

Walls: Nether Red
Drawers & Door: French Grey – Dark

A hybrid space: dual purpose spare rooms

Bedroom with a light grey (French Grey) upper wall and a terracotta red 'Tuscan Red' lower wall behind a bed.

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.

Lower Wall: Tuscan Red

Upper Wall: French Grey

Ceiling: French Grey – Pale

Explore more 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.