Like many of us a spare bedroom might have to play double if not triple duty, here are some tips for making the most out of your spare room.

•  Use a daybed. A daybed will help create the illusion that the room is more of a small sitting area, instead of a small bedroom.  Select a daybed with built in storage underneath, add pillows and a throw.  When guests come store them away and replace them with sheets and blankets.
• Light Colors and Mirrors. Use light colors and mirrors in your spare room.  Remember to position the mirror to reflect against a window or stylish portion of your room.                 

• Turn your closet into an office. Use a portion of your closet as an office by placing a desk or shelf in the closet.  Use top shelving to store paperwork and folders and use removable hooks, string and plastic cups (or something that you can drill holes in) to store pencils, pens and more.   Add a battery operated light on the desk or fasten to a shelf.  Purchase an acrylic chair that can be pulled out when guests come or work is done and become part of the room’s décor when work is done.
• Add functional and stylish storage. Spare rooms are often used for storage, but that doesn’t mean that it has to look like a junk room.  There are creative ways to store these items.  If you have bikes consider purchasing a tension bike rod and get those bikes off the floor.  Tension Rod Caddies, typically used for showers are a good way to store light items in a corner.  Store guitars in a guitar rack http://www.guitarstorage.com/ for an uncluttered look. 

• Add a desk – If your spare room serves as a guest room and an office, you might be wondering how to incorporate a desk into the décor in a way that is both attractive and functional. One way is to purchase a small table (home goods stores, furniture stores and thrift shops are good places to look).  Paint the table to match the colors in the room.  Next add a tension rod to the underneath portion of the table and thread a curtain through the rod.  This will allow you to hide storage and wires.  A roll away filing cabinet can be used to store files and act as additional space when working, but quickly hidden under the curtain when not in use.  Choose an acrylic chair that visually disappears or can be moved when not in use to become part of the room’s style.

Try these great tips and your spare room will be both functional and spacious.