Spare Rooms and Their Second Lives

Studies, hobby corners, small libraries — British households are rethinking what the extra room is for.

By the Fading Haze newsroom

The spare room has long been associated with guests, but it is increasingly something else: a study, a workshop, a craft space, or a small library.

Hybrid working has accelerated the change. Many households now treat the spare room as a serious working space.

Others use the room for hobbies — sewing, painting, model-making, music practice.

Smart storage helps the room change roles when guests do visit, with sofa beds and folding desks easing transitions.

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