Inspiration

Sept 25, 2026

How to Turn a Spare Bedroom into a Dream Dressing Room

Creating a beautiful space for getting ready, reading and everyday inspiration

By Lauren Popp, Co-Founder of Mrs. Case

Share

There was a room in our home that I kept coming back to. A perfectly lovely guest bedroom that, if I'm being truthful, was rarely used. It was furnished, decorated, and always ready for company. But most days, the door stayed closed. Meanwhile, I found myself wishing for a little more closet space, somewhere to sit with a book, and a quiet spot to work on creative projects. And then I had a thought. What if this room could be all of those things?

Not simply a larger closet, but a beautiful, light-filled space designed around the things I love and the way I actually live.

What began as an idea has become one of my favorite rooms in our home. And if you have a spare bedroom that isn't getting much use, perhaps it's time to imagine what yours could become.

Start with How You Want the Room to Feel

Before choosing furniture or storage, think about how you want your space to feel. For me, the answer was calm, feminine, collected, and a little luxurious. I wanted the feeling of a beautifully curated boutique, but with all the warmth and comfort of home. I also wanted to take advantage of something most traditional closets don't have: natural light. Having a window makes such a difference. It brightens the room and creates a lovely spot for reading or working.

My advice: Think beyond clothing storage. Would you enjoy a reading chair, a vanity, or a creative workspace? Let the activities you love guide the design.

Work with the Storage You Already Have

One thing I love about this transformation is that it didn't require an expensive custom closet system. Because the room was originally a bedroom, it already had a closet. That became the perfect place for closed storage, allowing me to use the rest of the room for more beautiful, intentional pieces. I love combining open and closed storage. Open shelves and hanging sections are wonderful for displaying favorite clothing, handbags, and accessories, while closed storage keeps everyday necessities tucked away.

A little design tip: Leave breathing room in your open storage. Not every shelf needs to be filled. A little negative space makes the room feel more like a boutique and less like an oversized closet.

Make Room for the Things That Tell Your Story

I believe the most beautiful rooms are the ones that tell us something about the people who live in them. For me, that meant finding a place for my wedding dress.

Having my gown displayed in my Mrs Case allows me to enjoy something that holds so many memories of my husband, our wedding day, and the life we've built together. In my dressing room, it feels especially at home, almost like a piece of art.

And just a little farther along, you'll find a few of my youngest daughter's princess dresses hanging, too.

She loves spending time in the room, and there's something especially sweet about seeing my wedding dress alongside the dresses she currently considers the most beautiful things in the world.

I also incorporated meaningful artwork, family photographs, and pieces that have been collected over time.

My advice: Don't decorate simply to fill a space. Choose things you genuinely love, especially those with a story behind them.

Mix Something New with Something That Has a Past

One of my favorite pieces in the room is a writing desk that belonged to my grandmother.

She used to sit at that desk and write handwritten letters to her friends. I love imagining all the conversations and friendships that were nurtured there.

Today, that same desk serves as both my vanity and a creative workspace. Some days I'm getting ready; other days I'm sitting with a notebook, working through ideas for Mrs Case.

I think she would have loved knowing her desk is still being used and enjoyed.

I love mixing family pieces with newer furniture and finishes. The combination makes a room feel collected over time rather than decorated all at once.

A little design tip: When combining old and new furniture, look for a common thread, whether it's the wood tones, hardware, or color palette. Everything doesn't need to match to feel beautiful together.

Create a Space You'll Actually Spend Time In

I think every dream dressing room deserves a comfortable chair. Not simply something pretty, but somewhere you genuinely want to sit.

I included a cozy reading area, and one of the things I didn't anticipate was how much my children would enjoy it, too.

I keep some of their favorite books on a shelf, and they love coming in to read.

What I originally imagined as a little retreat for myself has become a space we all enjoy in different ways. And I wouldn't change that.

A soft rug, beautiful lighting, fresh flowers, and a few thoughtful accessories complete the room. It's these little details that make everyday routines feel special.

Make It Your Own

One of the sweetest compliments I've received about this room came when my mom and sister visited.

After spending time here, they both decided they wanted dressing rooms and creative spaces of their own. And now I'm working on plans for both of them!

What's especially fun is that they have completely different styles and personalities, so the rooms we're imagining are entirely different.

It's a lovely reminder that there isn't one right way to create a dream dressing room.

Maybe yours is soft and feminine, filled with vintage furniture and creamy neutrals. Or perhaps you love rich wood tones, tailored upholstery, and a more modern look.

The size of the room matters far less than the thought you put into it.

A Room Worth Spending Time In

Looking back, I'm so glad I gave our rarely used guest bedroom a new purpose. What was once a room that mostly sat empty has become one of my favorite places in the house.

It's where I get ready, read, work on ideas, and enjoy a little quiet. It's where my grandmother's desk has found a new life, where my wedding dress is beautifully displayed, and where my children occasionally settle in with a favorite book.

It's not just a closet, and it isn't quite an office or sitting room either.

It's a little bit of all the things I love, brought together in one space.

After all, a dream closet shouldn't just be a beautiful place to keep your clothes. It should be a beautiful place to spend your time.

— Lauren Popp

Co-Founder, Mrs. Case

More from the Journal

Exclusive news
and early access.

  • New Designs
  • Real Stories
  • Display & Protection