10 Small Guest Bedroom Ideas for a Cozy, Clever Space

Help visitors feel comfortable by going the extra mile.

Opening your home to guests, whether friends or family, is a wonderful way to show you care. If you’re fortunate to have a spare bedroom for them to stay in, create a special experience by personalizing the space for their needs. Even if the room is small, these smart, space-saving methods and design tricks can help make the most of it. Take inspiration from the following ideas to put together the best small guest bedroom for your loved ones.

Related: 14 Guest Bedroom Ideas for a Welcoming, Restful Space

Squeeze in a Sitting Area

Give guests the feeling of a luxury hotel by adding a couple of accent armchairs and a side table. The pieces can be small-scale to avoid overcrowding a tight space. This still gives visitors a space to relax outside of the bed while in the privacy of their own room. They can comfortably read a book or the newspaper, have a glass of coffee or wine, or simply tie their shoes with ease.

Designate a Desk

Have a hardworking relative who stays with you often? Make sure to include a desk so they don’t miss a beat. Instead of a nightstand, place a narrow desk near the bed so they can stay up to date on projects. Be sure to include an office chair, a desk lamp, and some basic office supplies such as pens and notepads. A comfortable bed nearby allows them to rest their head once they’re done for the day.

Related: The 25 Best Desks to Maximize Your Home Office Space

Let In Light

A bedroom with multiple windows and beautiful natural light is a dream for any guest. Enhance the space with double-paneled curtains that let in sunlight during the day but block light at night for good rest. Install the curtain rod slightly higher than the window frame to visually heighten the room.

Opt for Low Furniture

If the ceilings are short in your small guest bedroom (say it’s located in a loft or finished attic), create the illusion of a larger space by furnishing the room with low-profile furniture, including the bed frame, nightstands, and dressers. This will make the room seem taller than it is. Opt for a neutral color palette with just a few pops of color, as a monochromatic look can also enhance the size of the space. Keep wall decor simple and minimal.

Related: 14 Small Bedroom Ideas to Make Your Space Feel Bigger Than It Really Is

Embrace Multipurpose Pieces

If your guest bedroom serves other purposes, such as a home office or a reading nook, make sure the furniture is multipurpose. If you have the space to open up a full-size bed, choose a sleeper sofa. Otherwise, a daybed allows one guest a comfortable place to rest. Small coffee tables or an ottoman can be turned into nightstands when needed. A lofted bed with a desk underneath allows you to have a home office while still reserving a spot for guests to stay.

Heighten with Headboards

A tall headboard draws the eyes up and makes a small guest bedroom seem bigger than it actually is. A pair of twin beds flanking a window helps create a more open space than a large queen or king-size bed. Take it a step further and extend the headboards by adding tapestries. There are plenty of DIY headboard ideas to choose from if you’re crafty.

Utilize Bunk Beds

If nieces, nephews, or grandkids frequently sleep over, bunk beds can be a major space-saver in the small guest bedroom. While twin beds are another option, you simply might not have the square footage for that layout to comfortably work. A set of bunk beds solves limited floor space. Make sure to include a guard rail, especially for the top bunk, to keep visitors safe.

Layer Linens

There’s nothing that feels quite as luxurious as having multiple throw blankets. Give your guests, especially those couples whose body temperatures run differently from one another, a variety of bed coverings to choose from. Be sure to include a substantial blanket at the end of the bed, and neatly fold another one or two and place them within view on a bench or ottoman at the foot of the bed.

Keep It Minimalistic

Less is often more when it comes to design. If you have a minimalist home style, remain consistent in the guest room. This will not only bring the whole house together, but it can also help make a small guest bedroom feel roomier. A white ceiling and walls, metal bed frames, flowy curtains, and plush linens create a serene space. Add just a few decor items and pops of color throughout to keep the room airy and open.

Add Amenities

An effortless way to ensure a five-star experience for guests in your home is to provide some treats. Using an attractive basket, arrange a few snacks, such as nuts, chocolate, or granola bars. Place a carafe of fresh water and glasses on a tray nearby. Add a crossword puzzle, earplugs, and a universal charger for their phone. These little extras don't take up much space in a small guest bedroom and help guests feel welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of furniture do I need?

Size matters when it comes to small guest bedrooms. You’d need
to take into consideration the overall size of the room, windows or door placements, etc. So, try and look for functional, practical furniture—think of it as a multipurpose room as well. Daybeds with drawers; fold-down desk tables; even Murphy beds if your budget allows it.

When it comes to accent colors or palettes, what’s the best way?

Oftentimes, a guest room is simply a place to relax, so your
relatives or friends can feel comfortable after traveling. As we mentioned
above, you should always try to keep the same style throughout each room of
your home. For guest bedrooms, opt for soft palettes, and even white, crisp
walls, when possible (this also helps the room to feel bigger) to give
it that “home-away-from-home” or hotel vibes. You can add accent walls or
wallpaper, as long as it doesn’t clash or feel too noisy.

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