The following post discusses 10 space saving ideas for optimizing and decorating your small guest bedroom.
Whether it’s your first place living alone, or your fifth, decorating smaller spaces requires a little extra effort to make the most of the space, minus the clutter.
My first apartment without a roommate was just me, and the minimal amount of space possible for living the cute early 20’s life of my dreams. Once I was ready to upgrade my space, i moved to a two bedroom townhome and all of a sudden I had an extra room that I didn’t know what to do with. It was considerably small, but I knew I wanted a place for my friends or family to stay but I also needed an area to work from home. Dilemma right? If you have a similar situation or are just looking to shape up your small guest bedroom, look no further.
Here are 10 ideas for optimizing your small guest room:
The Best Small Guest Bedroom Optimization Ideas
1. Create a multi-use space with your home office
Don’t feel like you have to choose between having a place for guests and room for working from home. The key is choosing the right types of furniture and organizing in a way that is both functional and stylish. If you choose to use your extra room for both an office and guest bedroom, you’ll want to start with measuring the area.
Typically, splitting the room directly in half, using one side for the guest bed or couch set up, and another for the room use whether that’s an office, workout equipment, or even an area for home projects and crafts. Desks that don’t extend far out, and beds that can either be folded in or partially tucked a way are a great option for optimizing a multi use .
2. Wall Mounted Shelves
You shouldn’t have to choose between having decor and non-cluttered space. They key is for the decor to minimal and tasteful, allowing for the focus of the room to be its functional use. Wall mounted or floating shelves are a great way to as art or small items to your guest bedroom, while being out of the way. Set these up on the available wall space in the room, whether it’s above the bed, door, or in a corner space of the room.
Small guest bedrooms, don’t leave a lot of room for large furniture pieces which is why you want to make the most out of the furniture that you do have. Multi-use furniture is a great way to do this. For example, instead of a queen size bed, use a pull our couch or day bed as the sleeping location furniture piece. This allows for 1-2 people to stretch out while also opening up the space when the couch or day bed is closed up.
Ottomans, are another great multi use piece. Giving you a decor piece, foot rest, and a place to store small items like blankets or toiletries for your guests.
3. Multi-purpose furniture
4. Space saving lights
If your small guest bedroom doesn’t have overhead lighting, you’ll need some lamps to warm and literally lighten the space. Large floor lamps can take up a lot of space, so instead you’ll want to use small desk lamps or even better, lighting that can be mounted or attached to walls. There are various options, especially if you prefer something battery operated.
5. Hidden storage
If you need to use your guest room as a multi functioning room, such as for storage or as an office, hidden storage is a great way to hide away other items that may not be for your guests, or to even store extra guest items like towels. Desks, ottomans, beds, or sofa beds with compact insides
6. Minimalist decor
The set up for your guest room doesn’t have to have every decorative item in the world. Minimalist decor is a great way to make the most of the space in a small guest bedroom without the feeling of clutter or overcrowding. Your decor doesn’t have to be minimalist or follow a single color scheme, but coordination and simplification can go along way with whatever theme you choose.
7. Compact nightstands
If you want to add a nightstand or two into your guestroom but are short on space, look for more compact and or taller pieces. This will allow for a decorative piece without taking up as much floor space as traditional nightstands.
8. Small and thin furniture
Look for beds, day beds or sofa beds with thinner legs or compact sizing to make the most of your space. Accurately measure your space to leave room for walking or turning around in the area.
9. Mount furniture
If you want to add things like shelves, bookcases, small desks, etc. into the space, utilize tools like mounting to either move items above the floor or to ensure things don’t fall or shift.
10. Get rid of clutter
If you aren’t starting from scratch, getting rid of any extra items or clutter in your guest room is always the first step. Removing items, will allow you to see how much room you really have. It may seem like a small guest bedroom but optimization is important and can make the room feel bigger than it is.
To get started on decorating or re arranging your small guest room you should do the following:
1. Take inventory
Identify what you already have that are currently being used in your guest room or in other rooms of your home that could be useful. Do not buy new items if you don’t need to, as it will lead to more clutter especially in a smaller space.
2. Decide on a theme or color scheme
There are a ton of various way to decorate your small guest room from neutrals, darker, boho, farmhouse, rustic and more. Decide on one color scheme or theme so that anything new you buy is cohesive. A great way to optimize the space and keep it from looking cramped.
3. Decide on a furniture arrangement
Once you know what the room will be used for (combination vs only a guest room) you can decide on a set up. Take measurements of your space. Go for a smaller bed size to leave room for other items such as a nightstand or foldable desk. Your guest doesn’t always need a king bed!
You now can optimize or completely re-do your guest room making it great space for you to use and for your guests to have a comfortable place to stay in your home.
