‘Tis the season for family, friends, and… the annual scramble to figure out where everyone will sleep. If your “guest room” is also your home office, craft room, or just a small, awkward space, the thought of hosting can be stressful.
Don’t panic. You don’t need a large room to be a great host. The key is smart, multi-functional design. Here are seven space-saving bedroom ideas to get your small guest room ready for the holidays.
1. Ditch the Traditional Bed
A full-sized bed frame takes up a massive amount of floor space. For a room that needs to be flexible, consider a multi-use alternative.
- A Stylish Daybed: By day, it’s a chic sofa. By night, it’s a comfortable twin bed. It’s the perfect solution for a room that needs to function as both a lounge and a bedroom.
- A Modern Murphy Bed: These are not the clunky contraptions of the past. Modern Murphy beds are stylish, safe, and often come with built-in shelving or a desk, making them the ultimate space-saver for a home office/guest room.
2. Go Vertical with Storage
When you can’t build out, build up. Use your wall space for storage.
- Floating Shelves: Instead of a bulky nightstand, install a single “floating shelf” next to the bed. It’s just enough space for a phone, a glass of water, and a small lamp.
- Wall-Mounted Bookcases: A tall, narrow “ladder” bookcase can hold towels, extra blankets, and a welcome basket without taking up a single square foot of floor space.
3. Install Wall-Mounted Sconces
Lamps are a nightstand’s worst enemy in a small room. Free up that valuable surface space by installing wall-mounted sconces or pendant lights on either side of the bed. They look incredibly chic, intentional, and free up the nightstand for your guest’s personal items.
4. Use “Under-Bed” Smartly
That space under the bed is prime real estate. Use low-profile, rolling storage bins or drawers. But don’t just shove things under there—this is the perfect place to store guest-specific items like extra pillows, a plush throw blanket, and a spare set of towels.
5. A Luggage Rack is a Must
Where do guests put their suitcases? Usually, on the floor, where it becomes a tripping hazard. A simple, foldable luggage rack is a small luxury that makes a huge difference. Your guest can easily access their bag, and you can fold it away in a closet when they leave.
6. Use Mirrors to Create “Space”
A well-placed mirror is the oldest trick in the design book for a reason. It reflects light and tricks the eye into thinking the room is larger than it is. Place a tall floor mirror in a corner or a large round mirror above a dresser.
7. A “Closet” Nook
Your guests need a place to hang their clothes. If the room has no closet (or it’s full of your own things), create a “micro-closet.”
- How to Do It: Install a simple, stylish wall-mounted coat rack or a small portion of “floating” clothes rail. Add a few nice wooden hangers. It gives them a designated spot and makes the room feel like a true guest space.
With these space-saving bedroom ideas, you can turn any small corner into a welcoming, functional, and comfortable retreat for your holiday guests.
Need help maximizing your home’s footprint? The interior design team at DIG Interiors excels at creating smart, stylish solutions for small spaces. Contact us today.
