Decorating Rooms Bedrooms 10 Small Guest Bedroom Ideas for a Cozy, Clever Space Help visitors feel comfortable by going the extra mile. By Mary Cornetta Mary Cornetta Mary Cornetta has been in the professional organizing industry for over 5 years. She knew she had a passion for decluttering and organization upon graduating Marist College in 2007, however, pursued it as a hobby instead of a career. All of that changed when Mary founded Sort and Sweet Inc on Long Island in 2017. Since then, she has worked hands-on and virtually with hundreds of clients to clear their clutter and create functional systems in their homes and offices. Mary runs the Sort and Sweet social media accounts, creating content and writing captions with organizing tips and inspiration for more than 12,000 followers. Recently relocated to Savannah, she continues to own and operate the business with the help of a talented team. Mary has been a weekly contributing writer for House Digest and has been interviewed as an expert by Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, and Health magazines. She is the owner of the blog, Organized Overall, in which she details how she creates organization in her home. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on January 5, 2024 Close Photo: Ellie Lillstrom 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. 16 Guest Bedroom Ideas for a Welcoming, Restful Space 01 of 10 Squeeze in a Sitting Area Tria Giovan 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. 02 of 10 Designate a Desk Dane Tashima 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. The 25 Best Desks to Maximize Your Home Office Space 03 of 10 Let In Light Werner Straube 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. 04 of 10 Opt for Low Furniture Ellie Lillstrom 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 touches of color, as a monochromatic look can also enhance the size of the space. Keep wall decor simple and minimal. 14 Small Bedroom Ideas to Make Your Space Feel Bigger Than It Really Is 05 of 10 Embrace Multipurpose Pieces Michael Partenio 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. 06 of 10 Heighten with Headboards Robert Brinson 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. 07 of 10 Utilize Bunk Beds Patrick Biller 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. 08 of 10 Layer Linens Joyelle West 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. 09 of 10 Keep It Minimalistic JOHN GRANEN 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 notes of color throughout to keep the room airy and open. 10 of 10 Add Amenities Helen Norman 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 needto 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. Try to keep the same style throughout each room of your home. For guest bedrooms, opt for soft palettes, and even crisp, white 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit