7 Small Guest Bedroom Ideas
As a home designer with over 10 years of experience, I’ve had the pleasure of creating spaces that range from grand open-floor plans to the more intimate and challenging small guest bedrooms. It’s easy to assume that a small room doesn’t have as much potential, but trust me—small doesn’t mean limited. In fact, designing a small guest bedroom can be one of the most rewarding challenges of home decor. It allows you to get creative, combining functionality with aesthetics to transform a modest space into a welcoming, stylish retreat for your guests.
1. Incorporate Multi-Functional Furniture
n a small guest bedroom, every inch of space counts. Multi-functional furniture is your best friend. A fold-out bed or a murphy bed is a game-changer, much like how Central Perk (from Friends) cleverly utilized limited space while maintaining comfort and style. You can easily transform the room from a guest bedroom into a quiet home office or a reading nook by using a desk that doubles as a vanity or an ottoman that serves as extra storage. By carefully selecting pieces that can be used for more than one purpose, you not only save space but add flexibility to the room.
2. Opt for Light and Neutral Color Palettes
When it comes to designing a small guest bedroom, it’s crucial to choose colors that make the space feel open and airy. Lighter tones like soft whites, creams, and pastels can work wonders. These shades reflect light and create a sense of spaciousness, making even the tiniest room feel larger. Take inspiration from the light, airy vibes seen in popular contemporary spaces or shows like The Good Place, where the design highlights serenity and simplicity. Adding a few pops of color through bedding or art gives the room personality without overwhelming the senses.
3. Maximize Vertical Space
In a small guest bedroom, consider maximizing vertical space by using tall storage pieces or floating shelves. This keeps the floor area open and free, giving the illusion of more space. Think about how Apartment Therapy often advocates for tall shelving units or built-in shelves as clever ways to add storage without using valuable floor space. By hanging wall sconces or using a tall, slender nightstand, you free up table space for essentials and still maintain a cozy, functional room.
4. Invest in Smart Lighting
Lighting plays a vital role in setting the tone for any bedroom, and in a small guest bedroom, it can make or break the ambiance. Layer your lighting—incorporating overhead lights, task lamps, and ambient lighting—adds depth to the space. Just like the dreamy soft-lit rooms from shows like Gilmore Girls, you want your guest room to have a calming atmosphere. Consider dimmable ceiling lights, sconces that free up space on nightstands, and perhaps some string lights or decorative floor lamps for a touch of whimsy. These elements allow you to adjust the lighting based on the mood and time of day.
5. Use Mirrors to Create Illusion of Space
Mirrors are an essential tool in creating the illusion of more space. They reflect both light and the room’s surroundings, making everything appear more expansive. Try placing a large mirror on one wall to reflect the bed and windows, making the room seem bigger and brighter. You could also take inspiration from shows like Sex and the City, where mirrors were often used not just for function but for style. A statement mirror can serve as both a functional and decorative piece—so why not kill two birds with one stone?
6. Add Vertical or Horizontal Artwork
While wall art is a great way to personalize your small guest bedroom, it’s important to be mindful of the space. Overcrowding the walls can make the room feel cramped. Instead, opt for one or two larger pieces of artwork that draw the eye upward (increasing the perception of height) or horizontally (adding a sense of width). Draw inspiration from the minimalist art trends popular on platforms like Pinterest or the calming aesthetics seen in Big Little Lies to create a space that feels personal but not cluttered.
7. Incorporate Natural Textures for Warmth
Small spaces can sometimes feel cold, but adding natural textures—such as wicker, wood, linen, or jute—can warm up the room and create a welcoming, lived-in vibe. Imagine the laid-back yet stylish aesthetic of beach homes featured on HGTV or the calming boho vibes seen in Netflix’s Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. These materials help ground the space and add visual interest without overwhelming the design. A rattan chair, woven throw blankets, or a linen duvet set can infuse the room with comfort and style while maintaining a clean and inviting aesthetic.
Conclusion
Designing a small guest bedroom doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or comfort. By using multi-functional furniture, light color palettes, smart lighting, and clever storage solutions, you can create a space that’s as stylish as it is functional. Take inspiration from modern TV shows like Friends, Sex and the City, and The Good Place, where small spaces are transformed into welcoming and chic retreats. Whether you’re maximizing vertical space with shelving or adding warmth through natural textures, the key is to think creatively, use the space wisely, and balance aesthetics with practicality.
A small guest bedroom is a perfect opportunity to show off your creativity and design expertise. With these 7 tips, you can create a guest space that is not only practical but also a reflection of your personality and your attention to detail. Your guests will leave with a lasting impression of how much thought you put into their comfort, all while ensuring the room maintains its chic, functional appeal.
