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20 Small Guest Room Ideas That Are Larger Than Life

Courtesy of Fantastic Frank 

Raise your hand if you've ever turned your guest bedroom into storage space or a home gym you never ended up using. Spare bedrooms can be a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, an extra bedroom presents an opportunity to host friends and family when they're visiting. On the other hand, it also means having an extra room to decorate. But it is possible to make a small guest room feel finished, even when it's a tiny space.

Sometimes, all you need are a few essentials to make people feel at home. Think adequate lighting, a mirror, fresh bedding, and a little storage space. In addition to covering the essentials, we've also rounded up our most stylish tips to make your guest room worthy of a five-star review.

Read on for our favorite small guest room ideas.

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Courtesy of Tali Roth

No matter how big or small, make sure the guest bedroom nightstand has the essentials: a source of light like a reading lamp and a catchall to throw jewelry or keys.

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Courtesy of Jeremiah Brent

Look around the room for those extra touches that'll make the space extra comfortable: a soft rug to put your feet down on in the morning and a mirror to get your hair under control before heading out for breakfast. A full-length mirror is ideal, but at the very least, a smaller wall-hung mirror will make your guests feel at ease before they venture out of the room.

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Courtesy of Charlie Ferrer

Storage space is always appreciated when you're staying at someone's house, so try to empty the closets and drawer dressers, or add a folding luggage rack to make it easier for guests to unpack. A tray filled with essentials like toothpaste and snacks is also a nice touch that's simple but always appreciated. Furthermore, an extra-long bedside table with dressers functions both as a desk and storage space.

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Courtesy of Jeremiah Brent

Often, our guest rooms play double-duty, so don't be afraid to make your space multipurpose by adding shoe storage or a desk. A daybed doubles perfectly as a single bed if you don't have a ton of space.

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Courtesy of Space Exploration

Add finishing touches that'll give your guests a positive experience: Quality, fresh bedding, and a toiletry kit go a long way towards making guests comfortable, for example.

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BHDM DESIGN

Pick up fresh flowers and arrange them in a vase to place on the nightstand as a thoughtful welcome gesture. Bonus: They'll add a pop of color and a fragrant scent to the space.

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Amber Interiors

Don't forget a wastebasket for guests to toss their old baggage stickers, ticket stubs, crumpled up snack wrappers, and other items they've collected over the course of their travels.

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Courtesy of Fantastic Frank 

Ensure that your window treatments reflect the needs of the room. Blackout curtains layered over light-filtering shades will ensure privacy and darkness for your guests, but will also allow light in when you need it.

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SARAH SHERMAN SAMUEL

Looking to go that extra mile when decorating your guest bedroom? Don't be afraid to make a statement. For example, opt for a bold headboard, funky wall art (try a gallery wall, with tips from design guru Emily Henderson), and built-in lighting for a unique aesthetic that will ensure your guests have an unforgettable stay.

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BHDM DESIGN

Another genius idea: Door hooks on the back of the doors, which will come in handy for towels and coats. Choose from over-the-door hooks or wall-mounted versions.

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Tessa Neustadt; DESIGN: Brady Tolbert for Emily Henderson

If you're short on space, skip the nightstands and let your headboard do double-duty. This green velvet headboard features trays on each side for reading material, a pair of glasses, or other bedtime essentials. Mount lighting on the wall instead of using a table lamp.

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Sarah Sherman Samuel

Instead of opting for just one area rug, layer rugs. Add sheepskin rugs on each side of the bed to up the cozy factor in small bedrooms. It'll feel good on guests' feet, as well as warm up the space.

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Black and Blooms

Instead of trying to cram a queen bed into a small room, get a daybed. When guests aren't staying over, you can have an extra living space to hang in, and it's still comfortable enough to accommodate guests staying a few nights. Add plenty of plush throw pillows to make it feel even cozier.

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Fantastic Frank 

If you don't have room for a proper nightstand, you may not be sure how to add lighting to the space. Enter a pendant light. Not only does it add light without taking up space, but it also dresses up the room and adds character.

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 Sara Tramp; DESIGN: Emily Henderson

A small guest room is not the place to overdecorate. Keep your décor simple and purposeful to avoid clutter. A small table lamp, a bud vase, and a piece of art are all you need to elevate your room and give it personality.

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Becky Kimbal; Design: Studio McGee

If you have a small room without a ton of natural light, pull out the oldest trick in the book: mirrors. Hanging a large mirror can open up the room and make it feel a bit larger. Bonus: It'll give guests the perfect place to get ready in the morning.

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Nicole Franzen

This bedroom is tiny, but it's packed full of charm. From the exposed brick wall, to the bold curtains, to the patterned pillows, and colorful artwork—this bedroom proves that bright, fun, and bold décor goes a long way in a tiny space.

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 Sara Tramp; Deign: Emily Henderson

When you're lacking storage, every free space becomes even more important. Consider getting some under-bed storage to keep guest essentials (extra towels, toiletries, spare linens, etc.). You can also offer the storage to them if there's no closet or drawer space for their belongings.

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 Tessa Neustadt; Design: Sara Tramp for Emily Henderson

No closet? No problem. A clothing rack can give your guests the space they need to hang their clothes while staying with you, and it adds a fun design element to the room, as well.

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Courtesy of Fantastic Frank 

A small shelf or wall-mounted desk is the perfect solution for guests who may need to do a little work while staying with you. You can store the chair in a closet out of the way when it's not in use to free up space.

How to Create a Warm and Inviting Guest Room on a Budget, According to Interior Designers

10 ways to transform a spare room |

(Image credit: Future)

Our small guest room ideas are perfect, whether you're keeping a room ready for surprise drop-ins, preparing for holiday arrivals or just a long-awaited visit from family or friends. 

A trick often missed when revamping a guest room is to make it feel as comfortable as other rooms in the house. Whether you want the space to feel bright, soothing, spacious or cozy, always put comfort first with all your guest bedroom ideas.

Small guest room ideas 

In your zeal to be creative in every other area of your home, don’t forget the small guest room or spare room, says Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co. 

‘To make your bedroom ideas inviting think about texture. Fabric walling doesn’t have to cost a fortune and will transform the space, making it look sophisticated while feeling cozy and warm.’ 

By the same token, use proper Roman blinds or curtains. Also be a bit punchier with pattern or color. ‘You can risk it here,’ says Irene. Make sure the small guest room doesn’t have a neglected ambience and hang as many pictures as you’d have in your own bedroom. Then add details, such as fresh flowers or even faux flowers – the best ones will make the spare room look ready for action if any last-minute guests arrive.

We spoke to the experts for their favorite small guest room ideas to inspire your next bedroom remodel. 

1. Add depth and interest with dark shades 

(Image credit: Kitesgrove)

Velvet decor ideas can be used in a small guest room to add luxurious texture and depth. Luxurious and eclectic, velvet gives furnishings a deluxe update this season. Use a sultry palette of jewel tones, these dramatic looks have rich, heritage-meets-fashion attitude. Velvet is also a beautiful way to soften hard architecture. 

In this guest room, we used Soane’s ‘Coral Green’ wallpaper to provide a fresh and calming backdrop, creating a beautiful neutral base for the rich, jewel-toned and contrasting Forest Green Pierre Frey velvet which accentuates the soft scalloped form of the headboard,' says Clara Ewart, head of design at Kitesgrove . 

2. Be consistent with your walls 

(Image credit: Karen B Wolf Interior Design/Raquel Langworthy)

When it comes to wall paneling and shiplap wall ideas, there are many styles available to suit the age of your house and personal taste, making them a beautiful addition to a small room.

'We made the most of this small guest bedroom by using shiplap bedroom wall ideas around the entire room to make the space more consistent and expansive,' says Karen B Wolf, creative principal and owner of Karen B Wolf Interiors .  

Shiplap is also a great way to ensure your small guest room is warm, cozy – and looks expensive.

3. Keep it simple with a pared back look

(Image credit: Tori Murphy)

Minimalist guest room rooms can be tricky to get right. Creating a pared-back space that also exudes luxurious comfort can be a hard balance to strike, but with careful consideration it can be achieved. 

Decorating with white is often the default for a small or minimalist room, however, this can often leave spaces feeling cold, especially if the white is a brilliant or cool white. Opting for a scheme of warm neutrals such as stone tones, beiges and creams will ensure a the room feels relaxed and inviting, which is important when it comes to small guest rooms.

4. Opt for a scalloped headboard in a print

(Image credit: Kelling Designs)

'When it comes to the tiny bedroom ideas, there are a few key things you should consider to make sure it's as beautiful as it is functional. As with any bedroom, an upholstered headboard in a statement shape will help create a focal point that will also act as an anchor for the overall design scheme. 

Choose a shape and design you love, and whether you opt for velvets in bold colors or a beautiful patterned fabric, use this as the base for the rest of your scheme. 

'Crisp white sheets will allude to the hotel-inspired feel, whilst opting for accessories in tones that complement your headboard will tie the look together and add that all-important balance,' says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs . 

5. Fit in a compact shelf

(Image credit: Interior Fox )

'With a little creativity, even the smallest of spaces can be functional,' says Jen & Mar, Co-founders of Interior Fox . 'The bedside table area for example; instead of standard bedside tables and lamps, utilize the wall space by using wall lights and position a compact shelf directly underneath, this will give you just enough room to pop your phone on at night or a few decorative items. For a seamless look that will make a small bedroom look bigger, try painting the shelf the same color as the wall.'

6. Have some flexible solutions up your sleeve

(Image credit: ND Studios/Helen Cathcart)

While pull-out beds and diminutive doubles are an obvious solution for occasional sleepovers, these aren’t the only small bedroom ideas available. Thinking outside the box with bed ideas means searching for more than just hideaway beds, but for dual purpose furniture and small bedroom storage ideas, which can all make a big difference too and allow bedroom space to be fully utilized without leaving the room feeling cramped or crowded.

'I designed the bed with an antique curtain pole and separate headboards on leather straps above that can be moved together if the bedroom needed to be transformed into a double bed/two single beds for guests,' says Natascha Dartnall, founder of ND Studios . 'A great example of how the house offers versatility to the families changing plans, the wallpaper is Pierre Frey, and cushions are Andrew Martin. '

7. A small guest room can still be impactful 

(Image credit: Birdie Fortescue)

While lack of space is often an issue when arranging a small bedroom, in addition to space-saving furniture, there are lots of visual tricks and decorating techniques and bedroom paint ideas that can make a small bedroom look bigger – whether it's in a family house or is an apartment bedroom. 

'Small can be perfectly formed, so don't let the size of your guest room affect its decor,' says Andrea Childs, editor, Country Homes & Interiors. 'This beautiful inky blue color adds instant depth and it's softened by the painterly prints and curved rattan headboard. Keep bedding light but with pattern to tie in the artwork and choose a plain yet stylish side table.'

8. Don't forget to add your personal touch

(Image credit: Mel Bean Interiors)

Have fun and personalize the space for guests – fresh flowers or plants provide a mood-lifting space and add photos or artwork that will remind them of past visits or times together.

'Choose bedroom color ideas and patterns that are likely to be universally appealing, it should be a place everyone would want to sleep in,' says Mel Bean, founder and lead interior designer of Mel Bean Interiors . 

9. Choose beautiful and elegant storage

(Image credit: Tamsin Johnson)

Small bedroom storage ideas should be creative and beautiful – there is no need to compromise on style in a tiny space. While the most important thing in a small guest room is to get clutter under control, it is also worth paying attention to how you can turn your bedroom storage into a focal point. 

Here, Sydney-based interior designer Tamsin Johnson developed this consciously sophisticated scheme with a rich green bookcase taking center stage. 

10. Embrace joyful color and pattern 

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Small guest rooms are a wonderful space in which to embrace color and pattern to create an inviting and welcoming space. 

'Here, the fresh floral ‘Hencroft’ wallpaper design in Pink Primula, which features a repeating pattern of stylised cowslips, has been used within paneling to create a real sense of warmth and joy, whilst the ‘Pea Green’ paint on panelling brings a soft and peaceful feel to the space,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene .

How do you maximize a small guest room?

There are many beautiful ways to maximize a small guest room that don't compromise on style or comfort. 

The multipurpose study meets-spare-guest room is a typical solution in a smaller home and a daybed is a good option for such a space. Decorative choices will depend on which direction you want to go, either opting for a neutral backdrop and then adding pattern and color, or taking a bolder step. 

‘Dark lacquered walls are smart in a study and pictures stand out well against them,’ says interior designer Penny Morrison. ‘When the room turns into a small guest room, bright lampshades can be introduced to add color accents, alongside boldly patterned cushions and throws for extra coziness.’

Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events.  For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.

Small Guest Bedrooms - 135 Best Bedroom Interior Design Photos

Interior SVK

INT2architecture

Stylish design: Small guest bedroom (guest room) in contemporary style with white walls, medium hardwood floors and brown flooring - the latest trend

Holiday home in Crimea

Kamila Kovalevskaya

Inspiration for home comfort: a small guest bedroom (guest room) in a modern style with laminate flooring, brown floors, beamed ceilings, vaulted ceilings, wallpaper on the walls and multi-colored walls without a fireplace

Chambre sur-mesure

Épicène

conception agence Épicène photos Bertrand Fompeyrine
Small scandinavian guest bedroom (guest room) with light parquet and beige flooring c

Murphy Bed-room

Lisa & Leroy

This room needed to serve two purposes for the homeowners - a spare room for guests and a home office for work. A custom murphy bed is the ideal solution to be functional for a weekend visit them promptly put away for Monday meetings.

White House Remodel

Gotham Construction NY Corp

Photo of a small guest bedroom (guest room) in the neoclassical (modern classic) style with gray walls, light parquet floors and beige floors without a fireplace with

North Seattle Guest House

Kimberlee Marie Interiors

This one is near and dear to my heart. Not only is it in my own backyard, it is also the first remodel project I've gotten to do for myself! This space was previously a detached two car garage in our backyard. Seeing it transform from such a utilitarian, dingy garage to a bright and cheery little retreat was so much fun and so rewarding! This space was slated to be an AirBNB from the start and I knew I wanted to design it for the adventure seeker, the savvy traveler, and those who appreciate all the little design details . My goal was to make a warm and inviting space that our guests would look forward to coming back to after a full day of exploring the city or gorgeous mountains and trails that define the Pacific Northwest. I also wanted to make a few bold choices, like the hunter green kitchen cabinets or patterned tile, because while a lot of people might be too timid to make those choices for their own home, who doesn't love trying it on for a few days?At the end of the day I am so happy with how it all turned out! --- Project designed by interior design studio Kimberlee Marie Interiors. They serve the Seattle metro area including Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Medina, Clyde Hill, and Hunts Point. For more about Kimberlee Marie Interiors, see here: https://www.kimberleemarie.com/

Mountain Lodge Eclectic

Michael Rex Architects

Photo Credit: kee sites
Design Idea: Small rustic guest bedroom with white walls and dark parquet floors, no fireplace

Girl's Glam3 Bedroom 9000 Design Me By Mahlah

This super glam bedroom was designed for a pre-teen client. She requested a sophisticated, glamorous, and fabulous bedroom. A combination of rose gold, silver, and white make up the color palette. Mirrored furniture and rose gold mercury glass lamps add bling. The bedding is velvet, satin, and ruffles. A petite chandelier gives us a sparkle. My client is a ballerina and so a ballet barre was a must. The adorable brackets for the barre are a fun detail. The vanity stool was upholstered to match the custom throw pillow. This bedroom is oh so glam!!! Devi Pride Photography Sewing Things Up

Our Work

Studio B Interior Design

Stylish design: small guest bedroom (guest room) in modernist style with multi-colored walls without a fireplace - the latest trend

Vineyard Guest House

Marcus & Willers Architects

3

3 & Willers Architects
Photo of a small guest bedroom (guest room), in light colors in country style with white walls and medium parquet floors from

LAXseries Storage Bed and Stool

MASHstudios

Lose the clunky under-the-bed storage containers and replace them with this clever and convenient alternative. With eight large rolling drawers, the Storage Platform is sure to give your closet or dresser some breathing room. Pair it with the LAXseries Storage Headboard for the ultimate storage combination.

Sleeping Loft - Dormers

Rethink Design Studio

Second story sleeping loft located on Tybee Island in Savannah, GA. Behind the white flowing curtains are built in beds each adorned with a nautical reading light and built-in hideaway niches. The space is light and airy with painted gray floors, all white walls, old rustic beams and headers, wood paneling, tongue and groove ceilings, dormers, vintage rattan furniture, mid-century painted pieces, and a cool hangout spot for the kids. Floor Color: BM Sterling 159one Blinds: Rio Linen Roman shades Wall Color: SW extra white 7006 Rug: West Elm Built-in Beds: Rethink Design Studio Bedside Table: Vintage teak tables with painted base and drawer fronts. Powder coated aluminum pull hardware Lamp: Robert Abbey with Ric Rac embellished shades by Rethink "Headboard": Target outdoor floor cushions Duvet Cover: Target Sheet & Pillow: Amy Butler Baskets: Target Drapery Fabric: West Elm Drapery Designed by: Rethink Design Studio Telephone: Vintage All Other Accessories: Homeowner's Collection.

Woodmeister Master Builders - WestWind

Woodmeister Master Builders

A Murphy bed in the guest bedroom is built into the wall and is flanked by book shelves.
Original design example of a small nautical guest bedroom with white walls, light parquet floors and tulle

Board and Batten Accent Wall

HGH Builders, Inc.

Photo of a small guest bedroom (guest room) in a modern style with green walls, carpet, beige floors and paneling on part of the wall without a fireplace

Bedrooms

Carina Vaz Interiors

A mid-century modern guest suite with carpet and textures including linen, faux fur, natural wood, live edge, white walls, and minimal decor!Budget-friendly furnishings for a well- designed space.

Colorful Modern Condo Guest Bedroom & Home Office

Kimball Starr Interior Design

Custom cabinetry hides dual-use furniture in this home office that doubles as a guest bedroom - a convertible bed and a second desk.
Fresh Design Idea: Small Modernist Guest Bedroom with Beige Walls, Carpeting, Beige Flooring and Wood Ceiling - Great Interior Photo

Cliffside Farmhouse // Modern Farmhouse

Younger Homes

Original Example design: small guest bedroom (guest room) in country style with white walls, light parquet floors, brown floors and clapboard walls

Inspired Nautical Guest Bedroom

Fiore Interiors

Calming, compact guest bedroom on Sebago Lake. Full project on our website.
Design ideas for a small nautical-style guest bedroom with white walls and light parquet floors. Scala in legno con gradini sfalsati e parapetto in legno massello in rovere. Volume della vasca doccia in colore verde aperto sul soffitto con vetro apribile. Porta scorrevole in vetro per passaggio in bagno. Travi a vista in legno. Riscaldamento a pavimento radiante.

Wonderful interior of a small guest room

Do you have a small apartment or a modest cottage outside the city? And you don't have a separate guest bedroom? But at the same time, you often receive friends and relatives within the walls of your own home.

You can place them in the main saloon, free up the nursery or your own bedroom, and create pleasant and comfortable conditions for restful sleep and relaxation.

Today we will introduce you to a unique solution to this problem - a "guest room in a box".

Nautical themed bedroom by Columbine Antiques & Decoration Ltd.

Numerous friends and relatives should feel warm and cozy within the walls of your home, so nothing should overshadow their stay at your place.

Try to allocate a suitable corner in your unusual house for accommodating people. It can be a children's room, a main boudoir or a TV room.

Gorgeous Interior by Taylor Shead

Nautical Boudoir by Tom Stringer Design Partners

Before placing guests in your own apartment, take care of cleanliness and impeccable order. This will give them a pleasant impression of being in the walls of your home.

Original fusion furnishings

Put bedding and towels for relatives and friends in a separate closet. In this case, if necessary, you can quickly find them.

However, make sure they are kept out of the reach of pets and children. Wash your clothes once a month to keep them fresh and fresh.

Photos by Alison Hodgson

If you wish, you can buy new textiles, napkins, pillowcases, blankets and duvet covers if the previous sets were spoiled by mischievous kids or a cat and a dog. Choose a snow-white shade that is associated with impeccable cleanliness and order.

Since your miniature apartment or cottage does not have an extra bedroom, you will have to place these accessories in a closet or on the shelves of creative furniture in order to get all the things if necessary and form a cozy corner for relaxing and having fun.

Alison Hodgson Designed Guest Room in a Box

To keep your bedding and towels immaculately clean and tidy, you can purchase a plastic container with a lid. It is great for a practical and functional arrangement of things that need to be kept in a neat appearance.

In addition, the box can be perfectly placed in a wardrobe or on the mezzanine, and translucent walls will allow the owner to quickly navigate and find the right thing.

If you have extra bedding that also needs to be neatly organized, you can buy a large container.

We have presented to our readers a selection of tips and tricks for arranging a comfortable and practical sleeping place for friends, which will allow them to enjoy sleep and relaxation in wonderful conditions.

Did you like these home decor options and solutions? Share your opinion with us in the comments below…

Categories: Interior of small rooms
Places: Decorative elements • Storage systems

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