Love having an extra bedroom for guests, but feel like the space is wasted when guests aren’t there? There are plenty of ways to utilize an extra room while still being ready to accommodate friends or family on a moment’s notice. From hidden beds to disguising extra storage, here are our ideas for turning your guest bedroom into a functional space you can use year-round.

Make Room for the Bed and an Office

Design strategically for furniture with more than one use. As more of the world accommodates work-from-home environments, using that extra bedroom for extra workspace is a no-brainer. If you’d rather have the bed out of sight, a Murphy bed with a built-in desk can easily be flipped up into the wall during work hours, then pulled down at bedtime. For larger spaces where a bed and desk can comfortably fit, consider a frame like a daybed or futon so you have a lounge space that works with or without guests!

Decorating Your Guest Bedroom

Decorating your space on your terms is one of the most fun parts of homeownership. When planning for your bonus bedroom, the keyword is versatility. Consider neutral colors for this extra space to provide an undistracting background for virtual calls while also offering an appealing environment for guests to feel at home. Read our tips for picking the perfect paint color.

Spare Rooms and Storage

If you struggle with storage space at home, utilizing a guest bedroom for storage is a solution that can be easy to overlook. Built-in closets are great for storage, as long as you leave a little space for your guests’ belongings. Some bed frames come with storage space underneath the mattress, which is a great option for storing out-of-season clothing or bedding. Chests or box benches are great decorative pieces for the foot of a bed that also allow more items to be tucked out of sight. The same applies to nightstands with drawers!

If your guest bedroom doubles as a nursery or exercise space, bookshelves with decorative bins work nicely for storing toys or fitness equipment, like small dumbbells and resistance bands. If your guest bedroom is also used as an office, get a filing cabinet on wheels. A cabinet that fits next to your desk but can be wheeled out of sight into a closet or another room makes it easy to transition a home office into a guest bedroom.

Guest Bedroom Lighting

When designing lighting options for your multi-purpose guest bedroom, it’s often best to include multiple lighting options. A combination of overhead lighting, natural light from windows, and varied lamps will make it easy to transition the room from one purpose to another. Brighter lighting could inspire more energy during a remote workday, while warm table lamps might be perfect for a guest winding down to sleep. Look for lamps that don’t take up too much space and are easy to rearrange. That way, you can use the extra lighting for work calls if your guest bedroom is a home office or move the lamp to a nightstand while guests are present. Low on square footage or electrical outlets? Rechargeable wall lights can free up floor and counter space while saving those sockets for what’s most needed. Explore more ideas to brighten your space.