Looking for guest bedroom ideas that work in a small space? Here are 17 ideas to create a multipurpose and functional guest room.
Having a guest room in a small home can seem like an impossibility when every square foot counts. But with smart design and a good guest room layout, even the tiniest extra bedroom can be the most versatile and valuable space in your home.
Instead of letting the room sit unused with a single purpose, transform it into a multipurpose space. Think home office, craft room, gym, or a little bit of everything.
Our curated list of room inspirations will help you make the most of every inch, with no wasted space. Best of all, your guests still get a cozy, private space when they visit, while you get a useful well well-organized space the rest of the time.
Best Guest Room Sofa Bed Ideas
The right sofa bed can make or break a room, especially when you’re working with limited space.
Whether you’re designing a dedicated guest room or a multi-purpose space, a sofa bed offers comfort without sacrificing floor space. Here are some of the best guest room sofa bed ideas to inspire your layout.
The Classic Pull-Out Sofa Bed
A timeless choice that provides the comfort of a mattress with the look of a real sofa. Perfect for small guest bedrooms where you need every piece of furniture to pull double duty.
Modular Sofa Beds With Storage
Some sofa beds now come with hidden storage inside. Ideal for keeping extra bedding, pillows, or seasonal items out of sight.
Choose one with removable covers for easy washing and a longer lifespan.
Day-to-Night Lounge Sofas
Sleek and space-saving, these sofa beds are ideal for minimalist homes or guest rooms that double as a home office, den, or studio. Sofa beds designed like loungers or futons offer a casual and stylish appearance, easily transforming into a sleeping area when needed.
L-Shaped Sofa Beds for Corner Layouts
Make the most of your layout by choosing an L-shaped or sectional sofa bed. This style defines the room and creates cozy zones. Perfect for larger guest bedroom layouts or open-plan spaces.
Small Guest Bedroom Ideas
Take advantage of storage
Combine guest storage and everyday organization in a small guest bedroom by using low but long drawers.
Take advantage of under-bed storage with a lift-up bed.
This guest bedroom layout is great for creating affordable storage in a room that might be too small for anything else.
Daybed for a guest room nook
A guest bedroom doesn’t have to be an extra bedroom; it can be a simple nook.
A daybed is the perfect addition to any small area to instantly create not only another comfy, cozy room but also a guest bedroom.
Have a guest room anywhere with a Murphy bed
A Murphy bed is one of the smartest small guest bedroom ideas out there. It allows you to make use of floor space when the bed isn’t in use. Making the room far more functional day-to-day. Whether you’re turning a home office, den, or spare corner into a guest room. A Murphy bed helps create a comfortable and stylish setup.
Many designs come with built-in storage with shelves or drawers. So you’re essentially creating a self-contained guest suite. If you’re looking for clever extra bedroom ideas that maximize every square inch, a Murphy bed is a top contender.
Attic Guest Bedroom Ideas
A comfy, cozy lounging space
Take advantage of the space an attic room gives by turning one end into a comfortable lounging space. That, with the addition of sheets and linens, turns into a guest bedroom.
From guest room to studio space and back again
The simple idea of including a workstation in front of an attic window takes it from a guest room to a studio space.
An attic bunk room
The space that an attic room provides gives you the perfect room to create a bunk room with enough beds for everyone.
For homes that often host many people, it’s one of the best ideas that doesn’t take up any space in the main area of the home.
The Craft Room Guest Room Combo
Wall-to-wall storage for guests and craft
A craft room guest room combo is a great use of an extra bedroom.
It provides space for activities you enjoy or a crafty side huddle, while also accommodating guests.
Wall-to-wall cupboards or storage to store your craft items, and leaving one or two sections empty gives your guests a place to unpack.
Craft room sofa bed
For craft rooms that will be used as a guest room, a sofa bed is the way to go.
Like a Murphy bed, a sofa bed gives you plenty of room to use the room. While quickly giving your guests a place to sleep when they arrive. The advantage of a sofa bed over a Murphy bed is that a sofa doesn’t take up any wall storage space.
The Key To An Office Guest Room Layout
The daybed is a stylish addition to any office
Once again, the daybed comes back. Proving that it’s a beautiful and functional piece for any room. Move from the desk to lounging while working or studying, then, when guests arrive, they have a beautifully comfortable bed.
If you often have couples or more than one person staying at a time, look for a day bed with a trundle. For a similar look but with extra beds.
Loft office guest room combo
Who says an office or a guest room has to be an actual room? Both can work equally well, even in small or unconventional spaces.
An office design on a landing or loft can also be used as a guest room by adding a stylish bed that matches the aesthetic.
Add a bed or add a desk
It doesn’t matter whether the office or the guest bedroom came first. An office guest room combo can be easily designed no matter the space.
Add a functional but stylish long corner desk to an existing guest bedroom. It’s as simple as adding any bed or sofa bed that fits into an existing office.
Clever Ways to Fit a Guest Room into Any Space
The everything room
Picture this: you’ve got one extra bedroom, but it needs to function as a home office, craft space, mini gym, and guest room. Sounds like a lot, but with smart organization and a thoughtful layout, it’s totally doable.
Start by turning the closet into a compact workstation. Store your gym equipment neatly along one wall, and choose aesthetic workout accessories that double as decor.
Need ideas? Check out our guide to Minimalist Home Gym Essentials: A Small Space Fitness Guide for clever storage and design tips.
Then, add a comfy sofa bed that easily transitions from seating to sleep mode. Mount a TV on the wall, and you’ve got a fully functional, stylish, small guest bedroom that works hard every day.
Window seat guest bedroom
A guest bedroom in a window nook is probably one of the cutest ideas for a guest room I have ever seen. With curtains for privacy, it is a comfy and whimsical way to have a place for guests to sleep without a room
Media room and a Murphy bed
If you’re lucky enough to have a media room or a second lounge room. Congrats, you also have a guest bedroom. A sofa bed or a Murphy bed is the perfect solution.
What Is The Best Color For A Guest Room
Choosing the best color for a guest room can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be. The most versatile and guest-friendly shades are usually neutral tones like off-white, beige, light gray, or greige. These hues work beautifully in small guest bedrooms, creating a calm, welcoming space that feels stylish and timeless.
Neutrals not only make your guest room feel larger and brighter, but they also complement a wide range of décor styles. Making it easy to update the space with new bedding or art without a full repaint.
Need inspiration? Here are some top designer-approved picks:
- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036) – A warm beige with gray undertones, perfect for cozy yet modern spaces.
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) – A creamy white that makes any room feel airy and light-filled.
- Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist (OC-27) – A refined warm gray that works with both traditional and modern guest bedroom layouts.
- Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (OC-45) – A soft white with subtle warmth for an inviting touch.
- Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) – A universally loved greige that blends with just about anything.
If you’d like to add a hint of color while still keeping things soothing and guest-friendly, soft blues and greens are excellent choices. Shades like Benjamin Moore Smoke or Sherwin Williams Sea Salt offer a peaceful vibe that promotes relaxation.
For more on how wall color affects mood and space, take a look at our guide to Living Room Paint Colors Using Color Psychology. And if your guest room also functions as an office, check out The Best Small Office Paint Ideas to Complete Your Space for colors that support focus and comfort.