8 Twists on the Guest Room-Office Combo

In these clever spaces, the TV or computer can play while company's away

Laura Gaskill 18 August 2015

Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers

Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More

Comment69

Click "Embed" to display an article on your own website or blog.

Unless you host overnight guests frequently — and have space to spare — it’s smart to make a guest room do double (or even triple) duty. Here are 8 examples of guest quarters that pack in space-saving features with style.

Ashley Bell Interiors

1. Triple-duty guest room, den and office. A den with a door that closes for privacy can make an ideal guest space — and, with some smart planning, can work as an office too. In the space shown here, a daybed plumped up with lots of cushions serves as a sofa for watching TV or as a bed for overnight guests. A pair of tall lamps flanking the computer helps the desk feel like part of the room.

Patrick Brian Jones PLLC

2. Modern daybed. If you’re looking for a sleeker version of the typical guest bed, consider a modern, low-profile daybed like the one seen here. During the day, the room functions as an efficient home office; at night, the desk chair can be wheeled away and the bed pulled out to create a cozy nest for guests.

Daybed: Case Study Day Bed, Modernica

Ample DESIGN

3. Platform storage bed. A custom platform bed like this one hides a lot of storage in the compartments below while offering a sleek, one-of-a-kind look. The sturdy base makes it well-suited to either a Japanese futon or a traditional mattress, no box spring required. A slender built-in desk along the opposite wall keeps the narrow room feeling serene and spacious.

Browse platform storage beds

ANNA CARIN Design

4. Built-in daybed. This space-saving design can tuck in at the end of a small room, even in places a standard-size bed might not fit, leaving the rest of the room freed up for a desk.

If you decide to have a daybed custom-built, do refer to standard bed sizing when making decisions about where the bed will go — if it’s too short, your guests will not be comfortable!

Richard Cole Architecture

5. Over-the-bed cabinetry. To fit in more storage without skimping on having a real guest bed, consider installing wall-to-wall upper cabinets.

Here, a slim desk provides ample workspace below the cabinets on one side; on the other, a comfy bed invites relaxation.

Find carpenters to help with a custom design

Kirkwood McCarthy

6. Mezzanine guest loft. Mezzanine levels can be tricky to furnish, especially as a sleeping space where guests will want privacy. One smart solution is to install floor-to-ceiling draperies that can be pulled shut when the space is being used by guests and left open the rest of the time.

Here, a settee bed takes up little space while providing a comfy place to sit or sleep, leaving the other wall free for a desk and chair.

Chaise, Divan, Daybed, Settee: What’s the Difference?

Michael Kelley Photography

7. Tailored daybed. A backless upholstered daybed like this one is a good choice for spaces where the bed must go in front of a window.

Piled high with throw pillows, it looks like a sofa during the day but can easily be called into service for guests at night.

A glass-top desk takes up little visual space, making it a smart piece for a compact home office.

Ample DESIGN

8. Folding bed. For maximizing space, you can’t beat a Murphy bed. But instead of the typical vertically folding design, you might consider one that folds out from the wall horizontally. The example shown here was customized with built-in shelves inside and a whiteboard covering the exterior.

Tell us: Do you have a guest room that does double or triple duty?

More
Guest Rooms That Work
7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Home Office
Browse modern home office furniture

Comment69

Comments (69)

See 66 more comments

Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo

Brenda Aponte

Should the desk be facing the door or is that not necessary? I have a futon, just purchased a desk with a chair, are about to determine if a nice side table fits, but don't know how should I position my desk.

Like 17 January 2017 at 10:48pm

Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo

PRO

Carrie Hayward Design

@BrendaAponte Some people don't like having their back to the door, but if it doesn't bother you, just put the desk wherever it works best with the flow of the room. I like to put mine facing a window, if possible.

Like 18 January 2017 at 1:41am

Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo