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3 Furniture Layouts for a Small Bedroom

ByLauren
91 Comments

3 ways to decorate a small guest bedroom with an off-centered window to maximize on function, comfort, and space.

I get the warm fuzzies with the start of every planning phase of a room makeover.

It’s like Christmas, y’all! The anticipation is almost as exciting as the actual event itself. Almost.

Believe it or not, we still have several spaces to go in this house before calling it finished. (And actually, is a house ever really finished?)

Welcome to the small-ish used-to-be-Robert’s-office future guest bedroom. It needs love.

3 Furniture Layouts for a Small Bedroom With an Off-Centered Window

Like… a lot of love.

3 Furniture Layouts for a Small Bedroom With an Off-Centered Window

We’re really hoping to pull this one off for not too pricey since we have been in need of a guest bedroom ever since we turned our old guest room into a nursery for little miss Regan. And since Robert used this office all of twice since we moved into this house, we figured we could share offices (that’s another future room makeover we’re saving for later).

The tricky thing though is the furniture layout. It’s one of those oddly shaped rooms with randomly placed off-center windows that makes furniture placement a real thinker.

So I came up with three ways we could make it work. And I will give you a virtual squeezy hug and a pretend cupcake with a cherry on top for your help in deciding.

1. Layout #1 – Full Sized Daybed (With a Trundle)

3 Furniture Layouts for a Small Bedroom With an Off-Centered Window

My first gut instinct was to shove a full sized daybed up against the long blank wall in the corner with a twin trundle bed underneath so that we could maximize on sleeping space (and have the flexibility of separate beds for guests who don’t want to cozy up together).

When it’s not made up into a bedroom, it could double as a little lounge/flex room. Maybe even a makeshift library / quiet study space?

3 Furniture Layouts for a Small Bedroom With an Off-Centered Window

Source: Studio McGee

This daybed is absolutely gorgeous (also… hello, pretty green) and can serve as a sofa for a reading spot if needed. A pair of small storage ottomans could work well for extra linens too since a guest bedroom doesn’t actually need an entire dresser.

2. Layout #2 – Full Bed Against the Wall (With a Desk Doubling as a Nightstand)

3 Furniture Layouts for a Small Bedroom With an Off-Centered Window

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I’m really loving the idea of incorporating a small writing desk into this room because my mother-in-law works from our house every now and then, if she’s helping us juggle childcare. So having a desk where she can setup shop in here would be a nice perk for her, and it could double as a nightstand.

I really don’t love the idea of shoving a full bed against a wall though. And maybe a trundle would be too crowded with a nightstand in the way, which means less sleeping room?

3 Furniture Layouts for a Small Bedroom With an Off-Centered Window

Source

This bedroom is a bit smaller than ours, but you get the idea.

3 Furniture Layouts for a Small Bedroom With an Off-Centered Window

Source: Kate Lester Interiors

This desk/nightstand combo is a great way to maximize on function without sacrificing space.

3. Layout #3 – Queen Bed in Front of an Off-Center Window

3 Furniture Layouts for a Small Bedroom With an Off-Centered Window

I would love the ability to have a queen sized bed for extra sleeping room so guests don’t feel so cramped, but then incorporating a small desk into the mix might be too much.

3 Furniture Layouts for a Small Bedroom With an Off-Centered Window

Source: Rethink Design Studio

What do you think of hanging a full wall of curtains to help out that off-center window situation? I wasn’t all that convinced I’d love it until I saw this bedroom inspiration. Yum!

So that’s my brain on furniture layouts. It’s a mess up there, just so you know. There are way too many tabs open right now.

Which would you pick? 1, 2, or 3?

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91 Comments

  1. Lauren,
    Since you’re needing a desk,
    I would go with Kate Lester Interiors inspiration!
    I use a Full size bed in our Guest Room and instead of a dresser,
    I have my MoMa’s Oak Antique Secretary.
    The bottom drawers can hold linens.
    Whichever lay~out you choose, this room is going to be gorgeous!
    I’ll be keeping a close eye out for updates!
    Pat

    Reply

    1. I agree with Grandy. I do not like a bed against the wall too difficult to get in and out of. Love the drapes across the entire wall. Looks elegant closet for a desk sounds good or a small desk at end of bed could work would need to run electric.

      Reply

  2. # 3 for sure. I love the idea of a queen so your guest could have a good nights sleep. Then how about an office space in one of the closets. A small desk or even just a shelf at desk height. Add in some electricity for their computer or any other item that might need electicity. This could also double as a dressing table. Add lights and a mirror to make it multi functional. Even just a 24 to 30 inch space makes an adequate desk or dressing table. That could solve all the problems. The chair could be pulled out and placed in the corner by the side window and be used for getting undressed or just enjoying sitting and resting. Small nightstands with drawer space would give a guest a place for their things, or a small dresser could be put in the other closet.

    Reply

    1. I would vote for #3. You would have room for a small table and lamp on each side. A small desk could be placed at the foot of the bed. It would get light from the window and provide a view. Getting in and out of a bed against a wall is difficult, changing the sheets on a bed against the wall is a nightmare. I can’t wait to see what you decide.

      Reply

        1. Agree — queen bed with desk at foot of bed. Also depends on how long you want your guests to linger……maybe you don’t want to encourage them to stay for TOO long…..lol

  3. As someone who regularly sleeps in a full when we visit my mom, it gets cramped when my husband comes along! Actually, it has incentivized me to travel alone as we do not sleep well in a full. If you’re having couple guests, I’d definitely go with the queen.

    What’s behind the doors? Other than the hallway. Could you turn a closet into a guest book. It’s totally considerate to provide a space for your mother in law to set up shop but I think the queen bed would trump that for me.

    All your inspiration photos are gorgeous. I’m sure whatever you do will look amazing.

    Reply

    1. I would go with number 1. Have a twin mattress under the daybed for a second guest. That way you still use the room as an office and have more room for storage/ reading, etc.

      Of course a Murphy bed would work as well…..have you considered that?

      I have a queen bed in my small guest room and it looks pretty but “consumes” the room and most guests would still prefer a king bed or twins.

      Reply

  4. How often do you have guests sleeping over? My current goal is to set up our house for the 85% of the time we live in it rather than the 15% of time we have guests overnight in it. We can always figure out ways to make guests comfortable. 🙂 So I guess that would mean I’d vote for the daybed or full bed options, since it sounds like either would give you more function in the room for your family. I’m curious: where do the two non-entry doors lead? A closet and a bathroom?
    Challenging space for sure with all those doors and the window placement! Your ideas look great!

    Reply

  5. I would go with number 3. I think a Queen bed gives guests the comfort they would want. And your idea of a full wall of curtains is perfect for an off center window! When guests are over, they’re usually only in their room to sleep, so I think the most comfortable sleeping arrangement is best. Can’t wait to see what you decide!

    Reply

    1. I like number 1 because it gives the room more function for you as a family instead of just the guest room. And how often do you have guests really? that inspiration pic you have of the daybed with the ottomans would be a lovely retreat spot when your girls are getting crazy.

      Reply