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.
Like… a lot of love.
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)
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?
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)
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?
This bedroom is a bit smaller than ours, but you get the idea.
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
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.
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?
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
# 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.
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.
This was my thought as well: Queen bed, full wall of curtains, and a desk at the foot of the bed.
grandy you took the words out of my mouth! Exactly what I was going to suggest!
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
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
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.
I would go with Number 3 or 2 in that order. I agree with the above comments. A queen size bed would be ideal. I also agree with Marty’s suggestions about using one of the closets. Or if it could work, open up the two closest to give more space for a desk/ dressing area. I love the idea of a curtain wall. You have such great taste, I have no doubt that whatever you decide to do will be gorgeous!
Depends on the height and weight of yours guests. Trust me. Don’t make them uncomfortable or embarrassed when you find them sleeping on the sofa in the middle of the night. 3 is for your guests. 1 and 2 are for you.
Lauren, I don’t know dimensions of your room (maybe you can post them?), but any chance you can orient the bed onto the wall to the left? I would put a small stool or something to act as nightstand in the corner (and allow room to change sheets and get in/out if two people sleeping in the bed), and small desk under the window as second nightstand and work area.
If HAS to orient this way, I would pick option 3 if you usually have one single or a couple staying. I wouldn’t do option 1 unless frequently have visitors that need separate beds as it is really hard to make up daybeds and trundles can be a pain. Option 2 is okay, but I suggest skipping bench, as it is hard enough for whoever is against the wall to get in and out without an additional obstacle to climb over.
Another possibility is two twins that can be pushed together to form a king, or separate if two singles staying?f
I think a lot just depends on how often and for whom you will be using this room. Can’t wait to see what you choose!
I agree with Heather, twins would definitely work and then the desk could still be used under the other window and the curtain wall would look great. I also agree that daybeds are a real pain to make up.
3 for sure!
I like 2. Perhaps a daybed without sides as its very limiting for a tall person. Trundle bed is great when space is tight. Perhaps a nice chair chair for desk that when not in use at desk could sit next to window with a small c table. The desk next to bed/sofa serves as night stand with petite lamp. You dont need alot of storage pieces with all those closets.
We live in an old farmhouse and had the issue of offset windows in our master. We went the route of a full curtain and so glad we did!
I like number 3! I also like someone’s suggestion of turning the closet into a study nook. That’s seems like something that would be right up your alley!!!! Another possible idea would be to put a small writing desk at the end of the bed if there’s enough room.
Good luck, small weird rooms are so tricky!!
#1 Daybed with trundle — not everyone who travels together wants to sleep together! Then you have two beds, but really only one taking up space. And you have room for the desk. As a guest in someone’s house, I would really appreciate having a place to put my computer and things, that is not on their kitchen table. 🙂
Don’t do the bed against the wall!! Your back will thank you when your 50 something!! And I kinda love those curtains on the entire wall. It looks like something you can make into a beautiful & welcoming guest room. 🙂
I would consider a desk in one of the closets. Then you can just make a pretty guest room with full or queen bed. Use underbed storage for extra linens and foldable suitcase stand. Warm but not cramped
We just did our guest room with the full as a daybed in a corner (the room has to double as a craft room so we opted for the smaller bed size) and both my elderly mother in law and my father commented that the option is awkward if you had an elderly couple and one needed to shimmy down to get out of bed in the middle of the night. Fortunately if we have a little room to pull the bed over if it needs access from both sides. Just food for thought.
A full size bed is truly meant for one person. Unless they are children, 2 people in a full is very uncomfortable. Go with a queen or as suggested, 2 twins. After you fix up the room, you and Robert should spend the night in it to see what you need or want in the room for your guests.
My favorite is #3, although I wouldn’t feel pressured to do a queen bed. I think a full bed would be sufficient and maybe even save a little space. This post is really helpful, as our “master bedroom” is super small (we live in a small cape cod built in the 1940’s). We have an off center window that bugs me so much and I love the curtain idea. I am brainstorming some ideas for it and this is a good option!
I like #3– in the other two options one guest would always have to climb over the other to get out of bed in the middle of the night. If your guests are young and never need a nighttime trek to the bathroom, a bed pushed to the side isn’t a problem. If they are your parent’s age, it is inevitable. You could do option #2 and put casters on the bed. Then you could pull it out from the wall easily and center it in the room for guests or to make the bed. I would avoid the daybed. They look nice but can be hard on the back to set up and put away the trundle. And don’t put too many pillows on the bed as there is limited space to put them when using the bed (or provide a designated storage space other than the floor.
I’m in the #3 camp. Love the curtain wall.
I totally agree with Mary. Three is the way to go. Besides, it looks so very classy. I too love the idea of a wall of curtains, and the bench at the foot of the bed will come in handy for your guests. Could you possibly attach pretty brackets/corbles to the wall and top with something for use as a desk? That would open up floor space , and you could make it any width and depth that would better fit the room.
As previous people have said, it depends upon how you truly will use the room. I find at my place, having a dedicated guest room that gets used once a year at most isn’t worth making the space single use. For me, #1 would work best. While I do like all your options, #3 seems best for frequent guests. Haven’t been a fan of an entire wall of curtains, but this looks very nice and likely you wouldn’t have to crawl across the bed often to open or close them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I agree with most of the comments that I like #3- if a couple visits a queen provides more comfort and I really love having a nightstand (a place for a small lamp and somewhere to plug in my phone and place my book). However if it’s normally only one guest at a time I like option #2- a desk to set up would be ideal for your MIL.
Always excited to see your final choices. I vote #3 for the ability to access the bed from both sides and the ability to have a nightstand of some type and lamp on each side. If the closet(s) can’t be opened into a desk /work space with guest coffee station, what about a “floating” drop-down desk on the windowless wall down toward the door? Perhaps you could then place a small wooden accent chair in the corner on the opposite wall between the window and closet door. Looking forward to seeing your finished room. Best wishes!
Love the drop down idea! It could be a wall mirror when folded up.
Three
I like the idea of the desk as a night stand. Guest usually have a phone they need to plug in to charge,or a laptop or Kindle or such electronic.Then we have the guests with glasses or prescriptions or jewelry.I think you get my point.We all seem to need more nightstand room at sometime or another. I also Live small bedrooms with curtains covering the wall.A nice curtain rod and a nice curtain and pattern and voila you have art work and a disquise for that odd window. Love your blog…keep up the good work
Three…like the curtain wall with rods hung high, gets the attention “upwards”, creates illusion of more space, like the symmetry of the two nightstands for the small space…nice balance in this room
I vote 3 if you have a couple sleeping over, otherwise I like 2 .
I have a guest room set up like #3 and, while it is nice for company, we don’t use the space for anything else. I’d like to rearrange somehow to make better use of the space for us the other 85% of the time.
How about a Murphy bed with desk/ nightstand in #2? You and Robert are so talented and creative, you guys could make one in a snap!
No thank you to the day bed for grownups. Love the clever window covering idea. Brilliant. It doesn’t sound like you truly use the desk, but if it’s a must perhaps it could sit at the end of the bed instead of a bench?
Can you fit a bed with the head on one of the 2 blank walls? Feng shui would not want the bed facing the door or pushed in a corner without space on both sides of the bed. If not, I would choose #1 so that it feels more like an office or TV room. I don’t like beds in front of windows or with heavy drapes as it eliminates views of nature & seems dark.
Number three. Could you possibly put a small desk at the foot of the bed?
I was thinking the same thing, Kimmylou! I have a situation where the room is 8.5 wide and 10 ft long. I need to set it up as a guest room for my young grandchildren. Im going to work with a high riser. I don’t want the bed with feet at the door either so I wast thinking of putting the bed on the long wall, going across the room. That way, I can put a nightstand in the corner by the head, parallel to the window, so when I open the trundle, I don’t have any furniture to move. That will give me about 27 inches to walk around to the other side of the bed. The room has only an entry door, and no closets. Thoughts?
I really like option #3. The curtain wall is a great disguise! We have traveled and had to sleep in a bed pushed against a wall…horrible…had to crawl across bed and hit wall while sleeping. Your rooms always look like a resort and I am sure you will make this guest room look amazing.
# 3 …either with a queen, full, or 2 twins with a tiny table between them…..alternate idea would be to do bunk beds Joanna Gaines style on the long walls. And I also agree with the idea of how often would you be using the room for guests. You may want to make a sitting room for quiet time/sanity time.
If the length of the room will accommodate it, I’d probably use layout #3 for the better guest experience. Then, I’d build/buy a queen bed with a high headboard & footboard and put a small writing desk and chair at the end of the bed.
All have merit but my choice would be no.3 its comfortable and welcoming. Takes the room from makeshift sleeping to inviting. I know whatever you decide on will look great!
Lauren,
What about a loft bed set-up? Robert could even build it, and you could customize the size of the bed on bottom, and put a twin or XL twin on the top. Or, a twin on the bottom with a built-in desk and/or nightstand. My son loved his, with the built-in desk and dresser drawers. You could even turn the bottom bed (full?) the other direction with the desk and nightstand or shelf unit on each side, and the twin at the top running the other direction. There are many ways to configure it. It sure is a space saver, though.
#3, love the wall of curtains. I agree with the others on a desk/vanity set up in the closet. A storage bench at the foot of the bed would give you a spot for extra linens, etc.
1 or 3. They give you the most space.
Three
I love the full curtain wall with #3.
Yikes Lauren, this is a good one! Personal experience tells me that with 3 doors you have a closet, bath and exit to hall. I would leave them alone! Whomever stays with you will have clothes to hang up or need a space to stash the suitcase and maybe souvenirs etc..
The wall of drapes looks good. I have seen where you create another “window” my adding framing and using blinds and then drapes; open or closed the whole thing looked balanced and excellent.
I have a trundle and a futon in my “shop” (actually set-up like a little apartment). I bought the best trundle mattresses I could without going custom…the problem is the trundles are SO skinny! More than 2 days and you’re hating life! I detested the futon mattress so I bought a 8″ thick infused foam mattress, NOPE, I only weigh 115 and I could feel every slat in that dang bed.
I also tried an Intek blow up bed, queen, that my 6’2″ brother and his wife slept on and they loved it. However, two of my kitties snuck in there and made short work of that bed!
Go for the comfort of your guests with the queen (access to both sides) and maybe scour the earth for a narrow secretary. What a challenge Lauren! Have at it girl….
Definitely #3. Love the whole wall draped to work around the window. Queen bed. Bench, desk, or storage at the foot of the bed
I like the idea of 3. I’ve slept in a trundle & it’s not too comfortable. Agree with the person who said a full isn’t comfortable for 2 adults. Like your curtain idea too. The daybed idea is good if you knew you were only ever going to have singles in the bed. That way it allows you more room. But for general comfort, I’d go with 3.
number 1 for your family.
I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes in this decision but if you MADE me choose it would be #1.
Definitely #3 I hate to make a bed that is against a wall. Also if two people are sleeping in the bed the one in back has to crawl over the other to go to the bathroom. Not fun
Three. It’s not nice to have to crawl over your partner in the middle of the night to get a drink or use the bathroom. I always vote for any layout that gives people a chance to walk around the bed. My in-laws used to have a bed shoved up against the wall in my MILs sewing room and it was miserable for me (the one stuck against the wall) to get out of and back into.
Since you’re not using the space as an office/workspace for day-to-day use, make it the most functional guest room you can.
Also, please, please, please, put in blackout curtains. If you can’t find pretty ones you like, blackout fabric is relatively cheap and easy to add.
Love all the suggestions, if you go with #3, a bed with built-in drawers at the end of the bed would be so convenient. A lot of storage, accessible and zero space loss.
I like the queen too and love the curtain wall. Nightstands can give you some storage space. What about using a small desk with a couple of drawers instead of the bench at the foot of the bed? Is that an option? You’d have the best of 2 & 3.
Hi Lauren,
I am LOVING the green on the wall!
I see where your door and window are and I was wondering…since your precious mother in love visits to see that little one, how about using a double Murphy bed with a front desk? Put the headboard on the green wall and let the light stream from the window when she is working.
Then she can pull it down at night into a double bed.
Add a cute black wicker chair like IKEA carries, a nice rug and she won’t wanna leave, lol.
I saw one that might work called “Bestar Lumina 2-Piece Full Wall Bed With Desk And Storage Unit In White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate” on line. I love that it has built in lights over the work table. File cabinet drawer and a shelf for her computer and work things.
Just some ideas that jumped into my head after reading about your visitors…
Tink
I like option 2. I have a similarly sized small room with twin daybed and it’s very deep to sit on. I think a full would be so wide that it would never function as a couch.
I love your blog and I’m looking forward to hearing you at the Haven conference.
One question as a newbie blogger – When you use a photo from another blog and credit them, do you contact them for permission? or is credit enough since you are linking to them and raving about their design/product.
I will state strongly, as a frequent guest, (former military family, so we usually have to travel far to visit family and friends), please do not put the bed against the wall. Even if you opt for a smaller bed, please do not put the bed against the wall. Also, if you have older folks coming to visit, please do not put the bed against the wall. 🙂 Besides being very awkward to get in and out of, everytime the person next to wall rolls over they bang the wall and they feel like they are waking the whole household, nevermind the rubbing on the wall. I vote for #3 and know you can get creative with landing zones for your guest’s electronics and other bits & bobs. I know some will say a dedicated guest room eats up your own space, but a comfortable room will always be used by those in the household, even if it is just a good place to sulk. Also, again, as a frequent guest, when one is ushered into a Guest Room, as opposed to a craft/office/lounge/guest room, one feels ever so much more welcomed and not intrusive.
3
Have you thought about a murphy bed?
I like 3 best!
number 3
Interesting options! Without knowing the exact dimensions of the room, it’s hard to say for sure if this would work, but I have a completely different suggestion, I would do two twin beds (or extra long twin beds if there is room) on the wall without windows or doors, and put a desk in between them that can double as a nightstand for both beds. Just because couples normally sleep together doesn’t mean they have to when they are staying a night or two as guests at someone else’s house. Assuming there is enough space, the beds would be accessible on both sides for ease in getting in and out and making the beds, and would be much more versatile than one bed. Making a bed against the wall is difficult, and a trundle would make it difficult for the person in the higher mattress to get out of bed in the night if needed. You could do wall mounted lamps to save space on the desk/nightstand, and the chair for the desk could go in the corner at night so it’s not in the way. Put a small chest of drawers in the closet under the rod for storage of linens and maybe add a coat rack with hooks on the wall of the bedroom for jackets, handbags, garment bags, etc. You could also have a luggage rack like they have in hotel rooms that folds up to keep in the closet for guests to use. Another idea to consider is a sleeper sofa, or two of those oversized chairs that fold out into twin beds and have ottomans for storing bedding. That would make it more useable as a library space. I agree with someone else that the room should be functional for you and your famIly as well as for the few nights a year you may have guests. Good luck!
I choose #3 and ♥ the fully across the wall “fool the eye” curtains for the win.
I’m liking option number 3 and yes, I think adding extra curtains will help with the off center window situation.
I suggest a combo of #1 and #3…Try flipping the daybed/trundle with it’s back to the far window wall. It frees up a lot of floor space for the storage ottomans and a desk area and you have the added benefit of making the room feel bigger. You will still have to do a wall of draoery to deal with the off-center window. If space is tight for bedside tables, you can always mount a small shelf on each side of the daybed (on the side walls) as a simple landing place for bedside things. Bedside lights might have to be wall-hung as well. Good luck with figuring out this design puzzle…which is, for me, one of the fun parts!!
3 for sure! It gives your guests more space, and I love the curtains!
view #1. It’s YOUR house, not your visitors….make the best use of the space for your family. A day bed with a mattress or pullout will do just fine for visitors. A crowded space for the sole use of visitors is wasted space, no matter how pretty it looks.
I vote for 1 all the way. It makes the most sense for your family to get some use out of it too. Unless….. u have guests stay often. Then I could see the queen being nice. 🙂
Definitely #3. Trundles, futons& full size beds , etc are miserable. We recently did our guest room, and I was wanting your #1 type room so we could use it more for us. But after having guests, I realized I really wanted them to FIT in a bed and be comfortable. Ha! I wondered also if you could flip in sideways? Either way, in a small space less is more. Go for comfort (unless you don’t want your guests to stay long. Hehe!). And I wouldn’t drape a whole wall in a small room. Keep it open and clutter free. An off centered window isn’t bad. And I’m not so sure about shoving a desk in a small closet. There’s many cute ideas to do that, but unless it’s an absolute necessity, I think a closet to hang travel clothes is more valuable to my guests. Make it for how you’ll use it mist.
Without reading any comments so I’m not swayed, go for #3. Guests need a queen bed, period. Perhaps at the foot of the bed instead if a bench place a type of sofa table to use as a desk? Another option, would a queen fit with the headboard on the wall to the right? Leave just enough room between it and the window to walk around the far side?
Good luck!!!
Once in my life I had a small room with 2 windows on walls spaced like yours. It’s the only time in my life that I used a bed angled into a corner. I had a table in the deadspace behind the headboard with a pretty green plant. I had a table on one side of the bed that could be used as a nightstand, and a chest of drawers on the other side that could also be reached like a nightstand.
Yes, the bed took up more of the floorspace this way but it ended up feeling like a very balanced room even with the position of the windows. It was back in the days when wallpaper was popular, and it had small rosebuds on the wallpaper and check fabric curtains. That sounds very dated now, but it was a cozy room that everybody loved.
With the angled doorway opposite, you might want to see if a bed in the corner might fit.
I’d choose #3 for sure! I love everything about it. Can’t wait to see what you decide to go with. It’s a fun challenge, but I’m positive you’re gonna make this guest room rock!
I vote for #3, and I LOVE the wall of curtains! So elegant and breezy. In such a small space, multiple functions get dicey 🙁 and the traffic flow is awkward. Guests could always set up shop at one of your other many surface areas, right? If it were me, I’d be out on your porch. ALL. DAY. LONG.
I’d go for 1 or 3 in that order.
Like many have said above, how often do you really have guests? My spare bedrooms are set up purely for guests and it’s such a waste of space. I can’t even compare the number of times we’ve had guests stay over vs the number of times I’ve wished it was was a space we could use ourselves. BUT if your mom-in-law sleeps over often and regularly needs the whole room, then I’d go for 3.
No. 2 would be a no for me purely because of how difficult it is to make a bed against a wall :-).
Adults don’t want to sleep on a trundle, and if your need more space for a kid, a kid can use a blow up twin mattress, or a tri-fold twin mattress thingy from Amazon. As an adult, I probably wouldn’t enjoy a day bed either.
That being said, this is your house and whatever you pick will be great for you.
I like the idea of two twins personally….
Forgive me if this comment is redundant, but I see three doors in the room–is one of those a closet? Could you build a small desk into the a closet but still go with option number three to give your guests the most comfort? We’ve incorporated desks into our boy’s bedrooms-they both have two closets in their bedrooms, and we’ve used the smaller of the two closets as a “homework nook”. The lighting wasn’t great, but we added an outlet to each closet so they have some task lighting and it’s become a great space for them to find a quiet space to get their homework done. It’s also nice to close the doors on the space when they haven’t been great about keeping it tidy!
I agree with those who have said that you should consider how you’ll use the room without guests. At the same time, you want to make the guest room truly comfortable for guests.
For us, the best balance was a twin daybed with a twin trundle, which leaves room for the writing desk and makes the room feel more spacious for the 90% of the time. For sleeping, that allows one guest (twin daybed only), two guests who sleep separately (two twin beds), OR married guests (twins pushed together, with a king-sized mattress topper that lives in a vacuum “space” bag on the closet shelf.
I’d use layout #1, but I’d probably put the (twin) bed against the short wall opposite the wall of doors, with the desk under the window on the long wall. That leaves room for a small nightstand on one side of the bed, plus the storage ottomans, plus the desk.
Hey Lauren,
I am new to your blog, enjoying it so far. If it were my home i would go for a window treatment that offered a pull up blind that covered the window but also the wall to the right of the window so it looks more centered. On either side of blind I would do full length blinds that dont necessarily have to close, just look pretty. A queen bed centered with small bedside tables, hanging pendant lights on either side. I would also do a desk at the foot of the bed with a cool chair. Not sure what vibe you were going with but i would do white or white washed furniture and cool blue/grey tones on the walls. Cant wait to see what you decided to do.
Lauren,
I have done a lot of tiny awkward spaces. My favorite designer, is Canadian Sarah Richardson. Your room appears to be about 9.5 to 10 feet wide by maybe 12 or 14 long. You will be able to determine the best bed orientation when you measure and optimize square footage between bed placement and entry door.
First option: put queen or full headboard (no footboard) on the long plain side wall on the left as you walk in. If Mom will be the primary guest, I would consider a full size bed which allows more floor room. Floor space is key when you’re awake. If you attach a padded headboard to the wall, that will be great back support to read in bed and adds another few inches to the valuable real estate. These are not impossible to make yourself. Look for instructional videos. Minimize bed decor for a less-cluttered look. Use only one side nightstand and place it toward inside of the room. Look for an antique iron treadle sewing machine base in the $50ish range, (one without a machine or cabinet). Spray paint with your accent color and top with glass or an antique window frame where you can see through to the floor. Purchase a reproduction vintage alarm clock (LL Bean has some nice ones). Allow up to 24″ if you can, on opposite side of bed for a floor hat rack. This holds space to make up bed linens, push a vacuum around, and provides a hanging spot for a coordinated cushy house robe you provide for the guest. Shoving a bed tight to the wall only emphasizes the room’s small size. Small can still be luxuriously cozy when you visualize space on three sides of the bed. This option allows you to still access the long right-sided window for peeking out to check the weather.
Second option: center bed on that long window wall like in your #3 option. I would use two narrow but leggy matching side tables. Perhaps metal or wood frames and again with glass or white marble tops to maximize light flow and open floor up visually. I like the idea of a floor to ceiling height and full width curtain and rod, with the drapery drawn back to the left side. The impression of a taller ceiling adds visual space. Insure you have enough drapery to fully cover the wall at least 1 1/2 times the width, unless you have a shade or blinds to control light. By covering the left of the window as if there were another one there, it will reveal the (single) right-sided window in a luxurious way. Dress the window in shears or light patterned lace for privacy when the drapery is opened. When fully closed it dresses the headboard, which I would recommend be something see-through like an antique metal style. Again, no footboard. The textiles add softness and sound absorption. Use same treatment in a narrower version over that short window next to closet doors.
I have used duck cotton tarps and grommets when designing a rustic look, and for reupholstering small things like seats and stools. You have to be selective and feel the tarp. There are some that are quite nubby but just don’t have a soft look. Others work well after multiple washings that soften them up. If you’re good with a sewing machine, hem and place grommets for hanging. This can be a less costly option than commercial drapery, and tarps come in various sizes. Go with ones that accommodate your length, you can always add width. If you are going for more of a formal look, this isn’t the best choice.
For a small room, don’t use a lot of dark wood or heavy colors. Two to three accent pieces in a favorite color (pillow, flower vase kept full while guest is in residence, nice lamp shade) is lipstick enough. Minimize accessories. Look for a clear or colored glass lamp base as a starting point for the color and keep textiles and paint neutral. Use pastoral paintings for your artwork on opposite bed wall and over headboard. Using a mid-height padded headboard (about 5 foot) eliminates need for artwork over bed and brings down eye level to a 3/4 line, playing off the ceiling height drapery. I would look for a headboard shape that has a curved style vs a squared off line which will only add to the rectangular space.
You didn’t say if both those doors were closets. That is a little odd having two narrow closet doors hinged on same sides, but I doubt one is a bathroom door, too narrow. So my suggestion here is — yes, I know it is demolition, but consider this especially if you’re staying in this house a long time and have other dedicated bedrooms. Fully remove the closets to the ceiling to open it all up. You’ll have some sheetrock repair but if these are closets, that is probably not a weight bearing wall (although check to be sure). You can cover some of the damage by framing the opening with wide casing trim as if it were a feature inset to the room. If missing carpet cannot be identically matched, cut to fit a nice contrasting rug as if it was intentional. If there is room, find a narrow tall armoire for garment hanging space either for that closet, or cover over the odd little side window with armoire (in front of a full-length curtain). For drawer space, I would suggest a vintage desk placed inside the former closet. Find the style that has a slanted pull down lid for a writing surface, you’ve seen the kind with 3-4 drawers underneath. Use a comfy desk chair nearby. The desk can then function twice–as a work surface with cubbyholes for writing paraphernalia, housing a guest laptop, and dresser drawers when closed. The chair is useful when getting dressed. Either hard wire a sparkly light fixture that throws pretty shadow accents on the wall in the former closet ceiling over the desk, or use a ceiling hook and swag cord to a nearby socket, but put in on a DIMMER for mood/night lighting!
My last suggestion for more glam, is a beautiful vintage mirrored window with muntins, on wall over the desk, especially if you’ve used a window as a tabletop. It will reflect several different angles when viewing from the bed. This all should accommodate Mom nicely when she comes for short visits. Those “across the room sight lines” are really relaxing when both ends of the room are taken into account. By opening up the closet wall, you eliminate the “what’s behind door #1, 2, 3” It is a cluttered point of repetition in my opinion. By putting desk & armoire into the closet space, it gives open square footage and good traffic flow in the entry space by the door. You will end up with 2 or 3 large pieces of furniture (bed/desk-dresser/armoire) and 1-2 nightstands, hall tree maybe and a chair. There will still be two walls for some limited artwork. Anxious to see how your room turns out!
My choice is 1 or 3, but I would go with a twin bed with a pop-up trundle. My MIL had one and it was very comfortable and made good use of a small space for 1 or 2. Would be nice to have some room on both sides of the bed if you can, so perhaps the desk can be small or movable.|
I once tried putting a bed in front of a large window and didn’t like it al all. It looked nice but the light shone in my eyes at certain times, and it was awkward to open and close the curtains. I also like to be able to look outside from my bed.
I’ve had a guest bedroom with a trundle and now with a queen sized bed. I would definitely go with option 3. Everyone appreciates the size of a queen over a twin or a full sized bed. If you can fit a small desk in the room or the closet, that would be perfect. We have a small guest room with a queen bed and a small desk. Despite what some may say, we actually find ourselves using the room quite frequently for ourselves as well. Whether it’s a place to lay down and have a private phone conversation or do some work on the desk, a guest room can be utilized for more than just guests.
i’ve seen this article 3 times through links first through your site. i like all of the ideas and used the basic idea of the bed away from the walls. i did that mainly because your room has 3 doors at the end of the room. i live in a rental that is an older house at least 70+/- years old and i have 4 doors, one on each wall of my bedroom….it’s actually like a half bedroom. i think after looking at your pics and looking at my terrible overcrowded room, i’ve done all i can do. i don’t even have a built in closet, had to buy a wooden one to build, i have above the wall cabinets i used for box and suitcase storage as i wouldn’t put anything decent up there…ick….although i still want to get a chest or bench at the end of the bed to put clothes on i think i can hack it for now. love the site and ideas….thanks~