I’m so excited that my family and I are about to start renovating our dining room into a guest room/ office combination.
I shared in a previous post about how we decided that the large dedicated dining room is not a good utilization of space in our super small 1,000 square foot home. We really need a WFH space where each of us can have some quiet to think, write, and pray. We could also use the space as a guest room when friends and family visit us in Chicago.
Trying to make a room have multiple functions can be tricky. I admit that I’m learning how to decorate, and I need a lot of help and advice. So I went over to Pinterest to grab some tips and inspiration.
After reading plenty of first-hand renovation stories, I settled on 3 simple must-haves for an office/ guest room combination. For me, to keep peaceful during all the projects we have going on, I need simplicity to help guide me in the decision-making that can overwhelm me.
Here are 3 must -haves to keep me grounded through this renovation.
Space-Saving Comfortable Bed
When it comes to selecting a bed that suits both guest comfort and office functionality, versatility is key. Here are some space-saving bed options that can still offer guests a quality night’s sleep!
My first suggestion is a daybed with trundle. A daybed with a pull-out trundle is an excellent choice, providing a comfortable sleep surface for your guests while doubling as a sofa during the day. Opt for a trundle bed with a pop-up feature to transform it into a full-size bed when needed.
One option I’ve seen again and again is the UTÅKER stackable bed with 2 mattresses from Ikea. The price point can’t be beat, as it comes in at under 500 bucks, but it isn’t a traditional pull-out trundle, as the beds are stacked. If you don’t have guests come over too much, this could be a great option.
The most beautiful hack I’ve seen of the UTÅKER is from Megan Bell Made. On her blog she includes a whole video tutorial of how she turned this inexpensive bed into a stunning daybed with caned headboard. It is amazing!
Another option is a murphy bed. A Murphy bed, also known as a wall bed, is a fantastic space-saving solution. During the day, it neatly folds away into the wall, creating ample space for your office activities. Invest in a model that offers a comfortable mattress and convenient storage options.
My final suggestion, and what I will choose is a sofa sleeper. Like a trundle bed, a sleeper sofa can be an excellent choice because it can act as a couch for the office, and when the occasional guest visits, the bed can save the day.
Here are some beautiful space-saving beds that look ultra cozy as well that I found online.
First is from Modern Day Moguls. Their office/ guest room combination is full of color and vibrant shades of orange and green. They chose a sofa bed in a plus deep emerald green velvet fabric from Joybird. In the post, I think the author makes a great point about how sleeper sofas are the more mature sleeping option for guests when you don’t have room for a queen bed. I agree! And I love the way her room turned out.
Another cozy sofa sleeper is from Monica Beatrice. Her bedding option is from UK’s Furniture Village. While the couch is super compact, it works in the space, and the color is adorable.
Balance Between Cozy & Hardworking
To strike the perfect balance between comfort and productivity, follow these strategies:
- Lighting: Utilize a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Add a stylish desk lamp for focused work and choose warm-toned lighting to create a cozy ambiance for your guests.
- Ergonomic Office Chair: Invest in a comfortable, adjustable office chair that supports proper posture and enhances productivity. Look for features like lumbar support, adjustable height, and armrests.
- Desk Organization: Keep your workspace clutter-free by using desk organizers, cable management solutions, and wall-mounted shelves. This ensures a neat and inviting atmosphere for both guests and work.
One example of the perfect balance of cozy and hardworking is from Black and Blooms. They pulled together a boho-inspired room that exudes ease and comfort. The multiple neutral pillows thrown on the bed, as well as the plush throw blanket is warm and inviting.
Just across the bed is a hardworking table with useful drawers underneath. There is plenty of space for two people to work comfortably.
Another example of visual balance between cozy and function is from Hydrangea Treehouse. This is by far my favorite example of a beautiful home office because it has 3 simple must-haves for an office/ guest room combination.
Take a look at one half of the room, which is the guest room side. It has a beautiful, neutral sofa bed from Ikea. The Finnala sofa sleeper opens up to a queen bed, which is ideal for a guest room. There is plenty of space for lots of pillows, too.
The coziness continues with a neutral gallery wall and window shades, alongside a wall-mounted dark lamp.
What guest wouldn’t want to sleep here?
On the other side of the room is the office side of the room. Here is a view of the desk and drawer built-ins. What functionality! As you can guess, these units are from Ikea as well. In fact, she has a whole tutorial about how to hack these pieces to get a built-in look.
I love that the workspace under the window is for her sewing machine.
My Scandinavian Home also has a beautiful example of office and guest room balance of comfort and study.
Here’s what makes this space work so beautifully: first, the balance is achieved (much like the space above), through keeping a neutral color scheme in both the work and bed space.
There are plenty of natural materials, like pine and bamboo.
Both spaces rely on white, grey, tan, with bold accents of black.
The bed is styled simply with neutral linens, and plenty of cozy pillows and layered blankets. Now take a peek at the other half of the room, which is all about work.
A similar example is from Haven below. The accent chair by the desk in this room is cozy for guests, but would also be a great space to read and relax away from the computer.
In an example that is much more colorful, we see a balance of work and rest come from a dark, blue drenched room. Check out the full room in the post by Style by Emily Henderson.
Nesting with Grace offers an example with even more color! This room is actually multi-purpose because it is a guest room (sleeper sofa), family room, and office. There is a full desk tucked neatly behind the sofa.
There is plenty of lighting to create a cozy ambiance or to work on a focused project. The layered carpets and poufs and ottomans invite you to sit back and stay a while.
Ikea Pieces for Your Guest Room/Office Combo
Cedar and Rush uses a daybed in their guest room/ office combo, and it made me think of the option that is probably in many, many guest rooms from Ikea.
Ikea offers a plethora of affordable and stylish options to enhance your guest room and office combination. I bring them up in this post as a “must-have” because of the ease of shopping and mix and matching items. Here are some noteworthy recommendations:
- Kallax Shelving Unit: The Kallax series provides versatile storage solutions. Use it to store office supplies, books, and decorative items. Incorporate decorative bins and boxes to conceal office supplies, maintaining a visually appealing environment.
- Malm Desk: The Malm desk offers a sleek design with ample workspace and storage. Opt for the version with a built-in drawer unit to maximize storage efficiency and keep essential office items within reach.
- Hemnes Day Bed with Drawers and 2 Mattresses: This piece is pretty well known because it is a sleeping space, sitting space, and storage space all-in-one!
Creating an optimal guest room and office combination is all about thoughtful planning and strategic furniture selection. By choosing a versatile bed, creating a cozy and hardworking atmosphere, and incorporating the best IKEA pieces, you can achieve a harmonious fusion of comfort and productivity.
Remember to personalize your space with your own style and preferences, making it a welcoming haven for guests and a productive haven for work.
More to come on this project!