Office Guest Room Ideas to Create a Dual Space

Remote work is nothing new, but it’s seen an uptick in recent years, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a great way to increase flexibility in your career, but having a dedicated workspace at home is crucial for productivity and focus. Not all of us can afford an 18-bedroom house or large apartment with individual office space. But, combining an office and guest room allows you to make the most of the space you have.

Most people don’t use their guest rooms every day. They’re reserved for, well…guests! So, creating a guest room office combo can help you better utilize your space and have a dedicated environment to get your work done.

There are a few office guest room ideas that can help you maximize the functionality and style of your space while turning it into a cozy environment that helps to motivate you every day.

Focus On Lighting

The lighting in a room can make a huge difference in the overall feel and environment. Utilizing natural light as much as possible is a great way to improve productivity during the day. Natural light can also boost your Vitamin D levels and improve your mood.

When the work day is done, consider using lamp light instead of an overhead/ceiling option. Warm LED lights can evoke a cozy feel that will make any guest feel at home and help the room not seem like a cold, lifeless office space. You might even end up spending extra time in there because you like the atmosphere!

Finally, light a candle or two. It could be on your desk, on an end table, or on a spare dresser in the room. While candles aren’t exactly a major source of light, they can provide comfort, familiarity, and a sense of warmth that can make you feel more “at home” in your office space.

Invest in Functional Furniture

One of the best ways to maximize the space of your guest room and office combo is to carefully consider the furniture you’re using. For example, instead of having a full-size bed taking up a lot of space in the room and potentially distracting you from your work, consider an office daybed.

Or, try a sofa that doubles as a pull-out bed. It will give you more space in your office so you won’t feel cramped during the day, and if you have guests, you can easily pull out the bed and transform the room.

Another option is to go with a collapsible or folding desk. They’re easy to set up in a matter of seconds, and when you’re not working, you can quickly fold it up and store it in a closet or against a wall to make more space in the room if people come to visit.

Finally, consider what you can do to improve your storage solutions. It’s not exactly practical to shove everything into a closet when it’s not in use. Try to find an office daybed with room underneath for storage bins. Buy ottomans that open up or a chest or trunk that can be used to store anything from extra blankets to office supplies that can also double as decor.

DIY to Make Things Functional

When bringing office guest room ideas to life, you don’t necessarily have to make major investments and buy all new furniture for your space. Instead, get creative! Utilize what you already have to transform your room.

For example, a nightstand could be used as a desk during the day and put back near the bed when you’re done working. A sofa or daybed in the room could be a great place to take frequent breaks (necessary for your mental health!) or to get comfortable while you’re on a long conference call.

If you’re handy with tools or know someone who is, you can even create your own collapsible desk or a built-in table that can easily be slipped away when not in use.

Make It Yours

At the end of the day, creating an office guest room combo requires putting a bit of your personality into the space. You can make it as functional as you want, but if it doesn’t inspire you to stay productive or make your guests feel at home, it’s going to be a flat space that you don’t enjoy working or living in.

Don’t be afraid to add artwork that motivates you. Add a few houseplants to improve your well-being and boost creativity. Decorate your daybed with comfortable pillows and throws for a homey feel. Paint it using darker neutral tones or add a bold accent wall that makes you feel awake, alive, and energized. Remember, it’s still a living space, and it should be a reflection of your personal style.

Whether you live in a small space or just don’t want to dedicate an entire room to a home office, a guest room and office combo is the way to go. It doesn’t have to be complicated to make the most of your space and combine functionality with style. With a few simple swaps and additions, you can enjoy a motivating workspace during the day and have the same room ready for guests whenever they stay over. It’s the best of both worlds and a great way to maximize your living space.