Guest Bedroom Ideas For Your Apartment

When guests stay at your apartment, it’s important that they feel entirely comfortable in your space. A functional and stylish guest bedroom creates a much more pleasant experience than a dark, sparsely decorated room. With thoughtful planning, multifunctional furniture, and relaxing decor, you can transform your spare room into a cozy guest room. Renting an […]
SW By Sara Woods on February 12, 2025
https://docs.google.coA minimalist spare bedroom with a desk, daybed, bookshelf, and large windows.

When guests stay at your apartment, it’s important that they feel entirely comfortable in your space. A functional and stylish guest bedroom creates a much more pleasant experience than a dark, sparsely decorated room. With thoughtful planning, multifunctional furniture, and relaxing decor, you can transform your spare room into a cozy guest room.

Renting an apartment, like at Island Club, is more than just having an apartment—it’s about making every room work for your lifestyle! Turn your extra bedroom into a stylish, functional retreat with our inspiring decor ideas, space-saving furniture tips, or innovative designs that balance comfort and practicality.

Maximize Space With Smart Guest Bedroom Design

Maximizing every area of your apartment is essential, as even a small item out of place can occupy valuable space. It’s especially wise to make the most of your guest room, particularly if your visitor plans to stay for several days.

Multifunctional furniture can transform a cluttered, uninviting room into one that is spacious and soothing. A sofa bed with drawers is an excellent spot for guests to read a book in the morning, keep their clothes neatly folded and stored away, and then convert it into a bed when night falls.

A fold-out desk with built-in shelves is ideal for your guests who work remotely or need a surface to sit at. With beautifully decorated bookshelves, they’ll feel right at home, and the added space created when the desk is folded allows for extra space to stretch out.

Elevate the Room With Stylish Guest Bedroom Decor

A minimalist spare bedroom with a desk, daybed, bookshelf, and large windows.

To design a guest bedroom that exudes comfort and style, follow these essential tips and incorporate impactful decor items that elevate the coziness of the space. Start by defining the room and infusing warmth with a rug that suits your taste—be it fuzzy, colorful, or neutral. Choose bedding with layers of various textures and a soothing color scheme to tie the room together.

“Island Club allows residents to paint their walls, so choosing the right color—blues and greens—[helps] to create a positive ambiance.” Kate Gray, Island Club Senior Property Manager, said.

Remember to incorporate plenty of lighting around the room to eliminate darkness or feelings of creepiness. A bedside lamp, a corner floor lamp, string lights draped over the window, and wall sconces will significantly elevate the ambiance and create a welcoming atmosphere. Hanging mirrors reflect twinkling evening lights and daytime sunlight, while thoughtful wall art depicting relaxing settings or scenic spots creates the perfect guest room design.

Guest Bedroom Decorating Ideas for Comfort and Function

Your guests deserve to feel like a priority, not a burden. That’s why it’s vital to decorate your guest bedroom with functionality and personal, cozy touches. Here are our top tips for creating a practical yet relaxing space for your guests:

  • Provide a Small Luggage Rack in the Closet for Guest Suitcases or Bags.
  • Set Up a Seating Area With a Comfy Chair or Bench For Getting Ready in the Morning.
  • Paint a Feature Wall With a Bold or Muted Color.
  • Incorporate Fresh Flowers or Low-Maintenance Houseplants on Free Surfaces.
  • Invest in Light-Blocking Shades or Blackout Curtains for Privacy and Better Sleep.
  • Stash a Small Fan and Extra Throw Blankets in the Closet for Extra Comfort.
  • Add Playful Artwork or Photos for a Touch of Whimsy.
  • Offer a Welcome Basket Filled With Everyday Essentials They May Need.

Creative Spare Bedroom Ideas for a Guest Room

If you intend to use the spare bedroom as a guest room and a personal space when it is not occupied, there are several effective ways to transform it seamlessly without sacrificing your guests’ comfort.

“The most common way [at Island Club] is using it as an office, workout, or gym area,” said Kate Gray. If you work from home or frequently use a desk, adding a compact desk to your spare bedroom is an effective way to utilize that unused space. Installing floating shelves can help keep your books and paperwork organized and off your surfaces.

Another easy-to-implement option is altering your guest room into a home yoga or meditation studio. If you’ve already decorated the room with plants and calming lights, you can incorporate other relaxing decor like candles or diffusers. Stash away your roll-up yoga mat, floor cushions, and blocks organized and readily accessible by placing them under the bed or in the closet.

Fun and Original Bonus Room Ideas for Your Guest Space

A bed layered with bedding is surrounded by green plants.

If you decide against transforming your guest space into an office or exercise area, you have plenty of exciting alternatives at your disposal. Explore creative and unique bonus room ideas below for your guest space, maximizing the potential of your spare room while creating a functional dual-purpose area.

1. Cozy Reading Nook

Add an open, airy ladder bookshelf to transform a corner of the guest room into a cozy reading retreat stocked with your favorite books. Place a comfortable chair nearby or a chaise lounge with storage for extra throw blankets and pillows. Enhance the decor with a lovely ambient floor lamp and a slim stool side table for drinks.

2. Creative Arts and Crafts Studio

Are you a crafty or artsy soul? Answer the creative call by adding an arts and crafts space in your guest room. A wall-mounted table with built-in storage is an excellent solution for organizing your supplies in one location while allowing you to fold and tuck your items away when guests visit.

Adding a small, washable rug under your desk is an excellent choice. It allows for easy cleaning if you happen to drop charcoal or a freshly dipped paintbrush on the floor. A tiered rolling cart is an outstanding solution for keeping your supplies organized and easily accessible. Plus, you can effortlessly roll it away when guests arrive, keeping your space tidy.

3. Indoor Garden Oasis

Does your guest bedroom feature a desirable east-facing window? Transform this space into your indoor garden oasis. Installing a vertical plant stand anchored to the wall can save space and keep plants off the floor.

Elevate the ambiance with macramé plant hangers suspended from the ceiling to create a warm, bohemian vibe, while stylish planters tie the whole look together beautifully. You can spend time observing your plants grow each day while relaxing in a hanging rattan swing or a plush chair in the corner.

4. Mini Media Room

When guests are away, transform your guest room into a versatile mini-media haven. Install a wall-mounted TV as an entertainment centerpiece, and add comfortable bean bags or stylish chairs for an inviting atmosphere. You can organize your DVD and CD collections with designated media storage to keep everything tidy.

Plus, incorporate an ottoman with hidden storage for gaming accessories and cozy blankets. You, your friends, family, and guests can comfortably enjoy your favorite films, music, and video games!

Affordable Guest Bedroom Ideas for Budget-Friendly Style

A bed layered with bedding is surrounded by green plants.

You can easily create a comfortable and stylish guest bedroom without breaking the bank! Thrift stores and antique shops are gold mines for unique treasures that can elevate your space. Dive into your local secondhand store to hunt for furniture pieces that will serve a purpose and spark conversation.

Creating DIY decor is an excellent way to achieve an inviting and budget—friendly atmosphere. From crafting personalized framed photos and pouring your own candles to hand-knitting a chunky throw blanket, there are countless creative options available.

Remember other essentials to make your guests feel at home, like the “Wi-Fi password displayed in a cute picture frame, streaming apps on the TV ready and logged in, noise machine, fan, heater, and Echo Dot,” Gray suggested.

Transform Your Guest Bedroom at Island Club Apartments

Your guest room can be a bright and inviting space that your guests will love. With some clever decorating and planning, you can create an environment that makes them feel at home and eager to return. Convert your spare bedroom into a comfortable guest room and a functional bonus space that welcomes everyone!

At Island Club Apartments, you can transform the extra bedroom in your 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment home into a thoughtfully designed, cozy guest bedroom. With access to a spacious closet in the room and a full bathroom right outside their door, your guests will have everything they need for a successful stay.

Schedule a tour online to find your perfect pet-friendly apartment at Island Club. Do you have any questions? Call or contact our team online to chat with a friendly member.

More in Apartment Life

See all Apartment Life
A bed layered with bedding is surrounded by green plants.
How To Save Room in Your Bedroom

Is your bedroom cluttered, or is your closet overflowing due to a lack of storage? Whether you’re juggling storage for clothes, shoes, or personal items, maximizing your bedroom’s potential can seem like a game of Tetris. With a few space-saving tips for bedrooms, you can unlock the hidden potential of your space.  We’ll explore ingenious […]

3 Minute Read
https://docs.google.coA minimalist spare bedroom with a desk, daybed, bookshelf, and large windows.
Guest Bedroom Ideas For Your Apartment

When guests stay at your apartment, it’s important that they feel entirely comfortable in your space. A functional and stylish guest bedroom creates a much more pleasant experience than a dark, sparsely decorated room. With thoughtful planning, multifunctional furniture, and relaxing decor, you can transform your spare room into a cozy guest room. Renting an […]

8 Minute Read
A child in the back of their family car next to her new christmas tree
A Guide to Apartment Christmas Tree Shopping

Choosing an Apartment Christmas Tree Size Living in an apartment means maximizing every inch of space, especially when decorating your place for Christmas. An essential part of Christmas decorating is putting up your Christmas tree—the ultimate symbol of the holiday. You can continue your tree trimming traditions even while living in an apartment with limited […]

5 Minute Read
A young woman decorates for Halloween by drawing a face on a pumpkin.
10 Expert Tips on a Cold Midwestern Move to an Apartment

Ready for your Midwestern apartment moving day but worried about the complications of cold weather? Our winter relocation guide will help you understand all the quirks of moving during the snowy season. [H2] 1. Pack Your Moving Truck[SW1]  Choosing the right moving truck should be your first step. You’ll want to reserve your truck at […]

5 Minute Read
Let's put our heads together. Have you checked out our FAQs?
Are you interested in a new development?
Get in touch or call 513.984.0300