10 Small Home Office Guest Room Ideas: Creative ways to combine work and hospitality in a small spaceElena PorterSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Murphy Bed with Built-in Desk2. Sofa Bed with Side Workspace3. Floating Desk Under a Window4. Built-in Storage Wall5. Corner Desk and Daybed Combo6. Fold-down Wall Desk7. Loft Bed with Desk Underneath8. Sliding Partition for Privacy9. Under-bed Storage Desks10. Dual-use Large TableFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne time, I designed a "home office" for a client who swore they'd use it daily. Two weeks later, it was buried under laundry and air mattresses for surprise guests. That taught me a valuable lesson: in small spaces, double-duty is everything. Today, I’m spilling my 10 favorite ideas for blending a small home office with a guest room—because yes, it can look amazing and work beautifully.1. Murphy Bed with Built-in DeskI love how a Murphy bed disappears into the wall, revealing a tidy office setup. It’s an instant square-footage saver. The only hiccup? You'll need a sturdy wall and good installation. I once used a room planner to nail the perfect placement between the window and the storage cabinet—no regrets.save pin2. Sofa Bed with Side WorkspaceA plush sofa bed doubles as guest sleeping quarters and your daily seating spot. Slip a narrow desk beside it, and voilà. Just remember, good guest bedding can make or break their sleep quality.save pin3. Floating Desk Under a WindowMounting a floating desk under a sunny window maximizes views and floor space. When guests visit, the desk area can transform into a small vanity or luggage station.save pin4. Built-in Storage WallCustom cabinetry that integrates a desk, shelving, and a fold-out bed keeps everything in one sleek line. It’s pricier upfront but worth every inch saved and the visual calm it brings.save pin5. Corner Desk and Daybed ComboIf your room is narrow, tucking a desk into one corner and placing a daybed along the opposite wall works wonders. I even mapped one client’s design using a free floor plan creator to squeeze every inch out of their small condo.save pin6. Fold-down Wall DeskThis is a life-saver for ultra-tight rooms. When folded up, it looks like a cabinet door; folded down, it’s a work surface. I suggest adding a stylish chair that can double as a guest nightstand.save pin7. Loft Bed with Desk UnderneathGoing vertical frees the lower area for a spacious desk. It's a student favorite but works for adults too, with the right design. Make sure the bed height allows comfortable sitting underneath.save pin8. Sliding Partition for PrivacyAdding a sliding door or panel between the desk and bed means guests can have privacy while you keep your work area intact. Choosing frosted or fabric panels softens the look.save pin9. Under-bed Storage DesksIf you choose a taller guest bed, use the space beneath for pull-out desk modules or storage. It’s both quirky and functional, but requires precise measuring to avoid knee knocks.save pin10. Dual-use Large TableI’ve designed spaces where one beautiful wooden table serves as a work desk by day and a dining or craft table when guests are around. One client planned their space with a kitchen layout planner to match the table finish with their mini kitchenette—total cohesion.save pinFAQ1. How do I make a small home office guest room feel larger?Use light colors, multifunctional furniture, and keep pathways clear. Mirrors can also visually expand the room.2. What is the best lighting for a dual-use guest room?Layered lighting works best—overhead, task, and ambient lights. Warm bulbs keep it cozy for guests.3. Can a Murphy bed be installed in any home?Not always. You’ll need enough wall space, ceiling height, and secure studs for mounting, per most manufacturer guidelines.4. How do I ensure guests are comfortable?Invest in a quality mattress or mattress topper, fresh bedding, and give them a small storage space for their things.5. Is it possible to soundproof a small guest room?Yes, through rugs, curtains, and acoustic panels. The U.S. Department of Energy also notes that sealing gaps improves both sound and energy efficiency.6. How do I hide office clutter when guests arrive?Use closed storage like cabinets or baskets so papers and cables don’t distract from a restful vibe.7. Are sofa beds comfortable for long stays?Modern sofa beds with high-density foam or innerspring mattresses can be, but older models may lack proper support.8. What’s a budget-friendly upgrade for a small home office guest room?Opt for second-hand furniture, simple wall shelves, and multipurpose pieces to stretch your space and wallet.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE