Guest Bedroom: A Necessary Luxury Or Waste Of Space?

If you're buying a new home or reorganising your current one, you might be wondering whether or not to include a guest bedroom. While it's not a necessity, having a dedicated guest room can be a convenient way to host friends and family without the need for a hotel. However, guest rooms can be costly and may not offer a great return on investment if they're rarely used. Instead, you could create a multi-purpose room that serves as a home office, library, craft room, or media room, and easily transforms into a guest room when needed.

Guest bedrooms are unnecessary if rarely used

Guest bedrooms are unnecessary if they are rarely used. The cost of a guest bedroom is not worth it if it is only used a few times a year. The room can be used for other purposes, such as a home office, library, or craft room, and still be able to accommodate guests when needed.

There are several alternatives to having a dedicated guest bedroom. One option is to use a Murphy bed, which can be folded up and stored when not in use, freeing up space for other activities. Another option is to use an air mattress or sofa bed, which can be set up in a communal space when guests arrive. This eliminates the need for a separate guest room altogether.

When preparing for guests, it is important to ensure their comfort. This includes providing a comfortable bed or mattress, extra blankets and pillows, and a variety of bedding to suit different temperature preferences. It is also helpful to provide a bedside table, reading light, power outlets, toiletries, towels, drinking glasses, and a TV with instructions. These small touches can make guests feel welcome and comfortable during their stay.

By utilising multi-purpose spaces and being creative with sleeping arrangements, it is possible to accommodate guests without the need for a dedicated guest bedroom. This allows for a more efficient use of space and resources, especially if the guest room is rarely used.

Multi-purpose rooms are a good alternative

Multi-purpose rooms are a great alternative to a dedicated guest bedroom. This is especially true if the guest room is rarely used.

There are several ways to create a multi-purpose room. For example, you can use the room as a home office or library by adding a sofa bed. While sofa beds are known to be uncomfortable, you can add a support board underneath to make it firmer. Alternatively, you can use a Murphy bed, which is a bed that can be folded up and stored in a cabinet or closet when not in use. This option gives you more flexibility with the space and can be a good choice if you want to use the room as a craft room, media room, or home office.

Another option is to use an air mattress, which can be easily stored and brought out when you have guests. If you go this route, it's a good idea to provide extra blankets, as air mattresses can be colder to sleep on than traditional mattresses. You can also offer air mattress sleepers a wall to put their pillows against so they don't fall off during the night.

Whichever option you choose, there are several essentials you should provide to make your guests feel comfortable. These include:

• Bedside table and reading light
• Convenient power outlets for phones and tablets
• Towels and basic toiletries
• Water bottles or drinking glasses
• Wi-Fi password
• Space for clothing and luggage
• Extra blankets and pillows

Air mattresses are a good option for hosts

Air mattresses are a convenient, portable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional mattresses. They are a great option for hosts who want to provide their guests with a comfortable sleeping arrangement without breaking the bank. Here are some reasons why air mattresses are a good choice for hosts:

Comfort and Convenience

Air mattresses offer a comfortable sleeping surface for your guests. While they may not be as luxurious as a traditional mattress, modern air mattresses have come a long way in terms of comfort and support. They provide good back support and maintain their firmness throughout the night, ensuring your guests get a good night's sleep. Additionally, air mattresses are easy to set up and store away when not in use, making them a convenient option for hosts who may not have a dedicated guest room.

Affordability and Portability

Air mattresses are typically more affordable than traditional mattresses, making them an economical choice for hosts. They are also lightweight and easy to transport, which is especially useful if you need to move the mattress between rooms or store it away when not in use. This portability also makes air mattresses ideal for hosts who may need to accommodate guests in different areas of the house or even outdoors.

Durability and Customization

Air mattresses are designed to be durable and long-lasting. Many air mattresses feature puncture-resistant materials, such as PVC, which help prevent leaks and ensure the mattress retains its shape and firmness. Additionally, some air mattresses offer customizable comfort levels, allowing you to adjust the firmness to your guests' preferences. This customization can be particularly useful when accommodating guests with different sleeping preferences or back problems.

Space-saving and Multipurpose

Air mattresses are an excellent option for hosts who want to maximize their space. Unlike traditional mattresses, air mattresses can be deflated and stored away when not in use, freeing up valuable space in your home. This feature is especially beneficial if you don't have a dedicated guest room and need to transform communal spaces, such as a home office or a craft room, into a temporary guest room.

In conclusion, air mattresses are a practical and convenient option for hosts who want to provide comfortable accommodations for their guests without sacrificing space or incurring high costs. With their portability, durability, and customizable comfort levels, air mattresses offer a versatile solution for hosts who want to create a welcoming and relaxing environment for their guests.

Guest rooms can be used as workspaces

To create a stylish and practical hybrid space, consider the layout and furniture choices. For example, a long, narrow console table placed along one wall can provide extra workspace without taking up too much floor space. Swapping the nightstand for an antique table or desk adds a unique touch and provides a functional workspace. Adding bold colours or wallpaper can also personalise your workspace and make it more inspiring.

If you have limited space, consider a multifunctional approach. A small desk or table can be used as a workspace, and a comfortable chair or sofa can double as a guest bed. Built-in storage or custom cabinetry can help optimise the space and provide a place for office supplies and linens.

By combining a guest room and a workspace, you can make the most of your extra room and create a practical and inviting space for both work and hosting guests.

Guest rooms can be used as play areas for children

Guest bedrooms are nice to have, but they can be costly and may not be worth it if they're rarely used. If you don't want a room in your house to be unused for most of the year, you can use your guest room for multiple purposes. For instance, you can turn it into a play area for your children. Here are some ideas for creating a multi-purpose guest room/play area:

Library/Reading Room and Guest Room

If you've always wanted a special place to read and store your books, you can create a cosy reading nook with a comfortable bed for guests, such as a Murphy bed with shelves that slide or pivot out of the way to reveal a bed. This way, you can have a space to relax and unwind while also offering a welcoming space for visitors.

Craft Room and Guest Room

You can build a personalised craft room with cabinets and shelving to store your craft supplies and a custom workplace with hidden and open storage. A built-to-fit Murphy bed cabinet can also be incorporated to provide a sleeping area for guests. This way, you can have a dedicated space for your hobbies and a comfortable place for guests to stay.

Home Office and Guest Room

With more people working from home, creating a tailor-made home office that transforms into a guest room can be a great option. You can design a productive workspace that includes a space-saving Murphy bed, in a matching style and finish to create a cohesive look for the room.

Media Room and Guest Room

You can have a multifunctional media centre or wall unit that displays your TV and collectibles and provides storage. A matching Murphy bed that tilts horizontally from the wall leaves plenty of space for other furniture, creating an ideal setup for movie nights and accommodating guests.

Play Area and Guest Room

If you want to create a dedicated play area for your children, you can turn your guest room into a fun and creative space. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Use a mix of open and closed storage to reduce clutter. Built-in bookshelves with base cabinetry and drawers can conceal bulky toys and art supplies, while open shelves display stuffed animals and books.
• Incorporate a countertop or table for drawing, crafting, or playing board games.
• Add comfortable seating, such as bean bag chairs or a small sofa, to create a cosy reading nook.
• Use colourful rugs, accessories, and wall decor to make the space fun and inviting.
• If you have low, vaulted ceilings, install shelves at a diagonal to utilise the space effectively.
• Combine education and play by setting up desks with computers and organised spaces for school work, which can later be used for board games and crafting projects.
• If you have a small home or apartment, opt for neutral tones and add colour with organisational decor, such as colourful rugs, accessories, and wall art.

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