9 Simple Tips for Decorating a Home Office Guest Room

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Wondering what to do with the spare space in your home is a great problem. The possibilities are endless, and your changes will only improve your household. Consider decorating it into a home office guest room. It’s one of the best answers for homeowners who work from home and frequently have visitors over. 

Customizing Your Flex Room

You need to get the most out of your home. Flex rooms have become popular for a while now since they focus on using every inch of space in the house. Some homeowners like to make a home theater, while others prefer creating a personal gym. Try to assess your own needs and begin the planning from there. 

The beauty of combining a guest room and an office is you get a dual-purpose space for everyday use. Keep the lights on weekdays when you need a quiet space to work. When the rest days roll in and guests are over, you can invite them to stay the night.

If your priorities change, you can add or subtract the elements of a home office guest room and create a different version of the flex room instead. Granted, you can repurpose it as a teenage bedroom or become a hobby with almost zero changes. 

How to Set Up a Home Office Guest Room

Decorating a home office guest room will require quite a bit of preparation. Many homeowners already have an existing space like this, so try to seek inspiration from them. Here’s a general guide on how to set up a functional home office guest room. 

1. Bring in Sunshine

Allow some sunlight in with bigger windows. The illumination is a great way to wake you up when you need to be in work mode. Those who work a 9 to 5 can also see the whole room clearly and save money simultaneously.

For the guest room aspect, remember to add curtains so visitors can sleep in and relax throughout the mornings. Blackout is ideal for blocking all the sunrays, but semi-blackout ones will suffice. Provide lamps for softer lighting options during nighttime.

2. Add Plants

Houseplants are great for decorating a home office guest room. Studies have shown their presence enhances cognition and physiology, which is ideal for working. They also add a cozy touch of the outdoors, which is beneficial when working or relaxing. 

When choosing plants, try to pick one relatively low maintenance. There may be times when you don’t remember to water your plants when working or hosting visitors. A Jade Plant can maintain liquid in its leaves, though you can also do a paddle or spider plant. 

3. Use Minimalist Wall Decor

A home office guest room must create a calming environment where you can think clearly. It’s important to minimize any distractions. Limit it to only a few items when you’re picking out wall decor. You don’t have to fill your shelves to the brim with displays.

Consider at least one art painting for each wall for a splash of color. You could also put a mirror. The reflection makes the room feel larger than usual, and it’s also a great photo opportunity for you and your guests. 

4. Display Reading Materials

Add a floating bookshelf or magazine rack to a corner and display some of your reading materials. A survey finds that 65% of people want physical books over other electronic options because they create a digital detox.

You can bring in dictionaries and industry-related books for your little office space. For guests, include some of your favorite fiction books and comics. If you only want them for display purposes, pick out reading materials with attractive covers and spines. 

5. Consider Sleeper Sofas 

A sleeper sofa bed is great for the home office guest room. It can function as a couch for work breaks throughout the week and extend into a full-fledged mattress when guests stay over. 

Look for pull-out sofa beds with a good-quality cushion to ensure you sleep comfortably. A double-sized couch would suffice, but you can also consider queen or king-sized one depending on the room space for maximum comfort. 

6. Lay Out a Dynamic Carpet

While going minimalist on the walls, you can get a little more creative with the flooring. Try to look for a nice patterned rug to lay on the floor. Moroccan rugs are fun and beautiful. Just ensure the colors still suit the vibe of the whole space.

Homeowners must also consider the material. Woolen decorative rugs account for 39.5% of decorative carpeting’s revenue share in 2023. These sales could be attributed to the warmth and softness they provide to a room. 

7. Find a Secretary Desk

Choosing a table for your office guest room is incredibly important. You want to have enough space for all your work essentials without having them interfere with the homey feel of this flex room. With that in mind, think about looking for a secretary desk. 

Also known as an escritoire, a secretary desk hides your computer and documents. Pull up the cover when you need to access and organize them. Keep the hutch closed when guests come over, with all of them none the wiser for what’s underneath. 

8. Provide Storage Drawers

Guests who stay long-term will need a space to put all their clothes in. Storage drawers can fulfill that need and serve as a bedside table. You can put an alarm clock and lamp as functional decor. The storage drawers can also be handy for any extra files and office supplies you want to keep secluded. Grab an extra pen or paper clip when the need arises.

9. Pick the Right Office Chair

Find the right office chair for your home office guest room. An ergonomic office chair is often recommended for remote workspaces. However, you should also consider comfortable seating guests can use during their stay. Leather and padded executive chairs is peak for working and panders to your visitors.

Create Your Office Guest Room Hybrid

Decorating a home office guest room is pretty straightforward, especially when you have the vision and the right furniture. Have a space conducive to productivity during your working hours. On the weekends, your visitors will feel right at home when they’re staying over.