Guest bedrooms are wildcards. These spaces often function as multi-purpose rooms and frequently moonlight as offices, hobby spaces, home gyms and even storage spaces. Since these rooms can have multiple identities, they can be tricky to keep organized. With so many modern and functional design pieces on the market, it doesn’t have to be.
If you love the idea of entertaining friends and family for overnights or extended stays, it’s essential to transform the guest bedroom into the ultimate sanctuary. These clever and innovative storage ideas will make any guest space feel warm, open, inviting, and ultra relaxing.
Here are seven clever ways to get your guest bedroom organized.
1. Master the Art of Decluttering
Say good-bye to anything that doesn’t belong or serve a purpose. Focus on creating a guest bedroom that’s free of distractions and has an easy flow; clutter disturbs a proper room flow. We often let a guest room become a magnet for items that we just don’t know where to put. Guest rooms should have a comfortable mattress, frame, a night stand, lamp, and clothing storage.
This is the time to toss any items that are damaged, broken beyond repair, or have overstayed their purpose. Any objects that are just taking up space or adding clutter must go. After all, the rest of the space should feel like an escape.
2. Go Vertical
If you’re adding more storage options like bookcases or even dressers for clothing, think vertically. Look at pieces that will create more storage such as a multi-level bookshelf, a credenza with ample drawers, and even night stands where you can stow away an object or two. Vertical storage will help keep clutter at bay, but this organization technique will also let a guest room function as a multi-purpose space like an office or yoga studio.
Adding vertical storage to your guest bedroom extends beyond basic furniture, too. For example, installing floating shelves maximizes usable space in a guest room. Vertical designs help keep floorspace empty and clear, while maintaining the room’s harmony.
3. Under-the-Bed Storage is Key
If you’re running low on storage space in the guest room and already maximized vertical shelving, don’t forget about under-the-bed storage. It’s often underutilized, and it’s great for extra blankets and pillows for guests.
When choosing under-the-bed storage, consider bed frames with drawers and room for dividers or bins. If you already have a frame without drawers, foldable storage bins or shoe bags work with any bed and frame setup.
4. Utilize Closet Organizers
Making space in your closet that’s mindful, well-organized, and intuitive seems intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. From extra velvet hangers and clear bins to packing cubes and stackable shoe boxes, there’s a variety of storage options that’ll make your guest’s stay a breeze. Whether it’s short-term or long-term stays, closet organizers make a huge impact on small and large guest bedrooms. A quick trip to a home store or online shops can yield massive organizational tools like tee-shirt organizers, pop-up drawers, hampers, and more.
Plus, these same techniques can be replicated in your own master closet!
5. Mix-In Furniture That Has Storage
Modern homeowners love furniture that is also functional. Besides looking chic, furniture with storage features also frees up floor space in a guest bedroom. With less clutter, you’ll have more room for hygge-friendly rugs, cozy cashmere blanket throws, and scented candles.
What kind of furniture items should you consider? Credenzas, ottomans, coffee tables, and media stands with drawers are superb additions to a masterfully organized guest bedroom.
6. Add a Few Decor Touches
Every guest bedroom needs some thoughtful art and decor to create a cozy sense of rest and relaxation. Keep the decor minimal and neutral, but don’t shy away from bright vivid colors or thick textures. Layer rugs for decoration and style, while keeping a guest bedroom Zen-like, neat, and tidy.
Even decor can have organizational elements that are stylish and completely functional. Get creative and clever with organizational decor and design elements. Look for mirrors with shelves to highlight candles or small plants. Or, use glass shadow boxes to beautifully display and store jewelry, hair pins, or perfume bottles.
If you crave a Scandinavian-centered relaxation den, use a blanket ladder to showcase thick, plush throws. Even small touches such as desk accessories like acrylic trays, pencil cups, file holders, and desk planters go a long way. Remember, decor items can be functional and aesthetically pleasing.
7. Don’t Forget Subtle Hints of Greenery
An organized, oasis-like space has lush green plants and florals. Plants amp up the relaxation factor in any space, but also provide another element that ties the room together. Armed with organization, clever design, and plants, greenery adds harmony to a guest bedroom.
But, what really adds to the sweet organizational aspect with plants is that so many types of plants purify air, adding a cleaner, crisper, and more mindful atmosphere to your room. Look for plant species like English Ivy, Snake Plants, and Aloe Vera, which serve as air purifiers. In addition to elevating a guest bedroom, plant displays support design elements and keep floor space clear. Tall plant stands will help keep a clean walking path.
Stephanie Valente is a Content Director and Editor in Brooklyn, NY. She’s previously held writing and social media positions at Barkbox, Men’s Journal, and currently works at a full-service advertising agency. She’s a self-confessed home and design enthusiast. Stephanie is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. When she’s offline, you can find her taking a yoga class, running, hanging out with her rescue dog Pepper. Find her on stephanievalente.com.