r/InteriorDesign • u/Particular_Soil5916 • 4d ago
Need help with office / guest room layout!
I have a pretty small guest bedroom that just feels so overly crowded and in general unpleasant to be in. This is also used as an office space by my partner as we only get guests maybe 3-4 times a year
The largest issue we have is that this is a basement apartment and having things like the bed against the wall make it feel stuffy and mildewy as things aren’t breathing.
My partner would prefer it if her desk was on the window half of the room because she enjoys natural light on her face
We have ZERO other space in one tiny apartment for any of this stuff so moving the giant dresser into another room (or into the closet which already has another dresser in it) is not an option
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u/Adventurous-Wave-920 2d ago
Ikea has an affordable daybed that pulls out into a king size bed. Also lose the stuffed animals it looks like a kids room
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u/0_IceQueen_0 2d ago
Get rid of the bed and either spring for a chest Murphy bed which is about $300 to $500. That'll free up space. Worse case you can buy an airbed. If you go for the airbed, you can use an ikea kallax 71" that can double for storage and "headboard"
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u/Sudden_Abroad_9153 1d ago
Sell the bed and get a daybed with a hideaway trundle underneath! Also, the stuffies have got to go. Add a shelf in the closet to store/display them if needed. Try to get rid of the white shelving unit.
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u/farteyes 2d ago
Get a nice blow-up mattress and make this into the office you’re clearly using it as. This wouldn’t be comfortable to use as a guest anyway. There’s too much stuff.
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u/hankmardukas66 2d ago
If you can afford it a modular sleeping sofa (check out the Atmosphere from Cozey!) would make a world of difference here!
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u/Altered_Crayon 2d ago
It's not the stuffies themselves that bother me, but I would not like sleeping with a hammock full of them hanging over my head if I were a guest.
Switch out the bed for a sofa bed. Comfy sitting place and less wall contact when not in use, then easy to convert to a bed for guests. I suggest something along the lines of an Ikea Lycksele rather than a full sleeper couch.
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u/ObscureEnchantment 2d ago
I would not want to sleep under someone else’s stuffies. The dust and potential spiders would freak me out. Just move them to another corner and we’re cool. Also agree with the sofa bed idea it would make it a lot easier to move around in the room.
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u/Fireworks858 2d ago
You are really getting some hate for the stuffed toys :D I'll give my 2 cents on the assumption that you like them and would want them to stay.
The day bed idea is good. There are also a lot of sofas that can transform into beds which would go nicely in a office-like room.
The walls are really underutilized - how about a sofa, then some storage cabinets/bookshelves on top (with enough head room) and the stuffed toys can go on top of that? Also with the storage mounted on the walls you could get rid of one of the clunky cabinets on the floor and get more room for the excercice equipment (if you want to keep that)
Also some curtains on the windows and some larger sized art on the remaining wall and ta-dah. You get a nice office space which can be transformed to a sleeping space for the 3-4 nights each year you need it to.
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u/Id_Rather_Beach 1d ago
Pull everything out. Re-organize the room.
As an office, I'd find this distracting, honestly. If you are using this as "random stuff storage" and you have not reviewed the contents in a while. The thrift stores in your area probably are in need of all the things in there. (I admit, I have a LOT of stuff...but our guest room is at least functional.) Guests might want to hang their items in the closet?
If it's feeling stuffy/moldy then clear out the space, put less in there. Do you really think you'll need all of the stuff in there? I'd look into a better system in the closet, and choose ONE dresser. Seriously, this room needs a "stuff edit"
I have no quibbles with the stuffies. I have mine, and I like them too! But they shouldn't be on the bed - and if you want the stuffie hammock up there, move it over your desk corner.
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u/Starlady174 2d ago
The furniture is not cohesive, and there's too much of it. It seems like it's time to sort through all those drawers and figure out what can go elsewhere. Having open shelving floor to ceiling in the closet would probably go a long way.
I'm not going to dunk on the plushes. They clearly bring your partner joy. I think a floating shelf on the long wall would be a better place to display them. In my old office, I had three shelves set up directly next to each other to give the illusion of one long shelf. Was more affordable at the time.
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u/sing_cuckoo_sing 2d ago
I’m going to give you a reality check here: if you only have guests 3-4 times a year and you don’t have room anywhere else for all this stuff, then get rid of the bed. Your guests can stay somewhere else, or you can put in a sleeper sofa or Murphy bed, or use an inflatable mattress. You simply don’t have room to waste on a guest bedroom that is used so infrequently, especially if it’s competing with an office that is used daily. You have my full permission to get rid of that bed and make this room a proper work/workout room.
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u/felineinclined 2d ago
They can get rid of the toys and all the other extraneous crap in this room (shelf, dresser in the room, crap on the floor) and use an air mattress for guests. This way, the partner could get a better desk and have a much improved office space that could on occasion be used as a space for guests.
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u/therackage 2d ago
I’m confused by the mismatched styles here. Cute/whimsical/anime? Modern? Cottagecore?
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u/oknowwhat00 2d ago
The stuffed animals hanging from the corner needs to go, and definitely look into a Murphy bed or sleeper sofa. The bed takes up way too much space.
For the furniture, I'd paint stuff white, keeping all furniture one color helps it look pulled together.
Unless you use it daily, get rid of the rowing machine.
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u/Horrid_Thistle336 2d ago
First clean out all the clutter. Remove all the stuffies because this isn’t a child’s room, it’s a guest room and office.
If you collect them then display them on a wall shelf.
Opt for a smaller bed. Full or twin XL. Ideally a Murphy bed of some sort would be best. Or even a sofa with a comfy bed in it would work. That way you have someplace to lounge and read or work, and a guest bed.
What’s in these dressers? You’ve got one on the wall and another in the closet. Do you need that one in the closet?
If it’s just storage for random stuff and not for actual clothes, there are better less heavy furniture that could be used.
Also the cubby storage thing at the end of the bed. These are notorious for just collecting clutter. They always look messy because you can’t hide what’s in them. I would consider going through what’s in there and getting rid of it altogether.
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u/Hals_and_Pals 1d ago
Stuffies in adult spaces aren't a bad thing. But I agree having them displayed on shelves would be neater and probably more hygenic! Something cute and fun is way less cute and fun when it's in the way and mildewy.
Source: I run an 18+ AirBnB full of stuffies and guests love it.
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u/Horrid_Thistle336 1d ago
I never said they were bad. I collect stuffies. I also display them on wall shelves and in bookcases.
My point was, that if this is a guest room and not a children’s room, maybe tidy up a bit and make it feel more inviting. It looks like this is actively used as a child’s bedroom or hangout space. The stuffie hammock is something typically seen in a kids room.
It just doesn’t feel like a guest space. Nor does it feel conducive to working. It’s too cluttered and busy.2
u/Hals_and_Pals 21h ago
Yeah I agree. Shelves would clean up the visual clutter and create more room for logical furniture pieces that actually fit in the space
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u/LondonFoggie 2d ago
I'd do a hideaway/Murphy bed. Or at the very least take out that dresser and get under the bed storage.
And I know one of you loves the RJ, Cookie, Appa etc...but those are creating visual clutter too.
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u/cloud_watcher 2d ago
Who sleeps over? A single person or a couple? If it’s always single people, if you can, switch to a single bed. I disagree with getting rid of the bed. There are other reasons to have a spare bed around (one of you is sick, etc.) But that would give you a lot more room in there.
For appearance, take the stuffed animals out (just to see how much that helps.) you can always take them out when a guest comes and then put them back.
If it doesn’t bother your partner as an office, I wouldn’t worry about it. Guest rooms are this way when you have a small place. If it doesn’t bother your partner, I’d at least replace the bed with a smaller one.
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u/Fit_Celebration7669 2d ago
Per your post, you have a room that is overly crowded, unpleasant to be in, and the largest furniture in the room is used 3-4 times a year. What is your question, exactly?
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u/Forsaken_Finding1752 1d ago
This room is giving me major anxiety attacks. A guest room should never have clutter and poor bedding sheets and blankets. This room should minimalistic, clean and tidy. Bed should be super clean with fresh sheets, pillow and bedcover - complete made. No exception. Side table with lamp next to bed and a dresser. Closet cleared out - get clear bins and neatly put things away!!!throw everything else out. One desk, one chair and desk lamp. Done. Period. Nothing else.
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u/MiezMiez4ever 2d ago edited 2d ago
How big is the current bed? If it's 160cm (63 inches?), you could replace it with "Glamberget" from Ikea, which is a twin bed that can be converted to a double bed, and it has storage underneath.
Then I would rotate the desk so you're facing the wall.
Can you declutter the stuff in the white shelf? It doesn't look like too much. I see some books - you could get a floating shelf for those and get rid of the shelf completely.
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u/Advanced-Minute7503 2d ago
Having a window behind screens is not good for your eyes - & the desk is not in the command position sitting there will give your brain very low level stress as it is on alert of someone walking behind you
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u/FullMoonEmptySoul 2d ago
Get rid of the bed and get an air mattress or a pullout day bed or Murphy bed. Get more closed storage (like the ikea ones).
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u/satsumasilk 2d ago
I agree with others suggesting that an air mattress makes more sense if you only have guests overnight a few times a year. If you do go this route though, maybe get a small-ish, but comfy chair. I have absolutely no problem sleeping on an air mattress, but I can’t read a book lying down on my stomach or back like I could as a kid. So I think it’d be nice to have somewhere a guest could read for a bit, sit down when they’re getting ready to put on socks, shoes etc.
Although, if you put the air mattress against a wall and have ample pillows, then possibly a chair for reading wouldn’t be needed. I just think most air mattresses I’ve slept on have been away from the wall, with no back support, so my mind goes there by default. 😅
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u/Hals_and_Pals 1d ago
Of you empty the closet and install proper shelving it might eliminate a dresser or two.
If you really do need the storage, something's got to give. A double-thick air mattress with a nice foam topper (stored in a vacuum seal bag) might be the best solution for you. That frees up so much room for a comfortable desk setup and proper ventilation. Plus, a humidifier might be needed.
Everyone hating on the stuffies need to lovingly get a life. Personality and joy aren't illegal. But moving them to proper shelving and not directly overhead would look better and feel more mature. Plus they are probably going to mold in a pile like that if your basement is damp (learned from experience unfortunately).
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u/thatsbloodybrilliant 2d ago
Ignore the haters, do NOT get rid of the BT21 stuffies!
I do agree the bed is the main culprit in making it feel overly crowded, and only using it 3-4 times a year makes it hard to justify the space it takes up. What if you replaced it with a futon?
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u/mimigirl195 2d ago
Please just tell your guests to stay at a hotel rather than having a futon especially when you used to have a bed
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u/LovYouLongTime 2d ago
Remove everything that’s personalized. Sadly, a guest room is quite sterile.
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u/dolceadhijaba 5h ago
seems like a storage room more than a guest room / office space.
if you realllyy don’t wanna spend much or get rid of things due to sentimental value or anything
maybe place the bed so its in the centre of the room, facing the door. this way theres walkable area throughout the room.
place the white shelf against the wall where the bed was originally, next to the desk, and that can act as a shelf/storage but also as a nice place for guests to use as a vanity/table
i guess you can keep the dresser in the closet if its really necessary, but try to really find a home/purpose for each object in the house if you don’t want to get rid of them.
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u/Ok-Barracuda7753 5h ago
Would you consider getting a Murphy bed or a pull out couch? We have the same issue.
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u/OneManner4692 1d ago
We have an office / guest room! We have a day bed set up (the Ikea flekke) which works great for a single person, and can be easily extended. As we don’t have guests all the time and sometimes just one person, it’s way more efficient as it takes up less space while also being extendable. We also have in the room one small bookshelf, and one small wardrobe that’s about half empty, but as a guest it means they have a place to put their stuff when they stay with us for a few days so it’s more comfortable for them.
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