How Can You Design a Home Office with a Hidden Bed for Guests?

March 8, 2024

When working from home became the new normal, finding the right balance between personal and professional life became a game changer. The home office emerged as a perfect solution, but often left us wondering where to accommodate guests. Enter the Murphy bed, a space-saving design that perfectly combines functionality with style. This article will guide you through the process of creating a dual-purpose home office with a hidden bed for guests.

Incorporating the Murphy Bed into Your Office Design

If you have ever fretted over the lack of space in your home, the Murphy bed is an ideal solution. Named after its inventor, William L. Murphy, the Murphy bed is a bed that folds into a wall or a cabinet, thus freeing up floor space. Despite its compact nature, these beds can provide a comfortable sleeping solution for your guests.

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To incorporate a Murphy bed into your home office, the first step is to identify the wall that can host the bed. This wall should be void of windows and heating elements. Measure the wall carefully to ensure it can accommodate the size of the bed when it is unfolded. Choose a Murphy bed that complements the overall decor and aesthetic of your office.

The Murphy bed comes with a built-in desk option that can be used as your workstation. When the bed is folded up, the desk provides a spacious work surface. When the bed is pulled down, the desk automatically folds under the bed without disturbing the items on the desk.

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Adding Storage Solutions

The beauty of a Murphy bed is not just in its space-saving design, but also in the additional storage options it provides. Many Murphy beds come with built-in shelving or cabinets, which can be used to store your office supplies, books or guest bedding.

If your Murphy bed doesn’t come with built-in storage, you can add freestanding shelves or cabinets to the room. This will not only provide storage but also help to define the office and guest areas. Remember to maintain a unified look by choosing storage furniture that matches the style and finish of your Murphy bed.

When considering storage, don’t forget about lighting. A well-lit space is essential for a functional home office. Install lighting in and around your storage units to create a bright and welcoming space for both work and relaxation.

Designing the Guest Space

While the primary function of this room is as a home office, it’s essential to design a comfortable space for your guests. You can achieve this by adding a few touches of home decor that transform the room from a functional office to a cozy retreat.

Adding a plush rug, a few throw pillows, and a soft throw blanket can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Don’t forget to provide bedside lighting for your guests. Clip-on lamps are a great option as they can be easily removed when the bed is not in use.

For added privacy, you can install a folding screen or use a bookshelf as a room divider. This will help to separate the office from the guest space.

Customizing Your Workspace

Your workspace should be designed to stimulate productivity and creativity. Opt for a comfortable chair, a spacious desk, and ample lighting. Keep your desk clutter-free with the help of desk organizers and pen holders.

Incorporate elements that reflect your personality in your workspace. This could be a special piece of artwork, a collection of your favorite books, or some indoor plants.

Since this room also serves as a guest room, try to keep your work materials organized and out of sight. This can be achieved with the help of storage boxes, shelves, and cabinets.

Incorporating a Bathroom

If space allows, incorporating a bathroom into your office-cum-guest room design can hugely enhance its utility. This gives your guests a private space and also comes in handy during those long work hours.

The bathroom needn’t be large. A compact design with a toilet, sink, and shower cubicle will suffice. Keep the bathroom decor simple and minimalistic to match the rest of the room.

In conclusion, creating a home office with a hidden guest bed requires thoughtful planning and clever design. But the end result is a functional, stylish, and multipurpose space that maximizes every inch of your home.

Tailoring the Guest Room Amenities

You’ve designed your home office and hidden Murphy bed. Now, it’s time to consider the amenities for your overnight visitors. Providing a comfortable and inviting space will make your guests feel welcome and cared for.

Firstly, ensure the bed is furnished with good quality linen and pillows. A plush duvet can provide a cosy and comforting sleeping environment. If possible, invest in memory foam pillows, which adapt to the shape of the user’s head and neck, providing optimal comfort.

Remember that your guests will need space to store their belongings. Incorporate a compact, yet stylish wardrobe or dresser that matches your Murphy bed. This can also double as additional storage for your office supplies when you don’t have guests.

For your guests’ convenience, offer a small kitchenette area. It needn’t be elaborate – a mini fridge, microwave, and a coffee maker would suffice. This way, guests can have a morning coffee or a quick snack without disturbing your work routine.

Lastly, don’t forget the power of technology. An easily accessible charging station with multiple plug points can keep your guests’ devices charged. You could also provide a small TV or a tablet with streaming services for their entertainment.

Designing a Multipurpose Living Area

Your home office and guest bedroom can also serve as an additional living area when you’re not working, or when you don’t have guests. With some careful planning and creative arrangement, you can transform this space into a cosy family room or a quiet reading nook.

A sleeper sofa is a great option for those who want an alternative to the Murphy bed. It can serve as a comfy couch during the day, and can easily be transformed into a bed for overnight guests. Add a stylish coffee table and a small area rug to create a warm, inviting space.

A bookshelf can serve double duty, providing storage for your books, and acting as a room divider. Add some house plants, candles, or a diffuser to enhance the inviting atmosphere.

When it comes to decor, opt for flexible, lightweight pieces that can be moved and rearranged easily. This allows you to switch up the room’s layout depending on its use. Consider wall-mounted shelves and storage cubes to conserve floor space.

In conclusion, designing a home office with a hidden bed for guests requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. However, with these tips, you can create a multifunctional space that caters to your work needs, provides a comfortable stay for your guests, and serves as a cosy living area for you and your family.