How to Create a Cozy Holiday Guest Room in a Small Space

The holidays are one of my favorite times of year, especially when it means being with family and friends. As empty nesters, we want to make it as easy as possible to spend time with our adult children.

But let’s face it, not everyone has an extra bedroom just waiting for overnight guests. Both of our kids and their spouses live in two bedroom apartments where the second room is used as a home office daily.

This post is sponsored by Wayfair. My favorite place to shop for our home.

Whether you live in a small apartment, have a room that serves more than one purpose, or simply need an extra place for someone to sleep, you can still create a cozy and welcoming space. You don’t need a big house or a perfectly decorated guest room to make someone feel right at home.

When you’re working with a small space, choosing furniture that serves more than one purpose is key. One of my favorite solutions is a Murphy bed cabinet. Unlike a traditional bed that takes up valuable floor space all day, a Murphy bed cabinet looks like a piece of furniture when it’s not being used.

When guests arrive, it opens up to create a comfortable sleeping area without having to dedicate an entire room to a bed year-round. I love finding pieces that are both functional and pretty, especially when they help you make better use of the home you already have.

Once you have the sleeping arrangements figured out, it’s time for my favorite part, making the room cozy! Start with comfortable bedding, soft pillows, and an extra throw blanket folded at the end of the bed.

Shop link for the bed and fun holiday bedding.

I like to stick with a cohesive color palette so the space feels pulled together without adding too much decor. A small lamp or night light for warm lighting, cozy bedding and drapes, and a little greenery can make even the smallest room feel inviting. For the holidays, you could add a simple wreath, a little velvet ribbon, or a small tabletop Christmas tree. Nothing over the top. Just a few thoughtful touches to make the space feel special.

Shop this guest room holiday look with red plaid bedding.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that hospitality isn’t about having the perfect home. It’s about making people feel comfortable while they’re there. Leave a little space for guests to unpack, set out fresh towels, and make sure they have a place to charge their phone.

Shop this guest room holiday look with pine tree bedding.

These small details go a long way. And remember, you don’t have to completely makeover a room or spend a lot of money to get it ready for company. With a little planning, smart furniture choices, and cozy details, you can create a holiday guest room that feels welcoming no matter how much space you have.