Creating a Cozy Guest Room from a Home Office on a Budget

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Creating a cozy guest room from a Home Office on a budget was on the agenda for one of our upstairs bedrooms. Transforming the home office into a comfortable place for an occasional guest meant having a tight budget and finding creative ways to repurpose what we already had while adding a few thoughtful touches. 

Instead of buying new furniture, we thrifted secondhand and worked with existing pieces. Creating a Cozy Guest Room with soft lighting, layered bedding, and a mix of vintage and budget-friendly decor helped bring warmth and charm to the space.

With a little DIY and some strategic secondhand shopping, we created a welcoming retreat without breaking the bank.

 We live in a beautiful 1885 house with five bedrooms. When we moved into our home, I used the spare bedroom (the smaller room) as a home office. But rather than an office, it became a catch-all room. I knew that, eventually, I would want to turn the office into a welcoming and cozy guest space while sticking to a budget.

Updated Post from August 15, 2021

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Although I would have loved to have created an office guest room, there was no extra space to incorporate a desk in the design layout.

Our two daughters and oldest grandson each have their own bedrooms, and my husband and I have the master bedroom. The fifth bedroom had been my home office for three years, but over time, it became more of a catch-all space than a functional workspace.

If you know me, I like things to be organized and tidy!  When the room was in chaos, I couldn’t work in there. I realized I hadn’t used my desktop computer in ages, preferring to work on my laptop downstairs, surrounded by my family.

That’s when it hit me—I should transform the home office into a cozy and inviting guest room (or a space for our youngest grandson when he visits).

A Quick Makeover for This Room on a $100 Budget

With a limited budget, I was determined to make this transformation happen and create an inviting atmosphere for our house guests. Here’s how I did it while adding warmth and comfort:

Step 1: Clear Out the Room & Plan the Layout

The first thing I started to do was decluttering. I sorted through everything, from donating to relocating to tossing. It took the entire weekend, but it was necessary to create a blank slate. There is a large closet to the right of the bedroom door. There was plenty of space inside to store extra office supplies on the open shelves.

The only thing we left was our 100-year-old armoire, which holds linens and toiletries. Since our home lacks closet space, keeping it in the room was the most practical choice.

 We didn’t move the antique armoire out of the room because it’s very old and heavy, making it difficult to maneuver over the carpeted hallway from the hardwood floors. Having a blank slate truly helped me envision the space better. 

 Step 2: Find a Budget-Friendly Bedframe

Once the room was cleared and cleaned, I focused on arranging the space while staying within budget. I needed to decide on the floor space layout and look for a budget-friendly bed frame. The most important piece was the bed frame. I needed to search for the right furniture to fit the small space. 

Moreover, I searched for a vintage-style frame on Facebook Marketplace for a few days and found the perfect one for $20. Just as I was about to message the seller, I got a notification that the bed frame was relisted for FREE! I couldn’t believe my luck.

 Step 3: Add Comfortable Bedding & Storage

We already had a good quality mattress and box spring, which saved a significant amount. So, I just had to purchase new cozy bedding. I found a nice quilt set, which I found online for $30. Each bedroom in our home has a storage chest at the foot of the bed, so I was looking for one for this space. 

Furthermore, I was thrilled to find this gorgeous antique chest for $40 at an antique store in New Hope, PA. It was perfect for guests (or my grandson) to store their belongings. It add that

Step 4: Soften the Space with Cozy Touches

I wanted to add curtains for warmth and texture to complete the space. I debated this decision for weeks because I wanted something that added texture without feeling too heavy. Moreover, I even asked for suggestions about window treatments on Instagram and Facebook. Many recommended sheer curtains, and I’m so glad I listened!

When we moved in, the window blinds were already installed. I thought about adding blackout curtains, but I felt they could make it too dark. The goal was to brighten up the pace and not make it feel weighed down. Not to mention, I wanted the natural light to be able to filter through. 

Furthermore, I decided on sheer curtains. A simple rod and sheer panels gave the room the soft, cozy touch it needed—all within budget! I found an affordable curtain rod and sheer panels for $20, which gave the room a soft, inviting feel.

 Budget Breakdown

5 Budget-Friendly Tips for Creating a Cozy Guest Room

Shop Secondhand for Furniture & Decor

Thrift stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces offer incredible deals on furniture and decor, making them great for finding budget-friendly treasures.

Use What You Already Have

Repurpose furniture from other rooms, refresh bed linens, and decorate with accessories you already own from different rooms in your home.

DIY Small Upgrades

To add personality, create wall art, repaint furniture, or sew pillow covers. A fresh coat of paint, DIY wall art, or reupholstering a chair can make a big impact.

Incorporate Soft Textures

Throw blankets, pillows, and rugs add warmth without breaking the bank. Soft bedding, extra pillows, and warm lighting make a big impact without breaking the bank.

Keep Essentials Handy

Stock the room with fresh towels, extra blankets, a water bottle, and a bedside lamp to make guests feel at home. Also, make sure an outlet is accessible for a phone charger.

A Personal Reflection

This project reminded me that small changes can make a big impact. Instead of dreading the clutter, I feel excited to welcome guests into a cozy and intentional space!

Add Small Touches

A bedside lamp, a clock, a soft blanket, a small rug, or a decorative element such as framed art can instantly make the room feel inviting.

Bonus Tip: Add fresh flowers to the guest room when expecting overnight guests. Small details like this can go a long way toward making your guests feel welcome.

 DIY Project Ideas

Here are 3 Simple and affordable DIYs to make the guest room unique:

1. DIY Wall Art: Use thrifted frames with printable artwork or fabric swatches.
2. Refinished Furniture: A quick coat of paint on an old chair or table can transform it.
3. DIY Lamp: Create a lamp using a large mason jar and a lamp kit.
4. Handmade Throw Pillows: Repurpose old fabric or sew your own cushion covers

How long did it take to plan out?

This space for a cozy guest room on a budget was a well-thought-out plan for a few months & I spent time searching on Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. I didn’t want to add things into the room that I wasn’t striving for, only to turn around and get rid of it, and I love how it all came together.

Here are five tips for your next room makeover

1. Have fun & be patient
2. Set a Budget that is within your Means
3. Create a board for inspiration
4. Search marketplace & thrift/antique stores
5. Have fun creating your space

Final thoughts…

With just $100 and some creativity, I transformed our home office into a cozy, welcoming guest room. By incorporating secondhand finds, repurposing items we already owned, and adding simple decor touches, I created a warm and inviting retreat for visitors—without overspending. If you’re considering a room makeover, let this inspire you to create a beautiful, functional space on a budget!

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