7 Tips to Combine a Playroom and Guest Room

by Shawn Gauthier · 7 photos · 12 comments

Pick out a daybed. Daybeds provide an instant space for guests to sleep or children to read on. “Upholster the mattress in a kid-friendly fabric and add a variety of throw pillows to make the space inviting,” says interior designer Rebecca Driggs. “It gives your room a tailored look, and you don’t have to worry about remaking a fully dressed bed every time your kids jump on it.”

by Tracery Interiors

eclectic kids by Plattner Custom Builders, LLC

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Or go with a sleeper sofa. If you’d like to create more of a living room feel for your kids’ playroom, consider a sleeper sofa instead of a bed. “A comfy sleeper sofa provides the perfect solution for seating and sleeping,” says interior designer Linda Rosen. “Coordinate the sofa fabrics with other elements in the space to set the tone for the room and establish a color scheme.”

by Plattner Custom Builders, LLC

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Maximize storage with built-ins. In a space that will be filled with toys, books, sheets, blankets and more, adequate storage is key. "Consider building closed cabinets in lower units approximately 24 inches deep,” advises Rosen. “Twelve-inch bookcases with adjustable shelves should ideally rest on top of the lower cabinets, allowing enough space to place accessories. Remember, fill the bookcases with books for the kids as well as for guests.”

by Driggs Designs

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Use a combination of closed and open storage. Playrooms often have a lot of bulky plastic toys that are better suited for closed storage than display, especially if the space is also to be used as a guest retreat. “Use open storage and bookshelves for smaller toys and books, and try to keep the open storage organized by using baskets or bins,” says Driggs.

by Planet Fur

traditional family room by Linda Rosen Interiors

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Invest in double-duty furnishings. Make use of every inch by choosing furniture with hidden storage. “A trunk that opens can serve as a coffee table, while end tables with drawers and doors can house toys or clothes,” says Rosen. “A writing table on one side of the sofa is the perfect place for a laptop.”

by Linda Rosen Interiors

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Choose a color scheme that works for both a playroom and a guest room. This space is going to be used by children and adults alike, so it’s best to keep the color scheme neutral. Though the kids may beg, Driggs advises to stay away from bright colors.

by CCS ARCHITECTURE

eclectic kids by LDa Architecture & Interiors

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Get the right window shades. Remember that this room will used for playtime during the day and sleeping at night, so the windows should be dressed for both. “Shutters, woven woods, Roman shades, roller shades and draperies are beautiful and functional window treatments with easy access to daylight as well as privacy and blackout come evening,” says Rosen.

by LDa Architecture & Interiors

Comments

missychum I thought we were the only ones who had a room with this combination of uses. It actually works really
well.

6 months ago · Like ·

A. Peltier Interiors I loved these ideas! I'm a designer that specializes in nurseries and children's rooms so this article really inspired some ideas for me. Thanks so much!

6 months ago · Like

sopranocastaldo Totally expected to see a Murphy bed in this list... That is what we plan to do with our flex room in the future :)

6 months ago · Like ·

JAN MOYER Okay, call me a realist, but unless it is "grammy" coming to stay while you're out "renewing your marriage" .....the same money/elbow grease that went to getting a truly decent sofa bed, some efficient storage, tidying up the plastic clutter, and erasing the fingerprints from the walls, and cleaning the crayon goo and marker spots from the carpet.... could buy a week at any Marriott Courtyard with a big breakfast buffet. This is probably why I am an admitted lover of the anonymity of hotels/rental cars and never a house guest......for which I am also happy to pay before you all start beating on me!

6 months ago · Like ·

kateskouros the second from the last image made me laugh. that room is either so obviously (and poorly) staged -or meant for non existent children.

6 months ago · Like ·

Jennifer Johnson We put in a wall / murphy bed, used a REAL queen mattress, and built in storage on the sides of the wall bed and in the closet. It works really well.

6 months ago · Like ·

Sammi Thielen Are sofa beds comfortable? Maybe I'm just remembering sofa beds from the past with the metal bar and oh so thin mattress??? Anyone own a great sofa bed or know where to get one???

6 months ago · Like ·

frenchdecor Guest room is not only for adults, I think this article is actually more useful than fashionable guest rooms. I have such room as well, it calls now teen room (was play/family room, kids grow you know). In our house it was and is for family fun and for sleepovers (occasionally for a bachelor friend), as it is only huge and all purpose room in the house. I know it is an excellent idea. Some additional suggestions, if built in bed is not affordable buy a mattress with box, a little DIY project. Upholster box in denim (you need only staple gun and fabric, no skills needed) and make a removable mattress case if you can or just wrap mattress with fabric. Few big pillows are good for use as toss, seating on the floor, fight, or sleep (ours are all in animal skin prints). We have also camp inflatable air mattress to use if needed. Also TV and DVD, VCR players a must for theme sleepovers (caveman, princess, jungle, dog... nights); we watch theme movie.

6 months ago · Like ·

Ruth practical and beautiful ideas, thanks

6 months ago · Like

judithesl I have a great sofa bed/day bed from Crate and Barrel in a wheat color that has a good twin mattress and is comfortable both for sleeping and lounging.

6 months ago · Like

mercer775 It works especially well if you have young neices and nephews visit from out of town & don't have a pull out sofa. My 13 yr old nephew stayed a few nights on the daybed in our playroom this past summer; he loved it.

5 months ago · Like ·

lpvinyl21 Great article! We also have a guest room/play room. We dont get a ton of overnight guests so this works for us. We have a really nice (modernize) futon that is surprisingly comfortable. Plus out house is not a hotel you get a few days and that is it lol.