Being a guest in someone’s home is never the easiest experience. But as a host, there are many small details you can get right in your guest room to make visitors feel welcome and relaxed. It’s a private space for your guests to unwind and have some time to themselves, so making a guest bedroom cozy is just as important as ensuring it covers all the necessities. These guest bedroom ideas are surefire ways to accomplish both, and maybe even wow your company in the process!
1. Choose comfortable bedding.
Airbnb host Jonas Zook says bedding is one of the most important elements of guest bedroom decor since it can determine if your guests have a good night’s rest. “For bedding, I recommend a high-quality mattress, supportive pillows, and soft sheets,” Zook says. This cozy set available at Amazon earned the top spot in our guide to the best flannel sheets for chilly winter nights.
Cleanliness is extremely important, so make sure the sheets are freshly washed and doesn’t have any questionable stains. Layers are also a good idea so guests can pile on or remove blankets and comforters if they run cold or hot.
2. Stock the bedside table.
Help your guests feel right at home with a nightstand catered to their needs. According to Zook, some guest room nightstand essentials are a lamp, alarm clock, water glass, tissue box, and snacks.
Make sure the bedside table has an outlet nearby with easy access. For an extra touch, you can even provide a phone charger in case a guest forgets theirs.
3. Install window treatments.
Whether you choose blinds, curtains, shades, or a combination of the three, window treatments are essential when decorating a guest bedroom. Layering window treatments is a great way to incorporate additional textures in the room and gives your visitors options on how dark they want the room to be. Blackout shades, like this option available at Amazon—a favorite in our researched buying guide—or curtains are also a nice addition so guests (or their children) can easily take a midday nap.
4. Consider alternate sleeping arrangements.
Traditional spare bedroom design ideas include one bed, but that sleeping arrangement may not be ideal for families or guests who do not want to share a bed. If your room allows, separate beds provide additional flexibility.
Guest bed ideas like trundle beds or sleeper sofas allow you to squeeze in separate sleeping options in a smaller room, and bunkbeds work great if you host families with young children often. Think about keeping a portable crib under the bed or in the closet, too, if you host guests with babies.
5. Give a few lighting options.
Lighting might not be the first thing on your mind for guest bedroom design, but Zook says it shouldn’t be overlooked. “Pay attention to lighting—it creates ambiance,” Zook says. Provide different options, such as a bedside lamp, overhead lighting, and a floor lamp, so guests can tailor the lighting to their preferences and to the time of day.
6. Allow temperature control.
One of the most appreciated spare bedroom ideas by your guests will be the ability to control the temperature. No one is comfortable when a room is too hot or cold. Include a fan and consider adding an electric fireplace heater such as this one available on Amazon, a best-overall pick in our researched buyer’s guide, when designing a guest room so your guests can adjust the temperature to their liking.
7. Provide toiletries.
Another guest room idea that will make your visitors feel welcome is an assortment of toiletries. It gives the room an upscale hotel feel and saves the guests any embarrassment asking for an extra toothbrush or comb if they forgot their own. You can set out as many toiletries as you want, but the essentials to include are a toothbrush, toothpaste, small comb, body wash, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner.
8. Set out clean linens.
Avoid guests rummaging around your bathroom and closets for linens and set out a stack of your best bath towels. You can set the linens either in the bedroom or guest bath, if you have one. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful gesture!
9. Incorporate different textures.
The best way to make a guest bedroom feel cozy is to layer with a variety of textures. Look for different ways to incorporate texture, from a fluffy blanket, to velvet throw pillows, to a wool rug. Your guests will love the feel of soft fabrics as they use the furnishings in the room.
10. Hang intentional art.
While family photos are a sweet touch when decorating your home, it’s best to skip them when decorating a guest room. It can be uncomfortable to have those family photos staring at your guests right when they wake up in the morning. Select artwork or wall decor that complements the room’s color palette.
If your guest room doubles as an office or has another purpose, limit the family photos to one or two and avoid hanging them on walls so it’s not too intrusive on your guests’ space.
11. Invest in multifunctional furniture.
Short on space? Multipurpose furniture is essential in small guest bedroom design. Curate pieces that can be used for multiple things, such as a small desk as a nightstand or an ottoman at the foot of the bed that can be used as storage and a place to sit. Fewer, intentional furnishings make the space feel less cluttered and give your guests room to make themselves comfortable.
12. Think about their tech needs.
“The key to great hospitality is anticipating guests’ needs,” Zook says. In this world of technology, it’s likely your guests will need access to Wi-Fi, a spot to charge their devices, or even a place to do some remote work. Consider adding a sign or note with your Wi-Fi password on it, as well as a desk and chair where guests can get some work done.
13. Add some white noise.
When sleeping in a new environment, even the smallest of noises can be loud and distracting. That’s why a white noise machine or fan should be high on your list of spare bedroom ideas. Even if they choose to sleep in silence, most guests will appreciate the option to drown out the unfamiliar noises outside of the bedroom.
14. Use light colors for a roomy feel.
It can be tough to know how to decorate a guest bedroom that’s on the smaller side. If you’re struggling with space, Zook recommends making the room feel larger by using light colors for the bedding, paint, and other furnishings. “In a small space, stick to a minimalist style using a light color palette,” he suggests. Light colors will help the room feel wider and more airy instead of cramped and crowded.
15. Include somewhere to store luggage.
Take a note from the hospitality industry and vacation rentals and offer your guests a spot to place their luggage, whether it’s an ottoman at the foot of the bed or a spot in a wardrobe. Visitors will appreciate the dedicated space for their belongings and will feel more at home in your guest bedroom.
16. Bring in nature.
Nature is calming, and bringing natural elements into your guest room is a great way to make the space feel relaxing. One simple trick is to include a vase of fresh flowers on a dresser or nightstand. Zook also recommends wood accents, natural fiber rugs, and greenery to help connect the indoors and outdoors.
The best hosts are ones who make their guests feel special. Zook says the small things go a long way in making his Airbnb guests feel welcomed. “A handwritten welcome note and locally-made treats make guests feel cared for from the moment they arrive,” Zook says.
In your own spare room, you can try offering a few chocolates near the guest bed on the nightstand or stock a face mask and body scrub in case your company wants a DIY spa experience. Your guests will appreciate the little touches and enjoy their stay at your home even more.
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