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Designing a comfortable and stylish guest room is an excellent way to improve the experience of your house guests and make their stay more enjoyable for everyone. A tastefully furnished guest room will demonstrate your attention to detail, enhance your hospitality, and make your guests feel valued.
These guest room decorating ideas will save you time and worry, as a little advance planning will keep you calm and collected when your guests arrive and throughout their stay. These tips will also help you style a room that can be used for a variety of purposes, increasing the functional value of your home.
Elements of a Comfortable and Stylish Guest Room
Making a cozy and inviting guest room requires a combination of thoughtful design, functional furnishings, and personal touches. Here are some of the best tips to help you get there.
Comfortable Bedding
We all enjoy getting away to a hotel and luxuriating in the soft, silky sheets. Invest in high-quality linens to give your guests the feeling of staying in a luxury hotel. Start with a comfortable mattress to provide the best foundation for a good night’s sleep. Layer it with soft, breathable sheets made of natural materials such as cotton or linen, which soften with each wash.
Add a plush duvet or comforter, as well as pillows of varying firmness, to accommodate every sleeping preference. If possible, keep an extra blanket and a few pillows stored in the room so that guests can find them without having to ask you. Style the bed with a few decorative pillows and a cozy throw draped across the bed.
Adequate Storage
Providing enough space for guests to store their belongings is critical for making them feel more at ease during their stay. The best storage options for guests are an empty dresser and a closet with hangers. Places for draping or folding clothes, like hooks or shelves, are always a good extra storage option.
It may be more difficult to ensure optimal storage if your guest room doubles as someone else’s permanent room. If this is the case with your guest room, you should consider a few storage options. Before the guests arrive, clean out a few drawers, free up some closet space, and add several hangers to accommodate their hanging clothes. You can also add a temporary piece of furniture for storage, such as something in the closet or at the end of the bed, to increase storage capacity in the room.
Multiple Options for Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for designing a versatile and inviting guest room. Providing a mix of lighting options is the most effective way to cater to the different needs and activities of your guests. Bedside lamps are an essential component of a comfortable guest room because they provide light for reading or soft lighting for the entire room.
Overhead lighting creates ambient lighting for all activities and can elevate the aesthetics of the room. Consider adding dimmers so that guests can adjust the amount of light based on their activities, preferences, and lighting requirements throughout the day.
Adjustable Window Coverings
Not all of your guests will have the same needs and preferences for light and privacy, so including adjustable window covering options will provide flexibility. For example, some guests prefer complete darkness when sleeping, so adding blackout curtains or blinds will help them get a better night’s sleep. Layering blackout curtains with lighter curtains or shades will make other guests more comfortable by providing the option to let in more light.
Essential Amenities
Stocking the guest room with essential care items is a thoughtful way to show your hospitality. Fresh towels, an alarm clock, a hairdryer, robes, and basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, and soap will make your guests feel at home. Be sure to stock the bathroom with ample toilet paper before your guests arrive. You can also include a specialized basket if you know specific items that your guests might need, like writing paper, pens/pencils, games, small craft items, and books.
Technology
Modern guests like having access to technology, which can help them feel more comfortable and relax better in your home. Ensure that the guest room has a reliable wi-fi connection and password.
Consider adding a smart TV so that guests can unwind by streaming their favorite shows. A docking station helps them keep their phones and computers charged. Some guests benefit from a sound machine, which allows them to sleep better in their new surroundings.
Area Rug
Although it is not a must, a rug adds coziness and character to any space, including a guest room. This is especially true if you have hard floors, but a rug will also enhance rooms with carpet.
Whether you choose a bold patterned rug or something neutral and versatile, any rug will improve the style of the room and make it feel more complete. A well-chosen rug will provide guests with a plush landing when they get out of bed while also tying disparate decor elements together. It will also help to reduce noise, resulting in a quieter and more relaxing environment for guests and homeowners.
Sitting Space
Add a snug seating area if your room has extra space. This will significantly improve the functionality and comfort of the room. It gives guests a place to go during the day to read, relax, or enjoy a quiet cup of tea without feeling like they are invading your space.
Pair any seating with adequate side tables to allow guests to easily access books, drinks, and other personal items. Place a shelf or storage container near the seating area stocked with books, puzzles, and games for guests to enjoy during their stay.
Workspace
Including a small workspace in the room is a thoughtful guest room addition, especially for long-term guests. A small desk with a chair and an outlet gives guests a designated space for writing, using a laptop, or studying. If you add a mirror above the desk, this space can double as a vanity for guests to prepare themselves for the day.
Temperature Control
Ensuring the guests can control the temperature in their room will allow them to rest and relax better. Even if the room does not have its own temperature control, you can equip the room with a fan, heater, or small air conditioner so that guests can adjust the temperature to their liking. Always ensure that the room is well-ventilated and consider adding extra blankets or lightweight throws that your guests can use as needed.
Refreshments
Setting up a small refreshment station will give your guests a convenient place to satisfy their cravings without having to bother you or be embarrassed about searching around your kitchen.
Equip your refreshment station with a small electric kettle, a variety of teas and coffees, mugs, and a small tray. A mini-fridge filled with drinks and fruit is a pleasant surprise for guests. Even if you do not have a refrigerator, you can put together a basket or cart with small, non-perishable snacks and fresh fruit. Include small napkins and plates so that guests can eat without creating a mess.
Fresh Greenery
Adding greenery to your space, such as houseplants or freshly cut flowers, will make your guests feel especially welcome. Greenery’s organic aesthetic blends well with any type of decor and gives the area more vitality and vibrancy.
Place flowers and greenery in areas where your guests can enjoy them while not interfering with their movement or space in the room. Opt for low-maintenance plants if you decide to go this route. Consider succulents, snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies, all of which are suitable for guest rooms.
Pro Tips for Ensuring Your Guest Room is Comfortable
Making sure that your guests are always comfortable in your guest room involves proactive steps and attentiveness.
Sleep in the Room Yourself
Spend the night in your guest space before you open it to guests. This will provide you with instant feedback about the comfort of the bed, the lighting, the furniture, or the temperature, so that you can make the necessary adjustments.
Request Preferences in Advance
Before your guests arrive, inquire if they have any special needs or preferences that you can meet, such as dietary restrictions, allergies, work requirements, or light and noise sleeping preferences. When possible, customize the snacks, window coverings, furniture, and bedding to meet your guests’ needs.
Observe and Adjust
Pay attention to your guests’ behavior and comments. Ask them if there is anything you can do to make them more comfortable, and make any necessary adjustments in real time.
Request Feedback and Make Improvements
Encourage your guests to give you honest feedback about their stay. Make sure they understand that providing honest feedback will assist you in making changes to your room to make it more comfortable. Make any changes to your guest room based on the information provided. Even minor changes based on guest information can increase the comfort level of future guests.
