How to Style a Guest Bedroom
Decorating Ideas for a Guest Bedroom: How to Style Your Space
Learn how to transform your guest bedroom into a welcoming oasis with our expert tips on guest room decor. Make your guests feel right at home with a stylish and guest room decor-ready space!
Let’s face it: when you have guests staying over, you want them to feel like they’ve checked into a five-star hotel (minus the minibar prices, of course). But creating the perfect guest bedroom isn’t just about throwing some clean sheets on the bed and calling it a day. Oh no, my friend! It’s about crafting a welcoming bedroom that whispers, “Relax, you’re on vacation,” even if your guests are just crashing for the weekend.
So, if your guest room is currently doubling as a home gym/office/storage unit for things you forgot you even owned, don’t panic! With a few clever tricks, you can transform that space into a guest-ready sanctuary. Let’s dive into the art of guest room decor and turn your spare room into a place where your guests might just “accidentally” extend their stay.
Step 1: The Bed – The Star of the Show
Let’s start with the most important element of any guest room: the bed. After all, you can have the world’s most charming decor, but if your bed feels like a medieval torture device, your guests won’t be eager to return. Here’s how to make sure your bed is as inviting as it is stylish.
Adding a full length mirror in the guest bedroom allows guests to check their outfits conveniently without having to go to another room.
Choose the Right Mattress: Comfort is King
Your guests won’t be dreaming sweet dreams on an ancient, sagging mattress that’s seen better days. Invest in a quality mattress that offers both support and comfort—think Goldilocks level: not too firm, not too soft, just right. If you’re not ready to splurge on a new mattress, a memory foam mattress topper can work wonders to add a plush layer of comfort. Incorporating thoughtful guest bedroom ideas, such as a comfortable mattress, can significantly enhance the overall guest experience.
Fun Fact: Did you know the concept of a guest bed dates back to Ancient Rome? Back then, it was more of a simple cot or mat. Imagine trying to explain memory foam to Julius Caesar!
Layer Up with Luxe Bedding
Now that you’ve got the mattress sorted, it’s time to dress it up! Crisp, clean sheets are a must, and don’t forget to layer with a cosy duvet, blankets, and a selection of pillows. These elements can enhance the overall look of the entire room, making it more inviting and comfortable. Offering a variety of pillow types—soft, medium, and firm—ensures that your guests can find their perfect match. Bonus points if you throw in a decorative pillow or two for that extra touch of style.
Pro Tip: White bedding not only looks fresh and clean, but it also gives off serious hotel vibes. Plus, it’s easier to bleach out any surprises left behind by overly enthusiastic coffee drinkers.
Step 2: Nightstands – The Silent Supporters
Every well-appointed guest bedroom needs nightstands or a side table. They’re not just for holding the occasional glass of water or midnight snack; they’re the unsung heroes of guest room decor.
Keep it Practical and Pretty
Your nightstands should be functional but also offer a bit of flair. A stylish lamp is a must for late-night reading or soft ambient lighting. If you really want to impress, add a few thoughtful touches like a small vase of fresh flowers, a stack of books or magazines, and a handy charging station for phones and gadgets. And don’t forget a coaster—no one wants to deal with water rings on your nice furniture!
Fun Fact: The first bedside table as we know it today didn’t become popular until the 19th century. Before that, people kept their bedtime essentials on small chairs or stools. Not exactly the height of convenience!
Step 3: Storage – Because Guests Come with Baggage
Your guests need ample storage space to stash their stuff, and a clutter-free room is key to creating a welcoming bedroom. Here’s how to ensure they have plenty of space to unpack.
Clear Out the Clutter
First things first—if your guest room has become the household dumping ground, it’s time for a clear-out. Make space in the closet and drawers for your guests to use. Even if they’re only staying a few nights, the option to unpack rather than live out of a suitcase is always appreciated. Clearing clutter is essential for creating a welcoming space that makes your guests feel comfortable and at home.
Provide Ample Storage Options
In addition to a closet, offer a luggage rack or bench where guests can easily access their suitcases. A few empty hangers in the closet and a couple of drawers free of your old tax returns are simple gestures that go a long way.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a lot of closet space, a set of attractive baskets or bins can work as temporary storage for your guests’ belongings.
Step 4: The Little Luxuries – Going the Extra Mile
It’s the little things that can take a guest room from basic to blissful. Here’s how to add those extra touches that make your guests feel pampered.
Don't forget to provide essential amenities in the guest bathroom, such as fresh towels and toiletries, to enhance the overall hospitality of the space.
Create a Welcome Basket
A small basket filled with goodies like snacks, bottled water, travel-sized toiletries, and a handwritten note welcoming your overnight guests can make them feel right at home. It’s like your guest room equivalent of a mint on the pillow!
Don’t Forget the Essentials
Think about what your guests might need during their stay and make sure it’s easily accessible. This includes extra towels, an extra blanket, a mirror, and a wastebasket. If you really want to go above and beyond, a robe and slippers in the closet will make your guests feel like they’re staying at a luxury resort.
Fun Fact: The tradition of offering hospitality to guests dates back to ancient Greece, where it was considered a sacred duty. Zeus himself was known as the god of hospitality—talk about pressure to get it right!
Step 5: Decorate with Personality – But Keep It Neutral
While it’s important for the guest room to feel stylish and cohesive with the rest of your home, it’s also crucial that it doesn’t feel too personal or overly decorated. You want your guests to feel comfortable, not like they’re sleeping in someone else’s bedroom. An interior designer can help create a stylish and cohesive guest bedroom by incorporating elements that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
Opt for a Calming Colour Palette
Guest room ideas often start with choosing a calming colour palette; neutral bedding colours like soft greys, blues, and whites create a soothing environment that appeals to most people. However, don’t be afraid to add a pop of colour or a bit of texture with throw pillows, blankets, or wall art.
Add a Touch of Art
A few pieces of wall art can really pull the room together. Choose something neutral or abstract that complements the decor without overwhelming the space. And remember, your art doesn’t have to be expensive—just something that adds to the room’s welcoming vibe, making it feel as inviting as your own bedroom.
Pro Tip: Plants are a great way to add life to the room. A small potted plant on the nightstand or a larger one in the corner can add a fresh, natural element to your guest-ready space. Learn more about bedroom plants in our blog.
Ready, Set, Guest!
Creating the perfect guest bedroom doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few thoughtful touches, some stylish decor, and a focus on comfort, you can transform your guest room into a welcoming retreat that will have your visitors feeling right at home.
And who knows? Your newly styled guest bedroom might just be the reason your guests keep coming back—or at least that’s what you’ll tell yourself when they show up with more luggage than expected!
So, get to work on that guest room decor, and remember: happy guests make for happy hosts. Cheers to creating a guest-ready space that’s as inviting as it is stylish!
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