Look, I get it. Your guest bedroom probably looks like a storage unit right now—random furniture, maybe a yoga mat shoved in the corner, and that weird lamp you didn’t know where else to put. But here’s the thing: your guests deserve better than sleeping in what feels like a college dorm room 🙂
I’ve hosted more friends and family than I can count, and trust me, transforming a guest room from “meh” to “wow” isn’t rocket science. It just takes some smart choices and a bit of effort. Let’s turn that neglected space into somewhere people actually want to stay.
Create a Hotel-Worthy Bed Experience
What distinguishes a guest room that is forgotten from one that is praised? The bed. Really, if your guests wake up with a backache, everything else is just window dressing.
Start with high-quality bedding that has an upscale feel without going over budget. I’m talking several pillow options, a fluffy duvet, and sheets with a high thread count. While some people prefer to sink into a cloud, others adore firm pillows. Why not provide both?
Layer your bedding like you mean it. A fitted sheet, a top sheet (yes, some of us still use them), a comforter, and a throw blanket at the foot of the bed. This isn’t just about aesthetics—different guests have different temperature preferences, and layers let them customize their comfort.
Add a Pop of Color Without Going Overboard
Here’s where people usually mess up: they either go completely neutral and boring, or they paint the walls neon green and wonder why guests look uncomfortable.
Look for a well-balanced color palette that is inviting without being overpowering. Personally, I like colors that soothe you after a long day, like sage greens, warm grays, or gentle blues. Use throw pillows, artwork, or a soft rug to add splashes of color.
Want to know a secret? Accent walls aren’t dead. One wall in a slightly bolder shade can add character without making the room feel busy. Just keep the other three walls neutral, and you’re golden.
Invest in Blackout Curtains (Your Guests Will Thank You)
Ever stayed somewhere where the sun blasts through the windows at 6 AM like it’s personally angry at you? Yeah, don’t be that host.
I don’t think blackout curtains can be negotiated. Whether they are early risers who prefer darkness at 9 PM or night owls who sleep until noon, they allow visitors to customize their sleeping environment. They also provide a level of privacy that sheer curtains simply cannot match.
Layer them with sheers if you want flexibility. That way, guests can have soft natural light during the day and complete darkness when they need it.
Don’t Skip the Nightstand Essentials
You’d be shocked to learn how many guest rooms only have a bed and nothing else nearby. At two in the morning, where are your guests expected to put their glasses, phone, or that glass of water?
If at all possible, place working nightstands on either side of the bed. Every one ought to possess:
- A lamp with a working bulb (check it!)
- A phone charging station or outlet nearby
- A small tray for jewelry or watches
- Maybe a book or magazine for late-night reading
FYI, a simple coaster shows you’ve thought about the details, and trust me, details matter.
Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Not every guest bedroom has space for this, but if yours does? Game changer.
A cozy chair in a well-lit corner turns the space from a place to sleep into a true haven. With the addition of a throw blanket and a small side table, you’ve created a place where visitors can unwind without spending their entire day sitting on the bed.
I threw in an oversized chair from a thrift store in my guest room, and guests constantly tell me it’s their favorite feature. Sometimes the simplest additions make the biggest impact.
Light It Right with Layered Lighting
Just the overhead lighting transforms any space into a doctor’s office. Layers of light are necessary to create atmosphere.
Combine three types:
- Ambient lighting (ceiling fixture or chandelier)
- Task lighting (bedside lamps for reading)
- Accent lighting (maybe a string of fairy lights or a small decorative lamp)
Here, dimmer switches are crucial. They allow visitors to set the mood for whatever they’re doing—dark for relaxing, bright for getting ready.
Add Personal Touches Without Getting Creepy
The goal is to create a thoughtful space that doesn’t feel like a shrine to your visitor. Some hosts overdo the personalization, which is really a bit much.
Simple personal touches work best:
- Fresh flowers in a simple vase
- A handwritten welcome note
- A small basket with local treats or snacks
- Information about WiFi passwords and house basics
Keep it helpful, not hovering. Your guests want to feel welcome, not watched.
Declutter Like Your Life Depends On It
A guest room full of your excess clutter is the epitome of “we don’t actually care.” Using the guest room as storage in between visits is something I’ve done myself. However, the truth is that comfort is killed by clutter.
Clear out everything that doesn’t serve your guest. That means no boxes of holiday decorations, no random sports equipment, no piles of clothes you’re “definitely going to donate someday.” Give them clean closet space and empty drawers they can actually use.
| Area | What to Clear | What to Keep |
|---|---|---|
| Closet | Personal storage, off-season clothes | Empty hangers, extra blankets |
| Drawers | Random household items | Nothing (leave them empty!) |
Stock a Guest Essentials Basket
You know what guests always forget? Everything. Toothpaste, phone chargers, hair ties—you name it, someone’s forgotten it.
Create a guest essentials basket stocked with:
- Travel-sized toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo)
- Phone charging cables (multiple types)
- Pain relievers and basic first aid
- Hair ties, bobby pins, and basic grooming items
- Snacks and bottled water
This one basket will make you look like a hospitality genius, and it costs maybe $30 to put together.
Bring in Fresh Scents (But Keep It Subtle)
The power of scent to affect our emotions in a space is incredible. The problem is that overpowering scents are worse than none at all. A room that smells like a Bath & Body Works explosion is not a good place to sleep.
I’m a fan of subtle approaches: a small diffuser with essential oils, fresh flowers, or even just keeping the room well-aired. Lavender, vanilla, or eucalyptus are safe bets that most people find relaxing. Just keep it light.
And for the love of all that’s holy, make sure the room doesn’t smell musty. Air it out before guests arrive.
Provide Entertainment Options
Not everyone wants to be social 24/7 when they’re visiting. Sometimes your guests need downtime, and you need to make that comfortable.
Set up some low-key entertainment:
- A smart TV with streaming services logged in
- Books and magazines that aren’t from 1987
- A bluetooth speaker for music
- Maybe a board game or playing cards
Giving them choices to unwind on their own terms—whether that means reading quietly or binge-watching Netflix—is the aim.
Add Texture with Throws and Pillows
Here’s where you can use your imagination without breaking the bank. A room with layered textures feels designed rather than merely “furnished.”
Mix different materials: a chunky knit throw, velvet pillows, linen curtains, a jute rug. The variety creates visual interest and makes the space feel intentionally curated. Plus, different textures literally feel cozier, which is the whole point.
Don’t match everything perfectly. A little eclectic mix feels more authentic and welcoming than a room that looks like it came straight from a catalog.
Include a Full-Length Mirror
Ever gotten dressed in a room without a mirror? It’s annoying as hell.
Whether it is free-standing or wall-mounted, a full-length mirror is necessary. Before leaving for dinner, your guests should be able to see their entire ensemble, and squinting into a small bathroom mirror is not acceptable.
Bonus: mirrors make rooms feel larger and reflect light, which helps if your guest room is on the smaller side.
Set Up a Small Workspace
We’ve all learned that after 2020, people may need to work remotely. Even if your guest is just here for a short visit, they may need to make a quick phone call or check their emails.
A simple desk setup doesn’t have to be elaborate:
- A small desk or sturdy table
- A comfortable chair
- Good task lighting
- Accessible outlets for laptops
This shows you understand modern travel realities. Your guests might never use it, but they’ll appreciate that you thought of it.
Keep the Temperature Comfortable
Temperature control might seem basic, but it’s shocking how many guest rooms turn into saunas or ice boxes.
Show your guests how to operate the thermostat if the room has one. If not, supply extra blankets for cold nights and a fan for warm ones. You never know what someone’s preferred temperature is, so I keep both in my guest room all year long.
A small thing like temperature control can be the difference between a great night’s sleep and tossing and turning all night.
Make the Space Feel Spacious
Even if your guest bedroom is small, you can make it feel more open with smart choices.
Space-maximizing tips:
- Mount things on walls (shelves, hooks) instead of using floor space
- Choose furniture with legs so you can see underneath
- Keep the color palette light and airy
- Use mirrors strategically to reflect light
- Don’t overcrowd with furniture—less is more
A cramped room feels unwelcoming no matter how nicely it’s decorated. Give your guests room to breathe, literally.
Bring Life with Plants
I firmly believe that plants improve everything. A few low-maintenance plants immediately give a space a sense of vitality and freshness.
I really think that everything is better with plants. A few low-maintenance plants instantly add vitality and freshness to a room.
Just avoid anything too fragrant or with pollen that might trigger allergies. Keep it simple.
You don’t need a lot of money or a degree in interior design to transform your guest bedroom. All it takes is a little consideration and knowledge of what makes a space truly cozy. Prioritize restful sleep, useful conveniences, and small gestures of concern.
Your guests won’t remember every detail, but they’ll remember how the room made them feel. And when they’re texting you months later asking when they can visit again? You’ll know you nailed it.