When preparing a guest bedroom for visitors, particularly if they have travelled a long way, I often think of what they might appreciate if they were staying at a nice hotel. Of course, most of us visit with friends and family because we want to spend time with the people we know and love, rather than expecting to have a deluxe vacation experience! However, our visitors’ time with us can be even more enjoyable if their accommodation is both welcoming and comfortable. Below are 10 ideas to create a guest bedroom that your guests will never want to leave (lol)!
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1. A Clean and Uncluttered Room
No matter how large or small your guest room, a clean and clutter-free space, with comfortable and freshly-laundered bedding is a signal to visitors that they are welcome, and that you have prepared for their stay. If there is a designated bathroom for guests to use, that too should be clean, tidy, and stocked with bathroom essentials. Uncluttered doesn't necessarily mean 'devoid of decor'! You can always take away items of decor if extra space is needed.
2. A Comfortable Bed
There are a lot of individual elements that contribute to a luxury ‘hotel’ room experience. It may not be possible to duplicate the luxe, but it is possible to equip your guest room bed with a supportive mattress, at an affordable price. The mattress on this bed is from Wayfair. These are so comfortable that we got one for our master bedroom as well. Read about the bedding elements of our master bedroom here.
3. Beautifully Layered Bedding
There is nothing that signals comfort more than a beautifully styled bed with coordinating linens, quilt, and duvet. Layers of bedding allow your guests to control and adjust their sleeping temperature by using some or all of the bedding layers. Depending on the time of year, your visitors may also appreciate a cozy blanket. Throw pillows add extra warmth and visual interest to the room.
Product Sources: 400 TC Sateen Sheet Set | Pottery Barn Light Brown Floral Stitch Tencel Quilt (eBay Search Results) | Beige Floral 100% Cotton Duvet Cover Set | Pinzon Down-Alternative Duvet Insert | Cotton Euro Sham Covers (Khaki) | Euro Pillow Inserts (size is 28" x 28"); Chenille Throw Pillow Cover (Set of Two) 20" x 20" ('Light Gold' color shown is no longer available. Good alternatives are 'Gold' and 'Wheat') | Down-Alternative Pillow Insert (sold individually) 21" x 21" | Charcoal Lumbar Pillow Cover (14" x 24").
4. Closet and Storage Space
Your guests will appreciate having somewhere to hang or store their clothes and other belongings. If possible, set aside a closet, or drawer space, (ideally both) in their designated room. Depending on the length of their stay, and time of year, they may have extra clothing and accessories that may need to be accommodated.
Product Sources: Dresser in photo originally from Wayfair - Similar Dresser | Accent Armchair | Cream Chenille Throw Blanket | Traditional Mercury Glass Table Lamp | Faux Shagreen Tray (champagne) | LED Candles.
5. Nightstands and Accent Chairs
Space permitting, consider placing a nightstand or small table on each side of the bed. This allows your guests to have their cellphones, water, and any other necessities within easy reach. An accent chair, with a cozy pillow and throw blanket gives your guests their own space to relax and unwind, or to enjoy a snack!
6. A Place to Read or Work
If there is extra room, then adding a small desk, with a chair on one side (instead of a nightstand) would allow your guests to have a comfortable and private space to catch up on messages, read a book, or make video calls if necessary!
Product Sources: Vintage Writing Desk - Similar Desk | Ethan Allen Chair - Similar Chair | Crystal Stacked-ball Lamp - Similar Lamp from Target | Mirrored Gold Tray.
7. Reading Materials and Area Information
Your guests may really appreciate some reading material, whether it be books or magazines. Also, if they are keen to visit local attractions or the best places to eat nearby, a few leaflets and brochures about local events and amenities may help them to plan their time during their stay. I place a few books (by my favorite author) on the nightstand or desk, and up-to-date area/restaurant information in a drawer.
Product Sources: Worldly Goods by Andy Bracken | The Cut by Andy Bracken | A Different Mix by Andy Bracken.
8. Lighting
Consider having a small table lamp or task light on each side of the bed. This is not only practical, but adds to the aesthetics of your guest room. If you have an accent chair in one corner of the room, a third table lamp or a floor lamp would give your guests a few more options for relaxing in their own private space. If your location has frequent power outages (like ours), then consider adding a couple of LED candles (and candleholders) on the dresser or nightstand.
Product Sources: Oversized Mirror - Similar Mirror | Similar Smaller Mirror | Traditional Mercury Glass Table Lamp | Faux Shagreen Tray (champagne) | LED Candles.
9. The Guest Bathroom
Your guests should have a designated bathroom that they can use, whether it be an adjoining bathroom, or shared with members of the family. Wherever the guest bedroom is located, guests would greatly appreciate a few toiletries and bathroom accessories that are set aside for their personal use. Before guests arrive, I stock their bathroom with liquid bath soap and hand soap; new toothbrushes; toothpaste; dental floss; mouthwash; toilet tissue; facial tissue; and a hairdryer. This may sound a little over-the-top, but it is far better to be prepared ahead of time rather than have to go on a grocery run immediately after your guests arrive!
10. Guest Towels and Laundry
I set aside at least two bath towels and two hand towels per guest, and let them know where to find more towels if needed. Another small but important detail is to let your visitors know where to place/hang their damp/soiled towels. If your guests are coming for longer than a weekend visit, they will most likely want to launder their clothes during their stay. I always let our guests know (ahead of time) that they are welcome to use our washer and dryer during their stay. A laundry hamper or bag (somewhere nearby) is also a great idea to keep their space clean and comfortable.
Final Touches
Sometimes the things that one remembers about a wonderful visit with friends and family are the little touches, such as finding bottles of water and a beautiful bowl filled with delicious chocolates in your room! Oh, and let’s not forget a welcome note with the your home wi-fi address.
Product Sources: Ivory Faux Shagreen Tray | Similar Tray in Gray Faux Calfskin | White Chocolates | White Ceramic Cherub Trinket Dish - Similar Cherub Trinket Dish | Similar Cherub Trinket Dish on Pedestal.
Plush Turkish Towels
Have you ever been to a nice hotel and been disappointed by the quality of their towels? Strangely, I tend to remember that kind of detail (lol!). So, I like our guests to have the same incredibly soft and plush towels (mine are from Frontgate) that I have in my master bathroom. I usually place these in the guest bedroom closet or in our hallway closet. However, if space is tight, you can also place towels in a wicker basket (as shown) or on a towel rack in the bathroom.
Product Sources: Turkish Towels - colors are Ivory and Linen | Basket shown in photo (sold out) - Similar Wicker Basket.
Tea for Two
Delight your guests one morning during their stay with a tray of hot tea for two! It's guaranteed to please and it may be that 'one' thing that they remember from their visit with you!
Product Sources: Country Vine Teapot | Country Vine Tea Cup and Saucers (eBay Search Results) | Pretty Tea Set in Autumn Colors | Typhoo Tea Bags.
What Else?
Allergies - I am severely allergic to cat dander. I love cats, but I am unable to spend very much time in a home with even one resident cat. If you have a pet, you may want to find out whether your visitors suffer from allergies to pet dander. They may choose to stay at a nearby hotel (as I do) when visiting friends and family with pets. In general, it's a good idea to find out about any allergies ahead of time, and adjust your preparations accordingly.
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