Welcoming Guest Bedroom Ideas

Platform beds offer a sleek design that works with any decor style while maximizing space. The box-like frame gives the mattress just enough lift off the floor, and the footboard-free design lets sleepers stretch out without feeling closed in. Using a platform bed is a great way to make your guest bedroom feel open and spacious, and if your guest room is small, consider a platform bed with built-in drawers for extra storage. This will allow your guests with plenty of room to store their clothes, even in a smaller space.

Your guest room’s bedding should be comfortable, functional, and easy to style. Choosing to layer bedding gives your guests the freedom to create their own comfort, whether they’re likely to kick off the covers or pile on the throws. When choosing bedding, the four most comfortable essentials are: high thread count sheets, a bedspread, a duvet, and at least one throw. Choose a quilted bedspread to define your bed’s style, a down or down alternative duvet for unbeatable warmth, and a knit or fleece throw. Opt for neutrals, cool colors, or whites to set a relaxing tone.

A mattress pad is your best bet when you want to amp up comfort without replacing your guest mattress. It’s also a smart way to protect your mattress from spills and other damage, especially if you host visitors often. Choose a waterproof mattress pad with a pillowtop for universal comfort. If you live somewhere with chilly temperatures year-round, a down alternative mattress pad will add to your guest bed’s warmth.

Not too firm, but not too soft, the right pillows are part of the bedding formula that will make your guest bed feel just right to anyone you host. Look for a medium-firm pillow with hypoallergenic filling such as cotton or down alternative. The moldable filling ensures that your guests can comfortably arrange their pillows to accommodate how they sleep while the right firmness guarantees universal head and neck support.

Hooks offer an obvious storage solution as soon as your guests enter their room. Taking a few seconds to toss a hat or coat on a hook is an easy way to prevent clutter while keeping the important things accessible. Hang a few sturdy hooks in your guest room to catch towels, coats, or bags. Try no-damage wall hooks that don’t require any hammering or drilling, or choose statement hooks to add to your guest room’s decor.

Organize your guest room closet so your guests can have space to put things away and settle in. A hanging closet organizer works great for shoe storage and effectively takes the place of a dresser if your guest room doesn’t have space for one. If your guest room doesn’t have a closet, don’t fret! A hall closet will serve your guests well — just show them where it is and let them know they’re welcome to use it.

Make sure your guest room is equipped with a nightstand so visitors can keep necessities close at hand. A nightstand with a drawer gives them a convenient place to store eyeglasses or a favorite book. Equip your guest room nightstand with a lamp, a clock, some reading material, bottled water, and a houseplant or fresh flowers.

Double up on storage and seating with a storage bench that offers shelves or drawers. Even if your travelers already have plenty of places to store clothes, a storage bench offers room to tuck away extra bedding, blankets, toiletries, and books. Make a storage bench with drawers extra user friendly by labeling each drawer.

There’s something about books that makes a room feel warm and thoughtful, especially to a guest getting comfortable away from home. Whether it’s your favorite classics or fashion magazines, any reading material makes a welcome statement on a nightstand or a bookshelf. Reading material is also a great opportunity to show off what your town or city has to offer. Play the tour guide and provide local magazines that put a spotlight on community events, nearby sightseeing, and great places to eat.

Keeping your guest room stocked with fluffy, clean towels saves your guests from having to search for them. Leave a set of at least two bath towels, one hand towel, and one washcloth per guest in the room. Keep in mind that white cotton towels are a comfortable and low-maintenance choice since they’re easy to care for and stay soft for a long time.

There’s nothing cozier than sipping on a great cup of coffee or tea while on vacation. Give your company their own in-room coffee station so they can treat themselves to a java jolt or some soothing tea whenever they want. Keep things simple with a single-serve coffee maker and a variety of coffee and tea on the nightstand, or go cafè-style with an electric kettle and French press. To learn more about crafting the perfect coffee station, read our Home Coffee Bar guide.

Everyone forgets a toothbrush or shampoo now and then. Keeping a well-stocked toiletry basket or drawer is helpful for guests who have forgotten some travel basics and saves them a trip to the store. Travel-sized shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss are all handy toiletries to keep in your guest room, and they aren’t expensive to restock.