How To Style Your Guest Room Like An Interior Designer
By Ana Zuravliova
Most of us have to play host from time to time, whether it’s a flying visit from an old friend or the in-laws who are staying for a few nights.
When our nearest and dearest make the effort to travel across the country to visit us, it’s nice to offer them a guest room that’s both snug and stylish, ensuring they get a great night’s sleep with all the comforts of home. Our interior design specialists have chipped in with their advice on styling your guest room. Read on to find out more!
The Bed
It goes without saying that your guest bed should be comfortable – but that doesn’t mean investing in a brand new mattress. A quality mattress topper and a few extra cushions can instantly make the bed feel softer and more inviting. Refresh the space with bed linen in gentle cream or warm beige tones to create a relaxed, understated look that feels both elegant and welcoming. Layer in a subtly patterned throw or decorative cushions to add depth and personality while keeping the palette calm and cohesive. Complete the freshly made bed with clean towels and a small chocolate or mint on the pillow for a thoughtful, hotel-style touch, and consider a bedside water carafe and charging point to make your guests feel truly at home.
The Accessories
While a high quality and comfortable bed is important, it’s the little personal touches that make a guest room extra special. Preparing this space for your guests can be lots of fun, especially when you incorporate your favourite colours, styles and accessories. Bring colour and interest to the guest room with fresh flowers, candles and artwork. Soft furnishings like throws, rugs and curtains are also a great way to inject more colour and pattern to the space. Layering different textures—like velvet cushions, a wool throw, and a jute rug—adds warmth and depth.
The Storage
Provide your guests with a place to put their bags and suitcase, whether that’s space under the bed or a bench in the corner. Try to keep all surfaces minimal, allowing your visitors to place their own belongings without having to contend with clutter. The bedside tables in particular should be kept clear, only requiring a lamp, a clock and perhaps a little tray for their jewellery or medication. If your guest room has a wardrobe and a set of drawers, leave space with a few spare hangers so your guests can store items neatly.
The Lighting
One of the most irritating features in hotel rooms is poorly considered lighting, so be sure to remember this when styling up your guest room. Place lamps on each side of the bed and include additional lights on any desk or dressing table space. Consider adjustable wall-mounted reading lights, dimmers, or a nightlight for convenience. If your window dressings are sheer, install a new blind to ensure your guests aren’t rudely awakened. Blackout lining will block out all natural light, ideal for visitors who enjoy a lie in! Finally, check if your bulbs offer sufficient light and don’t forget to dust around the shades.
The Armchair
If space allows, add a comfortable armchair to your guest room. Your visitors shouldn’t have to sit at the end of the bed if they want to read or check emails. Choose an armchair that complements the room’s colors but stands out as a feature, like a velvet wingback or patterned slipper chair. Place a small table or console beside it, complete with a light source and a lovely scented candle. This cosy corner adds another dimension to the room and is sure to make your guests feel more at home.
The Must-Haves
Complete your guest room with the necessities that make your guests feel more relaxed and independent (so they don’t feel like they have to pester you!) A spare set of house keys will allow them to come and go as they please, especially if they’re staying for an extended amount of time. Be sure to leave your wifi password and alarm code on the bedside table, along with a bottle of water and a pen and paper. You could also splash out by treating your guests to mini toiletries – the most luxurious brands offer miniatures at affordable prices. Finally, provide your guests with an extra blanket, a hairdryer and a book to read or a stack of magazines.
The Decor
Finally, give your guest room a few extra flourishes that’ll make your visitors feel extra special. A bunch of flowers and charming ornaments will create a warm and welcoming ambience, while twinkling fairy lights around the headboard will feel magical. This is the perfect opportunity to treat your visitors, too; place a couple of little gifts on the bed to surprise them when they arrive. Your guests will feel so comfortable and spoiled, they might never want to leave!
Extra Tips for Small or Multi-Purpose Rooms
If your guest room is small, use vertical storage and wall-mounted lighting to save floor space. Consider a daybed or fold-out sofa that doubles as seating during the day. Multi-purpose furniture, like a bench with hidden storage or a slim desk, can help the room serve as an office or craft space when not hosting visitors.
Rotate seasonal decor to keep the space fresh: lightweight linens and pastel cushions in spring/summer, cozier throws and warmer colors in fall/winter.
Will you be giving your guest room a last minute refresh before visitors arrive? Be sure to explore our full collection of blinds, curtains and curtain poles to create the perfect window display.
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