Creating a comfortable and inviting guest bedroom is an essential part of being a good host. Whether you’re preparing for out-of-town family or friends, or you’re opening up your home to Airbnb guests, creating the perfect guest bedroom is an important step in ensuring a positive experience for your visitors.
A well-prepared guest bedroom goes beyond just providing a place for your guests to sleep. It’s about creating a comfortable and functional space where your guests can relax and feel at home. A thoughtful and well-designed guest bedroom can make a lasting impression and leave your guests feeling welcomed and appreciated.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a checklist of things to consider when creating the perfect guest bedroom. From comfortable bedding to extra toiletries, we’ll cover all the essentials to ensure your guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to update your existing guest bedroom, this checklist will help you create a space that your guests will love. So, let’s get started!
Comfortable bed and bedding
The most important part of any guest bedroom is the bed. You want to ensure that the bedding is comfortable and fresh. Consider using high-quality sheets, a comfortable mattress, and fluffy pillows.
Start with high-quality sheets made from natural fibers like cotton or linen. Look for sheets with a high thread count for a luxurious feel, and choose a colour and pattern that fits with the overall décor of the room. You may also want to consider investing in hypoallergenic bedding, especially if you have guests with allergies.
The mattress is another essential component of a comfortable guest bed. If your mattress is older or uncomfortable, it may be worth investing in a new one. Look for a medium-firm mattress that provides support for a variety of sleeping positions. If a new mattress is not in the budget, consider investing in a high-quality mattress topper to improve the comfort of the existing mattress.
Versatile setup
If you’re looking for a versatile setup that can accommodate a range of guests with different needs and preferences, consider investing in zip and link beds for your guest bedroom.
Zip and link beds are a type of bed that can be easily joined together or separated as needed. This means that you can create a larger bed for couples, or separate the beds into two single beds for friends or family members who prefer their own space.
This type of bed is particularly useful for hosting guests who may have different sleeping preferences. For example, some guests may prefer a firmer or softer mattress, while others may prefer a larger or smaller bed. With zip and link beds, you can easily cater to these different preferences and create a comfortable sleeping environment for all of your guests.
Ensure there is sufficient space for clothes
Providing enough storage space for your guests’ clothes is an essential part of creating a comfortable and functional guest bedroom. Many guests will appreciate having a place to hang their clothes and store their belongings, so it’s important to ensure that there is sufficient space for both.
A wardrobe or closet is an ideal place to hang clothes, and it can be a great addition to any guest bedroom. Look for a wardrobe with plenty of hanging space and enough room for longer items like coats and dresses. You may also want to provide a few extra hangers so that your guests can hang all of their clothes.
In addition to hanging space, your guests will also appreciate having a place to store smaller items like socks, underwear, and t-shirts. A chest of drawers or a set of shelves can be a great option for storing these items, and they can also provide additional surface area for displaying decorative items like plants or photographs.
It’s also important to consider the type of hangers you provide. Some guests may have expensive suits, dresses, or other delicate items that need to be hung on padded hangers to keep them flat and uncreased. It’s a thoughtful touch to provide a few padded hangers in the wardrobe to accommodate these items.
A place to sit a suitcase
Short-term guests often live out of their suitcase, so providing a designated spot for them to place their luggage can be a thoughtful touch. This can make it easier for your guests to access their belongings and keep them organised throughout their stay.
Ideally, the luggage storage area should be separate from the desk or any other work areas. This can help your guests to keep their work and personal items separate and avoid clutter. A small stand, stool, or purpose-built shelf can all work well as a luggage storage area, and can be easily tucked away in a corner of the room.
Setup a small desk and chair
Providing a small desk and chair in the guest bedroom can be a great way to make your guests’ stay more comfortable and functional. Many guests appreciate having a dedicated space to work, use their laptop, or simply sit and relax.
In addition to providing a functional workspace, a small desk and chair can also add to the overall aesthetic of the room. Look for options that complement the style and colour scheme of the guest bedroom, and that can be easily incorporated into the existing decor.
By setting up a small desk and chair, you can give your guests the option to work, write, or relax in the comfort of their own room. This can help to make their stay more enjoyable and productive, and can also help to create a welcoming and functional guest bedroom.
A mirror
Don’t forget a decent size mirror. Ideally you will be able to fit in a full length mirror so that your guests can check their outfits before heading out for the day. Another smaller mirror by the desk is also a good idea for those who wish to apply makeup.
A comfortable seat or seating area
In addition to the bed, it’s important to provide a comfortable seating area in the guest bedroom. This is especially important if your guests are staying for an extended period of time, or if they enjoy reading, working, or relaxing in a quiet space.
A comfortable seat or seating area can be as simple or elaborate as you like, depending on the space and your guests’ needs. Some options include a cozy armchair, a comfortable sofa, or a built-in window seat or reading nook.
When choosing a seat or seating area, consider the size of the room and the needs of your guests. For example, if the room is small, a comfortable armchair or a built-in nook might be a better choice than a large sofa. On the other hand, if the room is spacious and you’re hosting a family or group of friends, a sectional sofa or multiple armchairs might be a good option.
Plug sockets
Having a suitable number of plug sockets in the room is vital for 99% of guests. The location of the plug sockets is also an important factor. A dual socket with USB is a great idea by the bed as most people will want to charge their phones when they sleep.
Additional power sockets for hair dryers, laptops and other portable devices are essential. Make your guests feel comfortable by ensuring they have easy access to power sockets so they can charge their devices.
A bedside lamp
Always provide a bedside lamp which can easily be switched on and off in the dark. People may wish to read in bed and will want to be able to switch the lights out once their ready for some shut-eye.
A bedside lamp shouldn’t be to bright, but should provide enough light to sit and read a book. The switch should be easy to locate as your guests might need to get up on the night and without being familiar with the setup, can quickly find the switch.
Soft lighting is important in creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. A bedside lamp or dimmer switch can help guests adjust the lighting to their comfort level.
Provide spare pillows and blankets
Try and provide a couple of extra pillows of different firmness for your guests. Not everyone will like the same number of pillows and the same softness so by providing a couple of spare you give them the option for the most comfortable sleep.
Likewise, extra blankets will provide your guests the option for a warmer or cooler sleep. Try and provide a lightweight duvet and a heavier duvet. If you don’t want to leave these in the room then you can leave a note explaining that more options are available and they can ask.
Entertainment
TV and remote
Providing a TV is a great way to make your guests feel comfortable. Try and provide a smart TV with access to Netflix or other stream stations so that guests can log into their preferred channels. Check the remote is working and place it by the bed for easy access.
Radio
Some may prefect to listen to music when getting ready to go out or for a bit of ambiance. If you can provide a small radio with bluetooth connectivity then your guests can even play their own music. Your budget will dictate what you can provide but whatever you decide to get it’s a real nice touch.
Provide some reading material
A small selection of books is a great way to provide some additional entertainment for your guests. Pick up a selection from the local charity shop or place some of your favourites on a shelf for a nice little touch in the bedroom.
DVDs
Provide a small selection of DVDs / Blurays is a great little addition for your guests. You can normally grab plenty from the local charity shop for next to nothing.
Tea and coffee station
Tea and coffee are some of the most popular hot drinks in the world, and many people can’t start their day without a cup. Adding a tea and coffee station to your guest bedroom is a thoughtful touch that can make your guests feel right at home.
Consider adding a few extra touches to make your tea and coffee station feel special. A small vase of fresh flowers, a pretty tea towel, or a framed quote about coffee or tea can add a decorative touch to the space.
Toiletries
You never know what your guests may have forgotten so it’s a nice touch to provide a few essentials in the en-suite or bathroom. Stock the guest bedroom with extra toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Keep everything clean
It goes without saying everything should be clean and tidy for when your guests arrive. Clean bedding and towels should be provided for each new guest. the room should also be regularly vacuumed, swept, dusted and wiped down for any dust or anything else.
Keep the bedroom simple and stylish
To start, try not to overcrowd the room with too much furniture or personal belongings. Instead, opt for a simple layout that includes only the essentials, such as a bed, bedside table, and a small seating area. This can help to create a feeling of space and tranquility, which can be particularly important for guests who may be traveling and seeking a restful environment.
In terms of design, it can be helpful to stick to one theme or colour scheme throughout the room. This can help to create a cohesive and harmonious space that feels inviting and well put together.
When selecting decor items and accessories, it’s important to choose items that complement the overall theme and style of the room. This can help to create a sense of unity and purpose, and can prevent the room from feeling cluttered or disjointed.
By keeping the guest bedroom simple and stylish, you can create a space that is both comfortable and functional, and that feels welcoming to all of your guests. With a little bit of thought and planning, you can design a guest bedroom that meets all of your guests’ needs and makes them feel right at home.
Additional touches
If you want to really stand out from the rest, here are a few additional ideas that most guest will appreciate and feel special.
- Clock on the wall
- Radio/alarm clock next to the bed
- Bath robes
- Fresh flowers
- Stationary in the desk (pencils, pens, scissors and a note pad)
- Iron and ironing board
- Hairdryer
- Add a few plants for some natural colour
- Add a minibar, fridge and perhaps a small sink
Conclusion
In summary, creating a comfortable and welcoming guest bedroom is an important part of being a good host. By considering the needs of your guests and taking the time to design a functional and stylish space, you can ensure that your guests feel comfortable and at home during their stay.
Some key elements to consider when designing a guest bedroom include comfortable bedding, sufficient storage space, and functional furniture such as a small desk and chair. It’s also important to consider adding thoughtful touches such as a tea and coffee station, and to keep the room simple and stylish with a cohesive theme and design.
Remember that each guest is unique, and may have different needs and preferences. By taking the time to understand your guests and create a space that meets their individual needs, you can ensure that they have a comfortable and enjoyable stay in your home.
Overall, a well-designed guest bedroom is a great way to make your guests feel welcome and appreciated, and can help to create a positive and lasting impression. With a little bit of thought and effort, you can create the perfect guest bedroom that will leave your guests feeling relaxed, comfortable, and at home.