8 Tips for Creating a Welcoming Guest Bedroom

It’s that time of year already when we’re starting to make plans for the holidays. There’s a good chance we’ll be hosting family this year, so I decided it was time to make our guest room a little more guest-friendly. If you’re expecting guests as well, I’ve got some simple updates you can make now that will make a big impression on your guests when they arrive!

1. Evaluate your furnishings

It may be time to invest in a couple of key bedroom furniture pieces that will make all the difference in the room. For instance, the bed in our guest bedroom previously lacked a headboard. Adding this gorgeous Skyline upholstered headboard instantly transformed the room and was an affordable alternative to buying a full bed.

2. Update the bedding

All you may need is a fresh comforter and some accent pillows to make your guest room feel brand new. By replacing our old bedding with a lightweight coverlet and botanical comforter in green and apricot, I created an entirely new color palette for the room. A few pretty accent pillows further enhanced the palette.

3.  Make some space

A dresser in the guest room with the top drawers left empty and some hangers in the closet go a long way in helping guests settle in. I used these under-the-bed canvas storage boxes to clear away clutter and leave some room in the drawers for guests!

4. Provide a place to sit

This tasteful, tufted bench from Belham Living provides guests with a place to prop open their suitcase or put on their shoes comfortably. It’s an affordable alternative to a chair and a space-saver as well.

5. Make extra blankets, pillows, and towels accessible

I created additional storage space under the bench by stowing two of these Colonial Mills baskets underneath to hold extra towels and blankets for guests, so they have plenty on hand without having to ask.

6. Create a functional bedside table

A lovely bedside lamp for reading, an alarm clock, and a water carafe are all you need.

7. Soften their step (out of bed!)

Our guest bedroom has wood floors, which aren’t the softest thing underfoot when getting out of bed.Rather than invest in a large rug to fit under the entire bed, a few ultra-plush sheepskin rugs or 2 x 3 ft. dhurries can do the trick. It’s easy to add another pop of color and pattern to the room with rugs, such as this cheerful coral flat-weave rug from Surya.

8. Add some extra-special touches

Making your guest bedroom boutique hotel-worthy is all about giving your guests a little something unexpected. Incorporate one or two of these ideas, and you’re sure to wow them!

• Fill a vase with fresh flowers or greenery clipped from your yard.
• Hang a plush robe on the back of the door.
• Fill a basket with fresh fruit, water bottles, and snacks, so guests can treat themselves to a late-night snack in their room.
• Stock the room with some new reading material – novels, magazines, or guides for your city.

One warning – if you incorporate too many of these tips, your guests may not want to leave!

– Haeley Giambalvo, lifestyle blogger, Design Improvised and photos by Candice Stringham of handmademood.com.