Staying in someone else’s home can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be for your guests. With a little foresight and planning, your spare room can be the ultimate overnight destination for family and friends. After all, it’s the little things that make a space feel like home.
Watch the video below and read on to discover our favorite guest room essentials.
Simple but significant, a bedroom bench as a suitcase stand makes a good first impression on guests. A designated area for luggage keeps it from cluttering the floor and bed, and provides easier access for guests to retrieve their belongings.
Who doesn’t love a complimentary magazine and a few light snacks? Even in the midst of a festive weekend away, it’s important for guests to take some me-time and recharge. Providing reading materials or a book of mind puzzles encourages guests to unplug as well.
Help guests keep their clothes fresh and wrinkle-free by providing closet space or a free-standing clothes rack. A nice set of wooden hangers won’t ruin the room’s aesthetic and will keep your space looking classy.
Provide guests with easy access to your WiFi login and any other instructions regarding electronics in the room. The fewer questions guests have, the more at home they’ll feel upon arrival.
Predicting guests’ needs well in advance is always a welcomed surprise. Set out a water carafe with drinking glasses on the nightstand, so guests won’t need to visit the kitchen late at night or first thing in the morning.
Colored bath towels are a thoughtful way to help guests keep track of who’s using which towel. Set out one towel per guest, plus one extra in case it’s needed. Spare wall hooks encourage guests to dry and reuse towels, which means less laundry for you, too.
Treat your guests to some five-star treatment by providing a robe and slippers. It’s a simple gesture that feels especially luxurious and provides some extra comfort in an unfamiliar space.
It’s hard to predict guests’ ideal sleeping temperature, so extra blankets are a must. Dress the bed in relatively light-weight linens and provide plush throws on the side. Keep spare blankets and pillows tucked away in a storage ottoman or go chic with a leaning ladder.
Overhead lighting can be too harsh at night for guests who want to read or spend some time winding down. Set a small table lamp on the nightstand or, if you’re short on surface space, install a wall lamp instead.
Guests always appreciate a full-length mirror, especially if your home is short on bathroom space. Hang it next to a dresser or desk, so guests have space to set their items while getting ready for the day.
Blackout curtains in your guest bedroom can help guests get a little extra rest by blocking out bright sunlight in the morning. Plus they provide an extra sense of privacy and keep the room cozy.
Remember: Your guest room should make visitors, friends, and family feel at home. As long as you think about your own needs and the items you use every day, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space your guests will love.
