Having a dedicated guest bedroom is a big milestone after years of offering up the couch or surrendering your own bed to friends and family looking to crash.
But there’s more to guest bedrooms than the luxury of four walls and a door.
To really elevate your home design and ensure you become a five-star host, you’ll want to make sure your spare room maintains a luxurious vibe. With a little intention, time and effort you can turn your guest room into a welcoming, cosy showstopper that makes your guests feel spoiled.
Here are some expert-approved design tips to transform your guest room from spare to spectacular.
Comfortable bedding
A comfortable bed is the foundation for any luxe guest room. But as our spare rooms are more likely to be a bit smaller than other rooms in your home, it’s essential that you think critically about what bed size will be best suited to the space as well as your expected guests.
Beds
Sofa beds are getting increasingly popular for guest bedrooms, namely because you can switch easily between either option and keep your spare room versatile. But even if your space is small, you can still create a luxurious and adaptable guest bedroom by using a single mattress on a day bed.
Similarly to sofa beds, you can style your day bed as either a single-sized bed or a wide, cosy couch with plenty of cushions and throws. That, and you can swap out the sheets on a single mattress, whereas sofa beds will likely need to be steam cleaned in order for a freshening up.
Not a fan of day beds? Then there are always Murphy beds as well! Yes, Murphy beds can be seen as out of fashion but you can find designs that are both stylish and comfortable making them a great solution for those with little space to play with. For example some feature designs that when closed resemble chic armoires. When unfolded, the delicate floral wallpaper lining the back adds a special touch, transforming the space into a welcoming retreat for guests.
Linen and pillows
It’s important to consider that what feels like a warm room to one person can feel like Antarctica to another. Since everyone’s body temperature is different, it’s important to have multiple layers available so guests can adjust as needed.
For the bed include a top sheet, duvet, and throw blanket. Offer pillows in two firmness levels one firm and one softer and more sinkable. While you’re not running a hotel it’s always nice to give your guests a bit of variety to make them feel more at home.
Whatever size bed you choose for your space overload it with plush pillows and lush linen to add extra comfort and make the room feel inviting.
Multifunctional furniture
When designing a spare room it’s important to consider how the space can serve multiple purposes. Opting for pieces that can transition between guest and everyday use ensures your space remains practical and stylish throughout the year.
Seating
If you have a bit of extra space in your guest bedroom adding additional seating can really enhance the room. This could be as simple as two vintage chairs or a small two-seater couch adding both comfort and style to the room.
A small seating area helps create that ‘home away from home’ atmosphere, giving guests a sense of ownership over the room. By doing this they won’t feel like they’re intruding on common areas and can truly relax in their own space.
Lighting
Guest bedrooms should have a bright primary light so guests don’t feel like they’re staying in a dim forgotten space. So, a bedside lamp is also a must have.
Not only are bedside table or floor lamps practical, but they also help elevate the atmosphere of your spare room, providing warmth and creating a bit of a personal haven from the comfort of your cosy guest bed.
Practical lighting is also essential for a good night’s sleep, as some guests might use it for their wind-down routine, or they may even prefer to keep it on if they don’t like complete darkness. If you are expecting this lamp to be left on for hours at a time, consider opting for a lamp with a low-wattage bulb or a dimmer for a softer glow.
Pay attention to the colour temperature of the lights throughout your room too. That way, you can avoid mismatched lighting effects that could disrupt the overall mood. Warmer, yellow lighting is always recommended for bedroom spaces over cooler white lights.
Side tables
When designing a guest room that won’t be used daily it’s easy to overlook practical details. But a guest bedroom should not only be visually appealing but also functional for your guests and provide them with enough surfaces and storage, no matter how short their stay might be.
Here, functional side tables can make a big difference because your guests have a spot to keep a glass of water, set down their book or phone and easily turn on a lamp at night. Bonus points for keeping a phone charger handy for those who might forget theirs!
Desks
Guest bedrooms are likely to be the smallest room in your home. But if you do happen to have a good amount of floor space in your spare room, then why not add in a desk for your guests to enjoy?
With so many people working remotely, a designated work area in your home can be incredibly useful for those who are preparing for longer stays with you. Or your guest room could perhaps even double up as a home office for yourself! When the room isn’t hosting visitors, it can offer a peaceful alternative spot for you to focus and be productive.
Plus when guests do arrive, having the desk available provides them with a quiet, functional space to work if needed. Just be sure to keep your desk drawers stocked with essentials like paper, pens, and other stationery. And make sure your desk is positioned by a nearby outlet for easy device charging.
Colour schemes
When designing a guest room it’s natural to want it to reflect the personality and style of your home. But when it comes to bedrooms, calming, muted tones tend to create a more restful and inviting atmosphere.
Bold colours can be energising and fun in living areas but in a bedroom, they might feel overstimulating. Contrastingly, subtle tranquil shades can transform the space into a peaceful retreat, ensuring visitors feel relaxed and well-rested during their stay.
Personal touches
Adding personal touches to your home like a fresh vase of flowers or a little shelf with a personalised library, can make a big difference when welcoming guests. Considering these small thoughtful details can help you create a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s reflective of your personality, and makes the space feel uniquely curated by you.
Your guests who are coming to stay with you will no doubt appreciate these little bits and pieces of your style and passion being represented in the design of your guest room. So don’t be afraid to make these personal touches and leave your style signature on the final design scheme.
Artwork
One of the best ways to add your personal touch to any space is to curate the wall art and decor. Artwork in the guest or spare bedroom fills your empty walls with life and sets the tone for your guests’ experience. Thoughtfully choose your pieces to evoke a sense of calm, relaxation or even a touch of whimsy and give the room a welcoming feel.
Adding custom artwork gives an extra layer and more depth and personality to the space creating a lived-in feel that makes the room all the more inviting and memorable.
Transform your spare room from drab to fab
We often start off with high hopes for our guest bedroom but it can quickly become a bit of a dumping ground. It’s just a little too tempting to hide spare furniture, luggage and other household clutter out of sight and out of mind behind closed doors.
Your guest bedroom is for your guests, but it’s going to be in your home all the time, so you might as well design it in a way that makes you happy. With a few smart tweaks your spare room will be a little sanctuary for all you friends and family to enjoy.