9 Essential Steps to Create the Perfect Guest Bedroom That Will WOW Your Guests
I’m a total Monica at heart when it comes to hosting! I absolutely love having people stay over (for a couple of days, max. I need my space too, lol) and giving them a hotel-like experience. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that have really leveled up my hosting game. So, if you're all about hospitality like I am, you’ll love this post! I’m sharing 10 decor tips and tricks to get that designer-style guest bedroom that will have your guests saying "wow" the second they walk in!
1. Start With A Comfortable Bed and Mattress
There's nothing more disappointing as a guest than getting stuck with an uncomfortable bed and a chaotic sleeping setup. If the bed is a disaster, no amount of beautiful decor can save the experience. So, before diving into the decor, the first thing to focus on is a comfortable bed frame and at least an 8-inch mattress. Thankfully, bed frames don’t have to break the bank. Amazon has plenty of affordable, stylish options to choose from.
Another important element is the headboard. Make sure it’s a good size and fits well in relation to the room. The bed is undeniably the focal point in any bedroom, so getting this right is crucial for achieving that "wow" factor. Here's a guide that breaks down headboard and bed measurements relative to room size, which will help you nail that first step toward a beautiful guest bedroom.
2. Complete The Look: Must-have Furniture Pieces
The trick to nailing the guest bedroom look is adding furniture pieces that tie everything together. Key essentials include nightstands on either side of the bed, a dresser, and a bench at the foot of the bed.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking out these pieces:
First, ditch the matchy-matchy set. Instead, aim for a mix of pieces that are similar in style but different enough to create a cohesive, layered look. For example, if your bedframe and headboard are light grey, a pair of black nightstands, a light wood dresser, and an upholstered bench will work beautifully together. It’s not just about filling the space, it’s about making it look intentional and pretty!
For the nightstands, ensure they’re the same height as the bedframe with the mattress. Too tall or too short, and the balance is off. As for the bench, aim for one that’s about two-thirds the width of the bed to keep the proportions just right.
3. Ground The Space With A Rug
In addition to a focal point, those standout decor pieces that immediately catch the eye, every room needs an anchoring element. This is a decor or furniture piece that grounds the look and enhances the beauty of the focal point.
In a bedroom, that anchoring element is often a rug. An area rug not only adds warmth and texture but also acts as a unifying force, holding all the furniture pieces together while highlighting the bed as the main attraction.
When selecting the size of your area rug, check out this guide. Also, make sure you select rug which isn’t too dominating in color, has neutral tones that complement the decor well.
4. Add Tons Of Ambient Lighting
Here come the decor tips that will truly set your guest bedroom apart! Every guest room deserves a cozy, warm, and inviting ambiance, and one of the easiest ways to achieve this is by incorporating plenty of ambient lighting. Consider adding table lamps, floor lamps (if you have space for an accent chair), and picture lights for your wall art. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Ensure the table lamp you place on the nightstand is not taller than the headboard. This is crucial for keeping the bed as the focal point, allowing the lamps to complement the decor without overshadowing it.
When choosing light bulbs, opt for warm white temperatures. Cooler bulb temperatures can throw off the room’s ambiance, making it feel less inviting.
Stick to simpler lamp styles—nothing too fancy or decorative. Classic designs, like a brass floor lamp paired with a fabric shade, add timeless elegance and work beautifully in any decor style. Simple touches can have a big impact!
5. Keep A Universal Decor
You’ll want to add decor elements like wall art and picture frames, but it’s important to keep them universal and not focused on you as the host. The guest bedroom should be all about making your guests feel welcome.
For example, you can include a picture frame, but choose one that holds a small painting or a serene landscape instead of your family photo. When it comes to wall art, go for neutral pieces that complement the overall decor without being too personal. This way, the space feels inviting and inclusive, allowing your guests to truly make it their own during their stay!
6. Stock Up The Room With Essentials
Your guests might bring their own towels, but it’s always a thoughtful touch to stock the guest bedroom with extra, clean, and fresh ones. It adds a personal, welcoming vibe and enhances that hotel-like experience. I prefer sticking to neutral-colored towels in the same fabric for a cohesive and polished look. You can place them on the bed or neatly in the dresser so guests can easily access them without needing to ask.
Similarly, keep a set of extra bedsheets and pillowcases in the dresser or closet. This way, if your guests need to refresh the bedding, everything is conveniently available! It’s these small, thoughtful details that make a big difference.
7. Equip The Room With Supplies
Make sure to stock the guest bedroom with practical supplies like clothes hangers in the closet, a laundry basket for quick washes, an ironing board with an iron or steamer, and a tissue box with extra tissues stored away in the closet. These small but thoughtful additions can really elevate your guests’ experience.
While you're organizing, be sure to keep the storage areas like the dresser and nightstand mostly empty. You want to give your guests plenty of room to store their clothes and belongings, so they feel at ease and can settle in comfortably during their stay.
8. Perfect The Bedding Decor
To create a warm and cozy guest bedroom, how you set up the bedding matters. Start with a light-colored, neutral, high-quality cotton sheet as the base. Then, layer it with a plush duvet, especially if you're in a colder region, and top it off with a throw blanket or quilt for added texture and warmth. Invest in good-quality pillows, and arrange them either stacked or placed vertically for a polished look.
Now, for the fun part, throw pillows! Choose contrasting colors that add a soft decorative touch and bring the whole space together. This layering technique makes the bed look luxurious and inviting, giving the room that perfect, over-the-top feel!
9. The Final Touch, Clean and Fresh Finish
The final step to making your guest bedroom absolutely perfect is a good old clean-up! Give the room a thorough vacuum, wipe down surfaces, and make sure everything feels fresh and tidy. Once the room is spotless, spray a light, inviting room spray for that "ahhh" moment when your guests walk in. Nothing says "welcome" like a clean, great-smelling space! It’s those little finishing touches that really make your guests feel pampered and cared for.
Creating the perfect guest bedroom is all about thoughtful details that ensure your guests feel welcome and comfortable. By following these nine essential steps, you can transform any space into a cozy retreat that will truly WOW your guests! From selecting the right bedding to adding those personal touches, each element contributes to an inviting atmosphere.
It’s the little things, a clean space, fresh linens, and a warm ambiance that leave a lasting impression.
When I set up our guest bedroom this way, it looks so pretty that I almost want to be a guest in my own home! Haha! Enjoy the process of setting up a guest bedroom that will make your visitors feel right at home. Happy hosting!
