The holidays are fast approaching, and with guests’ arrival just around the corner, it may be time to spruce your guest bedrooms to help them feel right at home during their stay. We will discuss various ways to enhance your guests’ bedroom experience, covering in-depth options, affordable alternatives, and quick fixes, so that no matter your price point, time limit, or room availability, you’ll have the best experience you can offer as a host.
To discern what’s missing or out of place in your guest room, lie within the room and note what could be updated or added. Is the mattress uncomfortable, does the room feel empty, or is it missing accessories to help warm up or cool down the room? Be sure to note whatever you think is missing to find the best solution for your guest room. If you’re styling a guest room from scratch or updating an existing one, we have tips for every host.
The Mattress
Whether you’ve experienced sleeping on your grandparents’ century-old mattress, worn-out pull-outs, or not having a mattress at all, here is how you can ensure your guests have a comfortable place to sleep in your home.
Affordable Brand-New Mattress and Mattress Protectors
If you’re looking for a full upgrade to your guest bedrooms and it’s within your budget, the best solution is to get an all-new mattress. We offer a variety of mattresses at different price points and from a variety of premium brands. It is important to choose a mattress that will accommodate a variety of sleepers, so a hybrid mattress at medium firmness is the most common choice for guest rooms.
As many mattress warranties require a mattress protector, it should be purchased with your new mattress and updated every few years. While it does not provide extra comfort for your guests, it adds a protective barrier to help with accidents. They are great for hosts expecting many younger guests, family and friends with pets, and just general messes that may ruin a mattress, such as spills and crumbs. It is an excellent addition to any bed.
Switch and Upgrade
If you’ve been considering upgrading your mattress, the holidays are a perfect time to make “The Great Mattress Swap.” When you receive your new mattress, simply place your previous one in your guest bedroom. This will save you money on a mattress that might not get used often, but still give your guests a high-quality mattress. It may not be the best long-term solution if you host a lot, but this is a great option for homes that are less likely to host.
Foam Mattress Topper
Suppose you need a quick fix for a more comfortable experience. In that case, a foam mattress topper is a fast and affordable solution. These will not replace a mattress but can help add some extra cushion if you are in a pinch. There are a variety of sizes for twin, full, and queen-sized beds, so no one goes uncomfortable throughout the night. While this is a quick fix, it’s not a long-term solution since mattress toppers wear down faster than mattresses.
Creating A Welcoming Space
When getting your guest bedroom prepared for guests, focus on the overall feel of the space before adding too many pieces of furniture and décor. First, add the necessary pieces, such as the bed frame, mattress, and nightstands. Then, slowly add touches of décor or any other large furniture pieces, taking time between each addition to ensure the space does not become too cramped or overwhelmed.
Be sure to also place large pieces of furniture out of the way of any outlets, doors, and escape routes in case of an emergency.
Bedroom Collections
One of the best ways to create a cohesive guest bedroom style is to utilize bedroom collections. A full set is typically purchased together for affordability and offers a great variety of styles for easy shopping and decorating. Collections typically come with a bed frame, nightstand, dresser and vanity mirror, or chest. This makes it a great and easy way to buy for your guest bedroom all while keeping guest satisfaction in mind.
Bed Frames
A bed frame offers additional comfort to a room, making whoever sleeps in the bed feel safe and secure. Depending on your style, some bed frames have added storage, soft upholstery, or wood accents for a unique design. We recommend a wooden storage bed or an upholstered bed frame for maximum comfort and added storage that your guests may need during their visit.
When placing the bedframe within the room, be sure to keep it near wall outlets without impeding guests’ access to add their phone chargers or other items that need charging at night.
Shop the Hensley Storage Bedroom Set ▸
Nightstands
Nightstands are essential for guest bedrooms. This is where your guests will place personal items they need up until the lights go off at night. Instead of decorating your nightstand, place useful items on it such as a coaster or eyeglass plate for your guests use. These items also add to the aesthetic and feel of the room without being distracting. You can purchase a nightstand with power abilities such as USB charging for easier access to necessary power outlets.
Shop the Newport Bedroom Set ▸
Dressers and chests
Dressers and chests add additional storage for guests who plan on staying for a long time. This helps them keep their space tidy and comfortable by giving them a place to store their personal belongings. They can place clean clothing into the dresser and slowly pack their suitcases with dirty clothes, or allow them to keep track of what needs to be washed for the duration of their stay. Ensure drawers are cleared for guest use, as these can feel intimate to the space.
Mirrors
Every dresser has the option to add a vanity mirror; this is great for hosts who can expect a lot of people needing to use a bathroom but having limited bathroom space. Mirrors provide space for people to get ready if they do not need a sink. They can be used to apply makeup, contacts, and check for any clothing mishaps before leaving for the day. They also help make the space feel larger by adding dimension to the room and adding light when reflected with light from outside.
Additional accents
You may be interested in adding a bench or accent chair to the room for added space and comfort. This provides an extra space to sit, whether getting ready, putting on shoes, or laying out the day’s clothes. Your guests will truly appreciate the extra effort.
Room necessities
Everyone considers different things a necessity, so stocking your guest room with a variety of essentials they might find useful is a thoughtful touch. You can stock things such as makeup removing wipes, tissues, Q-Tips, extra sheets, blankets, and other small supplies. When preparing to host, the goal is always to ensure a guest doesn’t need to ask for additional comfort. You want their stay to be as comfortable as possible.
Lighting
No one enjoys getting out of bed to turn on or off a light. Additionally, the leading bedroom light tends to be exceptionally bright, which can be irritating, regardless of the time of day. Be sure to provide lamps with soft light features and nightlights so your guests can move around the space without fearing stubbing a toe. Nightlights can be olaced within the room and in hallways to provide easy sight guidelines to the bathroom or for early risers.
Curtains are a great addition to any room. Try to pick curtains that add to the décor and can be used as light barriers so guests can close and open them as needed throughout their stay. This ensures they get natural light as they want, but they can also close the curtains at night for a darker room to sleep in.
Prepped closets and hangers
If your space is too small to fit a dresser or chest, try keeping closets clear and tidy with plenty of hangers so guests can hang some of their clothes. This is especially handy for dress clothes that are required to hang.
Closets are also great for storing suitcases, helping guests keep their things organized and out of the way. If you are unable to empty the entire closet, try to leave around half of the closet free with empty hangers.
Checklist Summary
To ensure your home is ready for hosting this holiday season, or whenever you have guests, follow the simplified checklist below for easy tracking while prepping your guest room.
Mattress
- Upgrade
- Switch
- Mattress Protector
- Foam Topper
Welcoming Space
Bedroom Furniture
- Bed Frame
- Nightstands (2)
- Dresser or Chest
- Mirror
- Bench (Optional)
- Accent Chair (Optional)
Lighting
- Lamp
- Nightlight
Prepped Closets
- Cleared
- Hangers
Accessories
- Blankets
- Sheets
- Pillows
- Curtains
- Extra Toiletries
- Bath Towels
