27 guest bedroom ideas

If you’re thinking of wood floor ideas for a bedroom, then adding in a sumptuous deep-pile bedroom rug will instantly make the space feel more cozy. In a large bedroom, placing a rug under the bed will help ground the space, bring essential texture and make a focal point of the bed, alternatively, in a small bedroom, try laying rugs either side of the bed. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Add a cozy rug”> Socialising can be full on, so if space allows, ‘try to include a small table and chair so guests feel at home and have a place to retreat to while staying with you,’ says Clara Ewart, head of design at Kitesgrove. Alternatively, add a single comfy armchair in the corner – this can also be handy for laying clothes if you’re short on wardrobe space.

‘A foldable luggage rack is always helpful and a full-length mirror is essential,’ adds Clara.

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Introduce a seating area”> A pull-out daybed is the perfect space-saving solution for guest bedrooms that also serve multifunctional spaces such as home offices or craft rooms. Offering a cozy seating space during the day, they can swiftly be pulled out into a bed at night and often contain handy concealed storage beneath.

For this space, Joana Aranha layered neutral tones for a calming feel and added a bespoke daybed covered in Romo fabric.

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Opt for a day bed in a multi-functional room”> ‘Whether your door has stayed closed, the children have been den making, or it’s become a glorified laundry room, your guest room will need a good clean and sort out,’ says Jo James, founder of Bedfolk. 

Cleaning a bedroom before guests arrive might need to be thorough if the room isn’t used much for sleeping. ‘Give all soft furnishings a wash, dust surfaces and bookcases, clear up any clothes, vacuum the carpet, open a window and make the bed up with fresh bed linen,’ continues Jo. Airing the room well is a must, too.

‘Preparation is more important than ever post-pandemic – bedrooms and bathrooms can be hotbeds for germs, so making sure you are taking precautions and cleaning regularly and efficiently between guests is essential at this time,’ says James Montgomery-Castle, Soak&Sleep’s in-house Sleep Expert. ‘There are some simple things you can do to make your life easier when hosting guests, like using mattress protectors, duvet protectors, and pillow protectors which means you can really deep clean your spare bed when your guests go home.’

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Ensure the guest room is squeaky clean”> ‘Reward your cleaning efforts with some luxurious bed sheets that will wrap visitors in comfort and calm,’ explains Jo James. ‘No one enjoys sleeping on scratchy or worn-out sheets that have been on the main bed for 10 years before being relegated to the guest room. An added bonus to perfect bedding is that your guests may feel so comfortable that they miss breakfast – extra sleep for you!

‘A hotel-style percale cotton is ideal to extend a real feeling of hospitality. It has a crisp and cool quality that you find in boutique hotels, making it an absolute hit with guests.’

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Invest in new bedding”> Knowing how to style a bed with beautiful cushions and covers isn’t just about aesthetics, but practicalities, too. Not everyone sleeps at the same temperature during the night. Cater to everyone’s needs and make your guest bedroom extra comfortable and easily personalized by layering the bed with blankets, throws, and pillows. Guests can then tailor the bed to their liking and personal comfort.

Different bedding styles can also feel different in terms of warmth so it’s worth knowing what will suit your room or home. Percale cotton is cooler to the touch and is suited to hot sleepers, whilst sateen cotton has a naturally heavier drape, making it ideal for those that feel cold at night. The addition of a natural linen sheet can satisfy both sides of the camp as it is a natural insulator to trap more heat under a duvet at the same time as being temperature regulating and comfortable to sleep under on its own.

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Layer up for coziness”> Good lighting is just as important in a guest bedroom as it is in a master bedroom.

When it comes to decorating a guest bedroom, smart bedroom lighting ideas should not be an afterthought. 

‘Bedrooms are all about creating atmosphere and mood lighting plays a key role,’ says interior designer Nicky Dobree. 

‘It’s important to have layers of lighting, with a good reading lamp by the bed a must – it’s so frustrating to climb into bed then find you’re not able to read.’ 

If your room lacks floor or table space, consider having one hung on the wall instead.

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Use the right lighting in a guest room”> To ensure your guests feel welcome on arrival, light a candle or use a diffuser, leave out clean towels and a few toiletries, or add a vase of fresh flowers, as shown in the Bohemian bedroom above. 

‘You’re creating a hotel feel, which is always a lovely treat,’ says hotelier Julia Hands. ‘Make sure there’s a plug point for chargers and hairdryers too.’ 

For Julia, it is all about the welcome: ‘As a hotelier, it’s the only chance you have to make sure guests feel instantly relaxed and at home. A hand-written note on the bed always goes a long way, alongside fresh flowers, scented candles, and magazines.’ 

Interior designer Nicky agrees: ‘It’s the small details that count. As a guest, you want to feel welcome, so arriving in a room that’s been specially prepared for you is wonderful.’

‘It’s the little touches that really make the difference. Calming bedside lights rather than a glaring bright overhead light,’ says Jo James. ‘A carafe of water with glasses on the bedside and a towel on the end of the bed. Storage if guests are staying for longer than one night will help them live in organized harmony. Bathroom spares for forgotten essentials. A flickering candle on a nightstand to relax and aid good sleep, books and magazines to help them wind down well, and a universal phone charger to avoid the dreaded dead battery – these touches will make guests feel welcome as soon as they arrive.’

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Make your guests feel welcome”> ‘Spare rooms can often become a dumping ground,’ says Nicky. ‘Try not to let that happen by having good storage.’ 

Look to clever bedroom storage ideas and solutions, such as under-bed boxes, wall-hung cabinets, baskets, and even hooks. These are all great ways of containing clutter. 

If designing the room from scratch, go for a bed with drawers and a traditional blanket box if space allows. Why not look to daybed ideas for small spaces, and choose a design that creates a sleep space for your guests and a comforting seating area for you to enjoy?

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Give your guest bedroom a dual-purpose”> Finding the best mattress to suit all comers is vital to ensuring your guest bedroom is comfortable.

‘The bed is the most important item,’ says Nicky, ‘so it needs to have a good mattress. Choose one that is medium-firm, enabling guests to sleep comfortably in most positions. There is nothing worse than sleeping on a mattress that feels as if it has been slept on by many others.’

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Choose a mattress to suit different people”> Not all guest bedrooms have ensuites, but you can make your guests feel comfortable by putting clean towels in their rooms and making it clear when they are welcome to use the bathroom. 

‘Establish a schedule of who likes to shower in the morning or have a bath at night,’ explains Nicky, ‘and everyone should leave the bathroom clean when they’re finished.’ 

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Establish the bathroom sharing etiquette”> If you’re wondering if you can give your guest bedroom ideas a boost and it’s the sophistication you’re after, headboard ideas are the way to go; a headboard covered in a bold patterned fabric is a great starting point. 

Introducing vibrantly colored walls and tactile fabrics to the mix is a good way to intensify the luxurious feel of the scheme. 

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Give a guest room a luxe look”> It’s practical for an infrequently used guest room to double as a home office. 

If you’re wondering how to arrange a small bedroom that doubles as an office, the key is to look at bedroom layouts with a desk or even bedroom office ideas. Hidden desks or a well-proportioned sofa bed that will sit back against a wall when not in use are all clever ways to create a double-up space. For a restful feel, ensure the room isn’t overwhelmed by technology. 

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Turn a guest room into a home office when not in use”> Where space is tight, consider pieces such as swing-arm wall lights at either side of the bed to help keep the look streamlined. 

Limiting the color palette to similar hues on walls, furniture, and bedding is a visual trick that can be used if you’re wondering how to make a small bedroom look bigger. 

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Merge the practical with the beautiful”> Use color to separate the guest room from the rest of the home. It is the perfect space to experiment, so do step out of your comfort zone when decorating this room. 

Decorating with confident, bold colors offset by flashes of pattern will create a sophisticated look that reflects the feel of a weekend away. 

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Give a plain guest room a colorful update”> Have an unsightly bed frame on show? Hide it. Layering a sofa bed with luxurious oversized throws is one of those smart bed ideas that will not only provide a comfortable night’s sleep but is also a good way to conceal the mattress frame.  ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Conceal a mattress with layers of bedlinen”> Being the smallest bedroom, or having to do double duty, shouldn’t stop a guest room from being a well-functioning and comfortable space. 

Smart small bedroom ideas, such as investing in multifunctional furniture, are essential if your guest bedroom is on the smaller side.

A sofa bed or desk that doubles as a dressing table allow the space to be easily transformed for overnight or weekend visitors. 

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Factor in multifunctional furniture in a small guest bedroom”> For the ultimate luxury bedroom for your guests, put together a scheme that resembles a first-class hotel suite. 

Keep the hospitality element front of mind, and don’t be tempted to create a space that’s personal or idiosyncratic. Leave surfaces clutter-free, as guests will bring their own possessions.

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Create a five-star look in your guest room”> When considering guest bedroom ideas, remember that no one enjoys living out of a suitcase, so guests will welcome somewhere convenient to hang clothes alongside plenty of shelf space. 

Built-in wardrobes and dressing tables can neatly make use of space under a pitched roof, and mirrored doors have the effect of extending the space.

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Set up a space for dressing”> Simple bedrooms and design decisions can make a guest room work hard when two people are sharing. 

In the picture above, the bedside table has two drawers, one for each guest, and the lamp divides the table top to mark a space for each person’s bedtime reading, while the checks and stripes suit most tastes.

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Use symmetry for a cohesive design”> ‘A guest bedroom provides the perfect opportunity to step a little outside of your comfort zone,’ says Tiffany Duggan, director, Studio Duggan. 

‘Guests are likely to only be visiting for a relatively short time, and so we like to approach a space just as we would an eccentric boutique hotel; a patterned wallpaper with a feature headboard in a bold color always works particularly well.’

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Opt for a well dressed guest room”> Twin bedrooms are useful if you regularly host guests that don’t want to share a room. Shared bedrooms can feel disunited, so follow our tips above about symmetry, but also look at giving the room a decor theme, and add personal touches to make it feel welcoming – if you’re hosting guests for the holidays, for example, be sure to add a festive touch to the room. 

Keep decorations more subtle and sophisticated than elsewhere in the house – it is, after all, a place to sleep – by maintaining a tight color scheme, such as green and silver.

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Decorate with a theme in mind”> Make sure your guest room doesn’t have a neglected ambiance, remember to hang pictures and mirrors, and add fresh or faux flowers to the room. Leaving reading material, like magazines or books, is also a lovely cozy gesture. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Focus on the small details”> A daybed is a good way to make rooms of limited dimensions seem bigger and ensure that they are working harder. Use a welcoming bright color, and finish with ambient accessories, like throws, books, flowers, and art. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Enhance a small guest bedroom”> No one enjoys living out of a suitcase, so guests will welcome somewhere convenient to hang clothes alongside plenty of shelf space. Here, a built-in wardrobe and dressing table neatly make use of the space under a pitched roof, and mirrored doors have the effect of extending the space. 

Bear in mind that not everyone will want to share a double bed, so consider who stays regularly, and browse twin bedroom ideas or shared bedrooms for other options.

” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Invest in plenty of storage”> Encourage your guests to kick back and leave their shoes and the door, ideally swapping to slippers or bed socks. There is some evidence that germs can spread on the soles of shoes so you don’t want them being padded through your home. Instead, have simple shoe storage, such as a basket at the front door or outside the room, where shoes can be left and welcome your guests with their indoor footwear. ” data-src= class=caas-img data-headline=”Leave shoes at the door”>