How to Style a Guest Bedroom

Friends, family, and weary travelers feel privileged when invited to stay in your home. A guest bedroom is the ultimate way to make your guests feel welcome. However, it’s not just about soundproofing, privacy, room temperature, or—if space allows—the luxury of an en-suite or dedicated guest bathroom; it’s also about the styling…

Image Source: Mood Board Created by Graduated #IDIstudent Sara Cornish from @yuzu_interiors and Image of Graduated #IDIstudent Shivani Gounder from @madison.interiors_.

Anticipating your guests' needs can start with a handy checklist. While we don’t need to discuss hotel-style luggage racks, kettles, plungers, or mini fridges, some of the following might make it onto your guest room amenities wishlist:

Guest Room Essentials

• Pillow-top mattress (medium-firm is most requested)
• Task and ambient lighting
• Luxe bed linen
• Decorative cushions and throws
• Clothes hanging space

With a few thoughtful touches, you can transport your guests to a place of comfort and luxury, blending hotel-like coziness with the warmth and intimacy of home.

Image Source: Interiors by Graduated #IDIstudent Jacqueline Pritzler from @belarraestate.

Our Top 16 Tips for Creating a Dream Guest Room

1. Declutter: Pack away any excess wardrobe items, children's craft projects, or home office paperwork. Guests won’t want to feel like they’re intruding on your personal space.
2. Curate: Leave some floor space available for large suitcases. You don’t want to create an obstacle course!
3. Offer storage space: Provide hanging or folded space in an existing wardrobe or chest of drawers, behind a door, or with a freestanding clothes rack. A few new timber coat and trouser hangers will be appreciated.
4. Blackout or blockout curtains: These are key for a restful night’s sleep, and there are plenty of stylish ready-made options available.
5. Books: Inject personality into the room with a few books. If floor space is tight, consider floating shelves, or stack some coffee table books on the bedside.
6. A bedside lamp: This is a must. Whether it’s a standing lamp, a side table lamp, or even a wall-mounted plug-in, make sure it’s within easy reach from the bed. If budget allows, consider wall sconces.
7. Create a focal point: Make the bed the star of the room. Try a feature wallpaper, a standout artwork, or a mirror above the bed.
8. Be generous with textiles: Pile on decorative cushions, a plush quilt cover, and cozy throws. Keep an extra blanket and pillow on a banquette or at the end of the bed.
9. Comfortable bedhead: An upholstered bedhead brings comfort and style. If you want to refresh an existing one, consider adding a button-back detail, piping, or a bold floral or striped fabric for a slipcover.
10. Add a bedroom chair: Give your guest the option to have some downtime in the privacy of their own space.
11. Fresh linens: Splurge on new bed linen in 100% cotton, or consider linen and bamboo blends for extra luxury.
12. Fluffy towels: There’s nothing like the smell and feel of fluffy white towels. Place a matching facecloth and a small cake of soap at the end of the bed for an inviting touch.
13. Fresh flowers: A posy of fresh-smelling flowers on the bedside table adds a lovely finishing touch—just be mindful of allergies!
14. Soft underfoot: Carpet or a rug next to the bed will add warmth and comfort underfoot.
15. Wall-hung TV: Teenagers or insomniacs will thank you!
16. Thoughtful extras: An extra phone charger, hairdryer, and, of course, a small treat like a chocolate on the pillow. Don’t forget a carafe of cold water with a matching tumbler on the bedside table.

Image Source: Interiors by Graduated #IDIstudent Shivani Gounder from @madison.interiors_.

Go the Extra Mile

If budget permits, go the extra mile and decorate your guest bedroom to evoke the feeling of a resort holiday, a Parisian pied-à-terre, or a cozy country cottage. That way, even if no guests arrive, you’ve created a space you’ll want to enjoy yourself!

Question to Ponder:

What special touches would make your guest bedroom stand out and feel truly unforgettable?

Image Source: 123rf.

Take Your Interior Design Skills to the Next Level with The Interior Design Institute

If you’re passionate about transforming spaces and want to enhance your interior design skills, why not explore our online interior design course? Whether it’s creating a cozy guest retreat or tackling a full home makeover, our comprehensive course offers expert guidance every step of the way. Learn from industry professionals like Sophie, gain insights into the latest trends, and design beautiful, functional spaces with confidence.

Join today and start building the interior design career you’ve always dreamed of!

This post was authored by Sophie Seeger, one of our expert tutors here at The Interior Design Institute.