I once asked design clients of mine how they’d like me to approach decorating their guest bedroom and they said, “Make sure it’s not too nice otherwise guests will never want to leave”.
A hilarious response, sure, but what they were essentially telling me was that when it came to my guest bedroom decorating ideas, they’d rather invest money into their main bedroom than the guest one. And when you think about it from a cost-per-use perspective, it makes sense.
The thing is though (and I say this all the time), style is not about what you spend, but how you mix all the ingredients together in a room. And so this post is less price-focussed, and more a guest bedroom decorating ideas checklist, with some design tips thrown in for good measure.
Scroll through each rule below and let me know if you’ve got all of these guest bedroom decorating ideas covered at your place.
1. Think of the Room as a Sibling to Your Main Bedroom
When thinking of ideas to decorate your guest bedroom, look to the style of your home, or more importantly, the style you have going on in your main bedroom. You want the spaces to feel connected, but have the main bedroom be a step-up in grandeur to the guest bedroom.
Infuse some of the same colours or textured from your main bed into your guest bed. You can actually be more daring in here too, doing something you might have been too scared to try in your own bedroom.
Design moments like a one of these feature walls, wallpaper in the room, patterned bedding or a bold artwork are all good examples of this. Because you’re not sleeping in the room every night you can afford to have this space be more playful and experimental.
2. The Largest Storage Bed You Can Fit is Helpful
If the room can take it, a bed is always preferred over a sofa bed. And if you have more than two guest staying regularly, I would not recommend skimping on a double over a queen or king. You do want the room to evoke comfort, after all, and the roominess will be appreciated.
In terms of the bed frame, go for one with a plush headboard. I love the look of slat beds, but many people have reported to me over the years that the slat beds where pillows fall through the bars are a nightmare worse than Live, Love, Laugh wall decals.
A bed with storage can be helpful too if wardrobe space isn’t ample. Be it a bed with drawers underneath or a gas-lift option, both allow things like bags and bulky jackets to be put away during the stay. Even a bed raised off the ground with room underneath would help.
Here’s my list of the best storage beds from some of my fave suppliers if you need.
3. A Sofa Bed is Great for a Multi-Purpose Zone
My own guest bedrooms in the past have had to do double duty in that they were a decorated guest bedroom but also a home office. And they weren’t big enough to have a gorgeous queen or king bed in them plus a desk zone. And so a sofa bed was introduced.
My top tip here is to invest in a sofa bed that looks like a proper sofa. One that’s plush, and one that you can unwind on. Pop side tables either side of the sofa bed if they’ll fit so guests have a bedside table setup when the bed is folded out.
Sofa beds have come such a long way and are no longer the creaky, creepy and uncomfortable pieces of furniture they used to be. In fact, click here to check out the best sofa bed options on the market right now. They’re super comfy and look amazing.
4. Go Bigger with the Bed Styling in Your Guest Bedroom
If you’ve opted for a bed in your guest bedroom, this is where the fun really starts.
Because it’s not a room that’s in use every day, you can have the bed in your guest bedroom dressed to the nines in a way that your main bedroom may not be. I’m talking Euro pillows, standard pillows, scatter cushions, blankets and throws.
We know, partners complain about all the cushions you have on your bed all the time. If this is your life, get creative with all those soft furnishings in your guest bedroom instead.
This bed styling guide I created for you should spark some ideas.
5. Have Extra Blankets and Pillows Available in the Room
One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that one persons ‘warm room’ is another persons Antartica. Everyone’s body temperature is different, so you want multiple layers on hand so people can rug up if they want to.
On the bed, include a top sheet, duvet and throw blanket. And then have pillows in two different firmness levels. Have one that’s on the harder side, and one that’s more sink-into. I know you’re not a hotel, but it’s nice to give your nearest and dearest some options.
Don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune on bedding either. Your guests don’t need Egyptian cotton. An affordable set will do the trick. This fave bedding brands blog post showcases our go-to suppliers who all produce wonderful sets.
6. Side Tables Are Essential – Ideally With a Drawer
If you’re decorating a guest bedroom with a bed, then bedsides with storage are important to finish off the look. Guests want somewhere to put their things at the end of the day, especially if it’s an extended stay. Think wallets and purses, sunglasses, jewellery and more.
If you’ve opted for a sofa bed in your room, you might consider purchasing some easy-stack portable side tables you can bring in when needed. Sure, they don’t have a drawers in them, but people will want somewhere to put their glasses, phone, or a glass of water at night.
The last thing you want to do is force guests to put that stuff on the floor. Not a cute look, especially when water (or tea, or even worse – wine) spills all over your carpet or rug.
Small round side tables can be as cheap as chips too. Here’s a list of my fave affordable options.
7. Include a Lamp Somewhere in the Space
Guests often retire to bed but don’t go right to sleep. I do this all the time. I love a bit of time in bed with a book, mag, or scroll through social media before I start to snooze.
A lamp on a bedside is essential. It’s not only perfect from a functional point of view, but it also sets mood in a room like no other design element can. Some guests might sleep with it on because they don’t like the room completely dark, so choose a table lamp with a low-wattage bulb, or with a dimmer on it.
It’s always nice to have the lamp on when showing guests to their room of a night. It sets such a nice ambience in the space.
8. Think about Scent: A Candle or Diffuser
The other mood setter in the room is scent, so for the love of the decor gods, please include a candle or diffuser when thinking through all your guest bedroom decorating ideas.
I’m utterly obsessed with candles, but a diffuser is a safer option if you don’t want to leave something burning in the room. Or, just light the candle when the guests are on the way and then snuff it out when they arrive.
Word of warning: choose a candle that’s not too overpowering. You don’t want your guests gagging and gasping for air because the scent is too intense.
There’s nothing worse than sitting next to someone on public transport wearing litres of deodorant, right? Same principal applies to scent in a bedroom.
A list of my fave candle brands is here if you need it.
9. Controversial Tip: Mount a TV Across from the Bed
I know, not everyone is as obsessed with TV as I am. I go to bed every night and fall asleep to the TV. For some reason, Forensic Files on Netflix sends me into a blissful sleep. And surprisingly, I don’t have any nightmares about homicide!
Even if you’re not a TV-in-bed person, your guests might be. For people staying at your home for a longer period, it affords them the option to have some quiet time, away from the main living rooms, to rest and unwind.
Mounting the TV to the wall helps reduce its dominance, so I’d always recommend doing that if you can. And it you’re adamant that a TV is a deal-breaker, it’s nice to hang a piece of art across from the bed instead.
Something scenic is nice, like a photograph of a beach or landscape. It gives guests something calm and interesting to take in as they drift off.
10. Include Some Towels (Not Necessarily on the Bed)
Every time I stay at my mother in law’s house she always includes a towel on the end of the bed with a chocolate on it. It’s beyond cute. I joke that I’m going to give her a good rating on Trip Advisor. It’s become a thing. Create a similar thing with your guests. It’s a nice touch.
When decorating a guest bedroom with towels, they don’t have to be stacked on the bed. They can go anywhere in the room, or in the bathroom if you have a dedicated one for visitors.
You generally want people who stay to feel you’ve given them a hotel experience but with the chilled, family friend (and FREE) vibes.
11. A Stack of Mags or Books Never Goes Astray
It’s nice to include some magazines or books on side tables in guest bedrooms. It’s not only a reflection of you and your own tastes when it comes to reading, but it also gives guests something to do when they go to bed or wake up.
I wouldn’t be putting in 400-page novels by any means, but a few nice coffee table books on design, gardening, recipes or similar can spark some interest from guests.
The added bonus: it can make for a good convo if they read a book you have. It’s like Oprah’s book club taking place in your very own kitchen each morning. Except Nobody wins a car.
12. Ensure There Are Power Points Available
There’s nothing worse than being at someone’s house and you can’t get to the power point to charge your phone. The same goes for your laptop, or plugging in a hair dryer.
Most new-build guest bedrooms will have power points located right behind where bedsides will go, so that’s an easy win. But older homes, or rooms that are multipurpose where a desk or sofa bed might be covering the power points can be problematic.
Have a think about this when decorating a guest bedroom. It might be a good idea to have a power board handy so guests can plug in multiple things at once.
13. A Mirror (Ideally Floor-Length) Will Be Appreciated
As mentioned above, your guest bedroom might be where people staying do their hair and makeup. There might not be space in a bathroom for them to lay all their things out. So if they’re getting ready in the room, a mirror is going to be a godsend.
Hair and makeup aside, a mirror is nice for guests to see their outfit in before they emerge for the day. It can also help bounce light around a smaller room to make it feel larger.
If your guest bedroom is on the smaller side, consider mounting a slim mirror on the back of the door to the room or in the warbrobe.
14. A Fan Is Essential – Ceiling or Pedestal
Earlier I mentioned that everyone’s body temperature is different, which is why a fan is going to be a saviour for guests who might overheat in the middle of the night.
Some people also like the hum a ceiling or pedestal fan brings to a room. It can help them fall asleep like a TV does for some.
If you’re renting or budget is tight, a pedestal fan is a goer and can cost as little as $20. If you own your home, you might consider installing a fan for permanency. They don’t cost a crazy amount and installation through an electrician is easy.
15. A Bench Seat or Armchair is Helpful
When decorating a guest bedroom, a chair in the corner of the room is great to throw clothes on – don’t deny it! But apart from that it can also be a nice way for guests to unwind in an area that’s not the bed. Pop a small side table next to it for drinks and you’re set.
Outside of that, and especially for older guests, it’s helpful for them to have somewhere to sit on put shoes on. It can be a chair in the corner of the room, or it could a bench seat at the end of the bed. Both work wonderfully and add softness to the room too.
Here’s a roundup of some great bench seats for the end of your bed if you need.
16. Wardrobe Space or a Clothes Hanger is Nice
Last in my list of guest bedroom decorating ideas is to include either some wardrobe space to hang clothes, or to include something like a slimline hanger in the room for jackets and shirts to hang on when guest go to bed.
It doesn’t have to be a huge wardrobe, but how annoying is it when you want to hang up a shirt and there are no coat hangers in the room and nowhere to hang them on on apart from the door handle? Don’t let this stress visit your guests when they stay at your place.
Here’s a roundup of slim and affordable clothes hangers and robes for your room.
Has This Given You Lots of Guest Bedroom Decorating Ideas?
That’s all the guest bedroom decorating ideas I have for now. What did you make of it all, and how many of these tips and inclusions do you have in your space?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Do you have a spare room on your hands you might be able to transform into a killer guest bedroom suite? Let’s get you motivated to do it.
Drop me any questions you might have on decorating a guest bedroom below and I’ll endeavour to answer them for you.
I have my quilt covers with the same design but a different colour for the master bedroom and guest bedroom. I also like using more pillows and throws in the guest bedroom, to brighten up the look.
I also include a fan in our guest room–some people enjoy the extra circulation of air and others like the white noise which is calming when you are away from your familiar noises. etc.
Could you please give some supplier details for the images – 1st with the lovely chunky throw, cushions, artwork etc…, the white quilt cover & lamp & the image over the entertainment unit?
Hey Cathy, the throw image comes from Mocka, no idea if they stock all the items you’re after. A lot of the images feature Lorraine Lea products. The foresty print art is from Print Emporium.
When staying elsewhere I also really appreciate a beside table with some concealed storage (if not a drawer then perhaps a small basket or box). Things like medications that need to be taken before bed or when you first wakeup you don’t necessarily want to leave on full display on the tabletop. (Maybe I’m falling into the trap of making the guest bedroom too comfortable lol!)
Something that my mum always told me is how nice a touch it is to leave a small vase of fresh flowers on the bedside when guests are arriving too.
Agree with the other commenters about adequate, accessible power points. Somewhere to hang clothes is really helpful, even if it’s just a couple of hooks. We don’t have room for a wardrobe in our guest bedroom (it doubles as a study), so have a coat/hat stand in there and it gets SO MUCH USE. Also making sure the lamp switch can be reached from the bed. Plus a small rubbish bin – I’m yet to stay in a (non-commercial) guest bedroom that has one and am always repurposing some bag I have on hand for tissues, make-up wipes etc.
I love the simple white entertainment unit (with artwork above). Can you please let me know where I can purchase this.
Hi Debrina, the images all came from Pottery Barn. Not sure if they stock that unit.
Bedside lamps with USB ports for ALL the gadgets. (Less outlets needed)
The two biggest bug bears when staying in a guest room are no mirror to get ready in the morning. We usually stay with multiple guests staying also, it’s so handy to be able to take a quick shower and then retreat to your room to do your hair and makeup without being a bathroom hog. Along with access to two power points near the bed or extension leads so two people can charge their phones overnight.
These are both super valid points Jess – so glad you brought them up. Nothing worse than wanting to charge your phone near your bed overnight and there’s no power point!