The Perfect Guest Bedroom: Tips to Make It Welcoming and Comfortable

The decor is a large part of why some bedrooms feel like home, but so is the thoughtfulness poured into every detail. If you're looking to transform an extra room into a cosy retreat for visitors, mastering how to style a guest bedroom is key. Let's dive into the essentials together, from choosing the dreamiest bedding to adding those unique personal touches that really bring it all to life.

Top 7 Must-Have Items for Your Guest Bedroom

Before we start talking about how to style your guest bedroom to make it comfortable and inviting, let’s give a quick rundown of the essential items it should contain.

1. Comfortable bed with high-quality bedding
2. Bedside table with a lamp
3. Plenty of pillows and extra blankets
4. Luggage rack or bench for storing suitcases
5. Fresh towels and washcloths
6. Phone charger and outlet adapter
7. White noise machine or fan for sleeping

By providing these essential items, you'll ensure that your guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay. From there, we can discuss the more complex aspects of a guest bedroom.

Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere

The overall atmosphere of your guest room should be calm and relaxing. The safest choice is a soothing bedroom wall colour palette with neutral tones and soft, muted shades. They create a calming, relaxing atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding after a long day. Plus, neutral tones are easy to mix and match with other colours and patterns, so you can easily switch up your decor whenever you want.

You can also incorporate natural elements like plants, wood, and woven textures to create a sense of tranquillity. To really wow your guests, go above and beyond with thoughtful amenities. A basket filled with snacks, water bottles, and travel-sized toiletries is always appreciated. Other thoughtful touches might include a phone charger, a small coffee maker, or a white noise machine to help your guests sleep soundly.

Vibrant Accent colours

If you want to add a pop of colour to the guest room, consider incorporating vibrant accent colours through your bedding, curtains, or artwork. Bold shades like teal, yellow, or orange can add a fun, energetic vibe to the space. Just be sure to balance them out with plenty of neutral tones to keep the room from feeling overwhelming.

Incorporating Patterns and Textures

In addition to colour, incorporating different patterns and textures can add depth and interest to your guest room. Mix and match different patterns like stripes, florals, and geometrics to create a layered, cohesive look. And don't forget about texture - plush throw blankets, woven baskets, and fluffy rugs can all add a cosy, inviting feel to the space.

Incorporating Personal Touches

Finally, don't be afraid to add some personal touches to your guest room. Hang some artwork on the walls, display family photos, or add a vase of fresh flowers to make the space feel warm and inviting. You could also leave a handwritten note welcoming your guests and letting them know you're happy to have them stay. By incorporating these essential elements and thoughtful touches, you can create a guest bedroom that's both stylish and comfortable - a true home away from home for your visitors.

Styling a Guest Bedroom for Maximum Comfort

Another key characteristic of the perfect guest bedroom is comfort. You want your guests to feel like they're staying in a cosy, inviting space that's been thoughtfully designed just for them. To make your guests feel right at home, start with the essentials. A comfortable bed with high-quality bedding is a must. When it comes to bedding, you have several, equally valid, choices for bedding fabrics.

• Cotton bedding is renowned for its softness and breathability, making it ideal for guests who may have varying preferences in sleep temperature. It’s easy to maintain and can withstand regular washing, ensuring that your guest bedding stays fresh and clean with minimal effort.
• Silk bedding exudes luxury and indulgence, providing a silky-smooth surface that feels incredibly luxurious against the skin. Silk naturally regulates temperature, keeping guests cool in the summer and warm in the winter, ensuring year-round comfort. On top of that, silk is naturally resistant to dust mites and other allergens, making it an excellent choice if you expect to have guests with allergies or sensitive skin.
• Bamboo bedding is made from sustainable bamboo fibres, which means that it is a good eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious guests. Due to its moisture-wicking properties, it’s excellent for keeping guests dry and comfortable throughout the night, making it a popular bedding choice for spring and summer. Also, bamboo has natural antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and odours, ensuring a fresh and clean sleeping environment for your guests.
• Linen bedding is highly breathable and absorbent, making it ideal for guests who prefer a light and airy feel. When it comes to texture, linen has a distinctive feel that adds a rustic charm to the guest bedroom, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. One of the main benefits of linen bedding is its durability; it doesn’t deteriorate but becomes softer and more comfortable with each wash, ensuring long-lasting comfort for your guests.
• Microfiber bedding offers a soft and smooth feel, providing guests with a cosy and comfortable sleeping surface. Microfiber is wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying, making it a low-maintenance option if you are a busy host who wants to keep the guest bedding looking fresh with minimal effort. Plus, microfibre bedding is often more budget-friendly than natural fibre options, making it a practical choice for outfitting a guest bedroom without breaking the bank.

Finally, it’s always a good idea to provide extra blankets and throws for added warmth and cosiness. 

Lighting Ideas to Create a Cosy Ambiance

When it comes to decorating a guest bedroom, smart bedroom lighting ideas should not be an afterthought. The key is to have layers of lighting, with a good reading lamp by the bed being an absolute must. It’s advised to have a bright primary light so guests don't feel like they're staying in a dim, forgotten spare room. Complement that with table or floor lamps to give guests lower-light options when they want to wind down and relax. 

Just be sure to pay attention to the colour temperature of each light around the room, so you don't end up with a mismatched, jarring lighting environment. Additionally, don't underestimate the power of natural light in making a guest room feel warm and inviting. If possible, position the bed near a window to let that glorious sunshine stream in. Sheer curtains can soften the light while still allowing plenty to filter through. For the ultimate cosy factor, add a window seat or reading nook where guests can curl up with a good book and bask in the natural light.

Statement Light Fixtures

While the primary goal is to create a functional and inviting space, don't be afraid to add some character with a statement light fixture. A stunning chandelier, a unique pendant light, or even a bold table lamp can serve as a stylish focal point that elevates the entire room. Just make sure it fits with the overall aesthetic and doesn't overwhelm the space. The idea is to enhance, not dominate.

Transforming Your Guest Room into a Multifunctional Space

With a little creativity, your guest room can pull double duty and serve multiple purposes beyond just hosting overnight guests. In today's work-from-home era, having a dedicated space for your guests to get some work done is a thoughtful touch. All it takes is a small desk, a comfortable chair, and a few office essentials like a desk lamp and charging station. 

If space is tight, consider a wall-mounted desk that can fold away when not in use. Your guests will appreciate having a functional workspace to retreat to during their stay. For the creatively inclined, a small craft corner can be a delightful surprise in a guest room. A table or desk stocked with some basic art supplies, a sewing machine, or even a knitting basket can provide hours of relaxing entertainment. It's a thoughtful way to encourage your guests to tap into their artistic side and make some meaningful memories during their stay.

You can also create a cosy escape within the guest room by setting up a dedicated reading nook. A plush armchair, a soft throw blanket, and a well-curated selection of books can transform a corner of the room into an inviting retreat. Add a floor lamp or sconce for optimal reading light, and your guests may never want to leave their little literary haven.

Need Some Help Styling Your Guest Bedroom?

And there we have it: how to style a guest bedroom to make it a welcoming and comfortable space. Transforming any spare room into a haven isn't rocket science; it's about care, creativity, and attention to detail. Remember, it’s not just about making the space look good but also about ensuring comfort and warmth are part of the package. 

From a practical perspective, you also need to be able to get all of the items you want for the guest bedroom you designed, and that’s where we can help. At Manchester Collection, we have most of the things you need. From soft bed sheets to luxurious cushions to plush blankets, you can get everything to provide your guests with the utmost comfort.

You can also get home decor items like sculptures, mirrored decor, and scented candles. All you need to do is place your order online and we will deliver it right to your address. You can also find a store near you and make your purchase in person. So browse our collections until you find the items that perfectly match your vision!