How to decorate a guest room: 25 Essentials guests will love
Holiday season is going to be here fast! I have family coming to visit this year and i like to make them feel as comfortable as possible. I am going to share with you 25 essential decor tips for your guest room that your guests will love ✨
Having family and friends staying with you can be so fun, but also a little nerve racking because you want them to feel comfortable and have all that they need while they are away from home.
The best guest rooms aren't necessarily the biggest or the most expensive. They're the ones that feel comfortable, peaceful, and intentionally prepared. A few cozy layers, practical essentials, and beautiful details can transform even the simplest spare bedroom into a retreat your guests won't want to leave.
Every summer my grandparents make the trip from England to Canada and come and stay with me for a few weeks. Now, we don’t have a designated guest room, but we turn our eldest daughters room into one for those few weeks. I am actually expecting them in a few weeks so i thought it would be a good time to write this blog post!
There are 25 things i do in a guest room to make it a comfortable sanctuary for everyone who stays with me. Let’s get into it!
One: Invest in comfortable bedding
Nothing matters more than a great night's sleep. I think the worst thing ever is asking someone how they slept in your home and they say that it was terrible!
Choose soft, breathable sheets made from cotton or linen, a plush duvet, and comfortable pillows in different firmness levels, if you have them. Crisp white bedding creates a timeless, hotel-inspired look that works beautifully in every season.
Tip: Layer your bed with a quilt or lightweight blanket for extra warmth.
Two: Add decorative pillows
I just love the look of decorative pillows on a bed. I like to add about 4, in different patterns and shades to give the room that boutique hotel look.
Pillows are calming and that is how you want your guests to feel.
Three: Cozy throw blankets
I have stayed in peoples houses before and have woken up freezing! I always like to add a cozy throw blanket draped over a chair or at the end of the bed for my guests.
Choose neutral tones like cream, oatmeal, sage green, or soft beige for a timeless look.
Four: Blackout curtains
These are a must in every bedroom i feel!
Guests often wake at different times than you do. That is why i like them for guest rooms in particular.
Blackout curtains help everyone sleep better, especially during bright summer mornings or after long travel days.
Five: Bedside lamps
A warm bedside lamp makes reading before bed easy and creates a calming atmosphere in the evening.
Soft lighting always feels more inviting than harsh overhead lights.
Six: Leave space on the nightstand
Avoid decorating every inch.
Guests appreciate having somewhere to place their phone, glasses, book, or cup of tea.
Seven: Add flowers or greenery
Flowers or greenery will give the room a welcoming feeling. Just how you want people to feel when they stay in your house.
Eight: Place a carafe of water on the nightstand
fter travelling, guests often appreciate having water nearby without searching through the house.
Include two glasses for convenience.
I also just love a pretty carafe on a nightstand! They just make everything feel fancy.
Nine: Create a welcome basket
This one is totally optional but just a nice touch. I always put a little welcome basket together for my grandparents. I often add things like lotions, and socks, the usual things they ask me for throughout their stay. They really appreciate the gesture.
You could include things like:
Bottled water
Herbal tea
Chocolate
Granola bars
Local treats
Lip balm
Hand cream
Ten: Extra towels
Place freshly folded bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths on the bed or in the room so guests don't have to ask.
Eleven: Include basic toiletries
Most guests often bring their own but just in case they forget you can place some items in the bathroom for them.
Keep a basket with:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Razor
Cotton pads
Cotton swabs
Hair ties
Twelve: A full length mirror
A mirror helps guests get ready comfortably and also makes the room feel larger and brighter.
Thirteen: Make room in the closet
Clear out a section of the closet and provide several empty hangers.
Guests always appreciate somewhere to unpack.
Fourteen: Add a luggage rack or bench
A luggage rack, bench, or upholstered ottoman gives guests a convenient place to set their suitcase instead of using the floor.
Fifteen: Include a small waste basket
It's one of those details people don't notice until it's missing.
Sixteen: Offer phone chargers
A charging station with USB ports or a few universal charging cables is incredibly helpful.
Seventeen: A comfortable chair
If space allows it, add a comfortable chair. This just offers a place for guests to sit and reply to messages, or read, without having to use the bed.
Eighteen: Decorate with calm, neutral colors
Soft whites, warm taupe’s, gentle sage greens, muted blues, and creamy beiges create a restful atmosphere.
Choose colors that feel timeless rather than trendy.
Nineteen: Display simple artwork
Nature prints, botanical illustrations, landscapes, or vintage artwork add personality without overwhelming the room.
Twenty: Add natural textures
Mix wood, linen, cotton, wicker, ceramics, and woven baskets to create warmth and depth.
Natural materials always make a room feel more inviting.
Twenty one: Keep the room clutter free
Guest rooms can accumulate clutter when there are no guests! I have been there.
Leave empty drawers, clear surfaces, and open floor space so guests can settle in comfortably.
Twenty two: Add seasonal touches
For the holidays, consider:
Evergreen stems
Pinecones
Cozy knit blankets
Cinnamon-scented potpourri
Velvet accent pillows
Warm fairy lights
A small wreath on the door
Keep decorations elegant and understated.
Twenty three: Include books and magazines
A few beautiful coffee table books or current magazines give guests something relaxing to enjoy before bed.
Twenty four: A signature scent
Instead of overpowering fragrances, choose subtle scents like lavender, vanilla, cedarwood, or eucalyptus.
Flameless candles or reed diffusers work well and require little maintenance.
Twenty five: Personal touches
The smallest details often leave the biggest impression.
Leave a handwritten welcome note, place fresh flowers on the bedside table, or include your favorite local recommendations for coffee shops, walking trails, or attractions if guests are visiting from out of town.
Feng Shui Tips for a Peaceful Guest Room
If you enjoy incorporating Feng Shui into your home, your guest room is a wonderful place to create an atmosphere of comfort and calm. The goal isn't to follow strict rules but to design a space that feels balanced, welcoming, and restorative.
Keep the Room Light and Uncluttered
Energy flows best through open, organized spaces. Avoid turning your guest room into a storage room filled with extra boxes or overflowing closets. Leave open surfaces and empty drawers so guests have room to settle in comfortably.
Choose Soft, Grounding Colors
Warm whites, gentle sage greens, soft blues, muted taupes, and earthy beiges encourage relaxation. These colors create a peaceful environment that helps guests unwind after traveling.
Position the Bed in the Command Position
Whenever possible, place the bed where guests can see the bedroom door without being directly in line with it. This is known in Feng Shui as the command position and is believed to promote a greater sense of comfort and security while resting.
Create Balance with Matching Nightstands
If your room allows, use two bedside tables with matching lamps. Symmetry creates visual harmony and makes the room feel thoughtfully designed, even if only one guest is staying.
Bring Nature Indoors
Natural elements help a room feel alive. A vase of fresh flowers, a healthy green plant, or a beautiful wooden tray adds warmth and connection to nature without overwhelming the space.
Let Natural Light In
Open the curtains during the day whenever possible. Natural light refreshes a room and creates a bright, uplifting atmosphere. In the evening, switch to warm, soft lighting to encourage rest.
Avoid Too Many Electronics
Guest bedrooms are meant for relaxation. Keeping televisions, exercise equipment, or workspaces to a minimum helps maintain a peaceful environment where visitors can truly recharge.
Use Pleasant, Natural Scents
Lavender, eucalyptus, cedarwood, or subtle citrus scents can make a guest room feel fresh and inviting. Choose light fragrances that enhance the room without becoming overpowering.
Add Thoughtful Hospitality
One of the most important principles of Feng Shui is intention. A neatly folded stack of towels, a small welcome basket, fresh water on the bedside table, or a handwritten note all contribute to an atmosphere of generosity and care. These simple touches help guests feel genuinely welcomed from the moment they arrive.
A guest room designed with comfort, balance, and intention doesn't just look beautiful—it helps everyone who stays there feel more relaxed, rested, and at home.
