As an interior designer, I know that the guest bedroom is often overlooked. At A-Jay Interiors we believe that every room in the home has its unique charm and purpose, and it doesn’t take much to create a truly inviting and welcoming experience for your guests. After all, your guests should feel right at home during their stay.
Let us share our secrets for designing a guest bedroom that will leave a lasting impression on your visitors. (Full disclosure, they may never want to leave.)
Designing a Dreamy Bedtime Oasis
Bedding Bliss for optimum comfort
When it comes to bedding everyone has a different comfort level. And while you may not be able to know how to create their perfect sleeping experience there are a few things you can do to help ensure they are comfortable while in your home.
Start with layering your bedding so that guests can easily adjust to their comfort level. A lightweight, breathable sheet set as the base layer is essential. This allows those who get heated up during sleep to still have a cool and comfortable rest.
On top of this, add a cozy duvet or comforter that can be folded down for warmer nights. And make sure that extra blankets or throws are within easy reach for those who tend to get chilly.
The Perfect Pillows
One size does not fit all when it comes to pillows. And Having the right pillow can make or break a good night’s sleep. When choosing pillows for your guest bedroom, be sure to include a variety of types and sizes to accommodate different sleepers. A good rule of thumb is to provide two pillows per person, plus one extra.
Here are a few types of pillows to consider:
- Down pillows: Down pillows are soft and luxurious, but they can be too warm for some people.
- Feather pillows: Feather pillows are similar to down pillows, but they are firmer and less expensive.
- Memory foam pillows: Memory foam pillows are supportive and conforming, making them ideal for people with neck or back pain.
- Latex Avena foam pillows: Similar to Latex pillows, which are also supportive and conforming, and they are more breathable than memory foam pillows. The Avena foam is 100% recyclable.
Calm the chaos of travel with a little space to unpack
Making your guests feel at home isn’t just about a comfortable bed and welcoming decor—it’s also about practicality. Ensure your guests have a stress-free stay by providing a dedicated space for them to unpack and settle in.
A luggage rack, hangers in the closet or a spacious dresser with empty drawers can work wonders. This simple gesture eliminates the need for guests to rummage through their suitcases during their stay, allowing them to neatly organize their belongings, hang up their clothes, and feel organized from the moment they arrive. It’s a small touch that goes a long way in creating a guest bedroom that’s truly accommodating.
Give them a place to wind down
One of the hardest things about traveling is winding down for a good night’s sleep. Especially during the fun-filled holiday season. Here are a few ways you can encourage relaxation before bedtime that will make it easier for your guests to settle into a good night’s sleep.
A selection of books, magazines, or even an e-reader with a variety of reading material is a nice touch that will provide options as well as give you an opportunity to share some of your favorite written materials. You could even offer a few books they could take with them if they choose when they go as a little welcoming gift.
Add in a well-placed reading lamp or bedside sconces to create the perfect ambiance for a quiet night of reading. Ensure there is room on the nightstand for reading materials, or if space permits, consider adding an occasional chair, a small table or shelf like the options for a reading nook as discussed in our last blog: Creating Family-Friendly Reading Nooks.
Providing a TV with a streaming device and guest accounts is another way to add in a little extra comfort for the non-readers on your guest list.
Essential Bathtime Amenities
Bathtime Comforts
Ensure your guests have access to a set of high-quality towels. Providing a bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth for each guest, is a good rule of thumb, and make sure they are neatly folded and placed in the bathroom where your guests can see them. You could even provide a towel warmer or rack to add a touch of luxury to their experience.
A freshly laundered robe and slippers they can use for relaxing just before bed or moving between their room and bathroom is another nice touch your guests will appreciate in case they did not pack their own.
If the guest bath is used by other members of the household, consider leaving these items in the bedroom to ensure others don’t get a hold of them.
A well stocked sundries basket
Placing a well-stocked sundries basket in the room will ensure your guests have any of those necessities that are often forgotten. Including essential items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and flossing sticks are a must have for this little basket. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, facial cleansing wipes, lotion and a bath poof is also another nice touch. Consider offering unscented along with your favorite scented options to accommodate individual needs best.
Other items to consider are things such as antacids, tylenol or advil. Maybe earplugs or an eye mask.
Finally, be sure to leave a note letting them know they are welcome to use and take what they need with them.
Welcome gifts to make your guest bedroom even more welcoming
A few little extra touches to your guest room can truly make your guests feel welcome, and have an unforgettable experience with you. Here are a few of our favorite suggestions
- Multi-port charging dock on the nightstand or desk. This way, they can keep their phones, tablets, and laptops powered up without searching for outlets around the room.
- Fan or space heater to ensure the room is a comfortable temperature.
- A handwritten welcome note. Nothing says, “we are so glad you are here” like a personalized note.
- A small tray with water bottles or even a carafe with glasses and a little basket of snacks make their stay even more comfortable.
- A fresh bouquet of flowers to give the room a homey feel with sweet welcoming scents. Bonus points if you know and can get their favorite flower!
- Candles or incense to create an added layer of comfort and luxury
Designing a welcoming guest bedroom goes beyond aesthetics
It’s about creating a comfortable, functional, and considerate space that caters to your guests’ needs. By providing various pillow options, adaptable bedding, entertainment, tech conveniences, thoughtful amenities, and a dash of personalization, you can ensure your guests feel right at home from the moment they step into their room.