Create a Warm and Welcoming Guest Bedroom

It’s finally happening: After a long 14 months, the world is opening up again. Now that people are getting vaccinated and more readily hopping on planes again, your family and friends could soon be coming to visit. While we all love a good reunion, have you checked out your guest bedroom lately? Probably not.

You may have even temporarily converted the space into an office or a room for remote schooling. But now it’s time to take a look at that guest bedroom and make sure it’s once again a welcoming retreat for your family and friends.

Decorate and Light Up the Guest Bedroom

Whatever your guest bedroom became during the pandemic, it’s time for an upgrade, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank.

Be picky choosing new decor that is both appropriate for your life and your guests. You want to create a space that will be enjoyable for years to come and not need a ton of maintenance.

A fresh coat of paint is a quick and easy way to get started. A creamy white or subtle gray will go with just about everything you put in the space and lighten up the room, too. 

Be sure to allow natural light into the guest bedroom and remember to also provide a way to block it out when guests want to sleep in. If we’ve learned anything from the past year, it’s that sunshine gives us a natural boost, until it interrupts our much-needed sleep! Thin or sheer curtains allow a beautiful filtering effect during the daytime. But don’t forget to install blinds, shutters, or blackout curtains as well, so all that light can be blocked out for a good night’s rest. For gray days and evenings make sure you have lamps in the room. If space is tight, you can use a hanging pendant light or wall sconce in place of bedside table lamp.

Bed, Bath, and Beyond (and I’m Not Referring to the Big Box Store)

Nice linens are essential in a guest bedroom. Go for a high thread count or soft bamboo sheets layered with a thin blanket and a thick duvet comforter. White linens are always a safe and attractive choice, and you can easily add a touch of color with an accent pillow or two. Don’t forget to provide extra blankets and pillows.

Bathroom linens in white provide a coordinated, luxurious appearance and are also easy to clean. Hot water and bleach for any stains provide a simple solution when your guests depart. White linens are also easy to replace without coordinating varying shades and tones of colors throughout the room.

Make sure you’re also providing some travel-sized necessities in the bathroom in case something was forgotten. Have toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and mouthwash on hand. Hand sanitizer and wipes are still appreciated by most visitors.

Optimizing Furniture in Your Guest Bedroom

A bedside table is essential to any guest bedroom. If space allows, place a nightstand on either side of the bed. However, even a single side table allows a guest to place their phone, reading glasses, and water nearby. This piece of furniture can even double as storage, with drawers for your guests to unpack and store smaller items.

If space allows, additional seating provides a place to relax other than the bed. A small couch or bench at the foot of the bed or an occasional chair in the corner may be used for reading, relaxing, or simply a place to put on shoes.

Make sure to give your guests a place to unpack. If they’re staying multiple nights, stuffing everything in the suitcase each day isn’t a great option. A small dresser or chest is helpful, extra hangers and space in the closet will make them feel at home.

It’s All About the Details in a Great Guest Bedroom

The essentials of a guest bedroom are easy, but the little details make a plain room special. Here is a quick list of things to consider:

• Provide a robe for your guests: Hang one or two on the back of the door or in the closet.
• Fresh flowers: Freshly cut flowers or greenery add life to any room. 
• Coffee or tea: A small pot with coffee and tea service is a detail that is sure to please your early rising guests (and it will keep you from entertaining them early in the morning)!
• Mirror, mirror on the wall: Or on the back of the door. A full-length mirror gives your guest the ability for a final wardrobe check before stepping out for the day. 
• TV time: If your guests are used to winding down with late-night programming or getting ready in the morning with the news, a TV provides them an additional layer of comfort. 

These tips are a great way to welcome guests into your home again. Fair warning: They may never want to leave, especially after a year of limited or nonexistent travel.

Need help setting it all up? Contact us at MLInteriorsGroup.com so we can talk about making a guest room that will feel warm and inviting to all your friends and family.