Tips to create a dreamy guest bedroom

Want to create a dreamy guest bedroom in your home?

So you have decided to make that extra room into a guest bedroom.

But where do you even start? Spare rooms tend to become the dumping ground for pieces of excess furniture or bits and bobs that are lying around.

How does one make it not only functional but a nice comfortable almost home away from home for your guest? How does one make that spare messy room into a dreamy and cosy guest bedroom?

Since we love creating a home away from home for our Guest here are our top tips and ideas for creating a dreamy guest bedroom!

Updated August 2024

(This post contains affiliate links so you can easily locate items to make your guest bedroom a cosy and inviting space)

Size your guest bedroom up

To start off with, you need to asses the room space. Figure out how much space you have in the room to play with, grab your tape measure and determine what furniture pieces will fit in the room. Two of the most important ones: a bed and a closet, or some sort of storage.

If the room is a small one, then perhaps measure up for a double bed, or a beautiful futon like this one from Amazon can be used, just make sure that when it does get opened up there is enough space to move around the room.

Give your guest bedroom a makeover

For this particular bedroom, the only personality it should be showing is inviting and cosy. Though you may want to show off your personality here, it may be good practice that you keep the colours and theme neutral but not boring.

On-trend, colours are those that are soft and simple and create an environment that promotes peace and tranquillity. Our favourites are Resene duck egg blue and Resene quarter tea

To create a crisp white trim finish off with Resene alabaster

Use trunks and bookcases to hold accessories for the room (this can also help with the organising of what stuff is for the room and what isn’t).

Keep something personal of yours and your family in there, like a frame of pictures perhaps, but nothing too ornate, and in their faces. Some artwork on the walls also gives the walls a bit of a “dressing” whether or not you make it yourself, lamps always give a room personality and finish the space off with a new cosy rug!

Spring clean your guest bedroom

The guest bedroom usually is not the most used room in the house, so it can fall to a bit of neglect.

Open up the window and give the room a much deserve airing out! Ensure that there are no cobwebs in the corners of the ceiling, and all the lights work, dust everything and vacuum and mop(if required).

Make sure that your linen is washed and clean and that there are no holes in the sheets! The day before you guest arrives try letting the bed air out (without the sheets) for at least an hour to help the bed feel fresh.

If you have a lovely scented candle or essential oils, light them up! But be careful with these as depending on the size of your room, the scent may be too strong if these are left burning for too long.

Dreamy guest bedrooms deserve dreamy linen

Try seeking out some dreamy linen for your guest bed, we suggest using the following items:

Bed Mattress Topper

A bed mattress topper is a key addition to your guest bedroom, enhancing comfort and extending the life of your mattress. It provides extra cushioning, making even a firm or older mattress feel more supportive and plush. Toppers made from memory foam, latex, or down offer guests personalized support, ensuring a better night’s sleep.

Good Quality Linen

Quality linen is essential in a guest bedroom as it enhances both comfort and the overall experience for visitors. High-quality sheets and bedding not only feel luxurious but also ensure a restful night’s sleep. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen help regulate body temperature, while durable materials withstand frequent washing and maintain their texture.

Investing in quality linen also adds a touch of elegance, making your guests feel pampered and welcome. It’s a simple upgrade that reflects care and attention to detail, leaving a lasting impression. We love

Comforter and/or Duvet

Duvets and comforters play a crucial role in creating a warm, inviting guest bedroom. They offer the perfect balance of warmth and comfort, ensuring guests can sleep cozily throughout the night.

Duvets, in particular, provide flexibility, allowing you to change the cover to match your room’s style. High-quality comforters filled with down or synthetic alternatives help regulate temperature, keeping guests comfortable in different seasons. These layers add texture and style, enhancing the overall look of the room while providing a sense of luxury.

Pillows, pillows and more pillows!

Pillows and throw pillows are essential elements in a guest bedroom, providing both comfort and style. A variety of pillows with different firmness levels allows guests to customize their sleeping experience, ensuring proper neck and head support for a restful night.

Throw pillows, on the other hand, add a decorative touch, elevating the room’s aesthetic and making the bed feel more inviting. They introduce color, texture, and a sense of coziness, making the space feel well thought out and welcoming.

A Luxurious Throw

Luxurious throws are an important finishing touch in a guest bedroom, adding both warmth and sophistication. These soft, plush blankets offer an extra layer of comfort for guests who might want to cozy up while reading or resting. Throws also introduce texture and style, enhancing the room’s décor and creating a sense of warmth and relaxation. Available in various fabrics like cashmere, wool, or faux fur, they elevate the space with a touch of elegance.

Guest Bathroom

Ok so whether or not the bathroom is an ensuite bathroom or outside of the room make an effort to have it clean and tidy.

If your guest have to share a bathroom with the people living in the house, then it would be a nice touch to give them their own space in there. We suggest things like their own hook to put up their towel, a small collection of toiletries and a shelf they can place a toiletries bag on.

If the bathroom is in their room, the cleanliness, of course, should be considered and ensure that the bath towels are clean and smell nice.

Little touches to make your guest bedroom sparkle

The final little touches will bring the whole room together. It can make your guest feel like you took the time to make everything that *little* bit more comfortable for them and that you are looking forward to their visit and being there.

Add a glam tray with a bottle of water, a torch (if they have to travel down a hallway to the bathroom at night) and a photo frame with the wifi details on it.

Prepare a little caddy for guest complete with a little travel toothbrush, small soap and toilet paper roll in there just for them to use, especially if the bathroom is a shared one.

If they have an ensuite bathroom place little mini bottles of body wash, shampoo and conditioner in there. Always ensure the toilet paper is refreshed, and the Luxurious towels have been tumbled dried in their dryer, so they are soft and fluffy.

If you have some books that you or your family have finished reading, it is a nice little touch to put those in the room. Having a mirror available is important too. Finish the space with some candles like this gorgeous Yankee Candle in Clean Cotton and fresh flowers.

What if I have a Guest Bedroom Office Combo?

When your guest bedroom doubles as a home office, it’s important to strike a balance between functionality and comfort. Start by choosing multi-functional furniture, such as a desk that can double as a nightstand or a daybed that transforms into a comfortable bed. Keep the office area tidy by using storage solutions like floating shelves or a compact filing cabinet, ensuring that work materials can be neatly stowed away when guests arrive. Consider neutral, calming colors for the room, as they create a peaceful atmosphere that suits both work and rest. Soft lighting, such as a table lamp with adjustable brightness, can easily transition from focused work to a relaxing evening ambiance.

To maintain a welcoming feel, incorporate cozy elements like plush bedding, decorative pillows, and a luxurious throw, even if the space functions as an office most days. Plants (Tip – they don’t have to be real!, artwork, and personal touches help soften the room’s office vibe and make it feel more like a retreat for your guests. By being mindful of design and functionality, you can create a flexible space that not only meets your productivity needs but also provides a cozy, inviting environment for guests to enjoy during their stay.