What makes a guest room feel welcoming?
A welcoming guest room has a comfortable bed, good lighting, somewhere to put a bag, and a clear surface to use. Keep the decor simple and calm so visitors feel like guests, not like they are staying in a storage room.
Comfort first
Good bedding matters most. Use a supportive mattress, fresh sheets and a choice of pillows. A spare blanket at the foot of the bed lets guests adjust to the temperature.
The simple checklist
1. A bedside lamp on each side, or at least one reading light
2. Somewhere to hang clothes and an empty shelf or drawer
3. A luggage rack or a bench for a suitcase
4. A mirror, ideally full length
5. Blackout curtains or blinds
6. A small tray with water, a glass and a charger
Keep the colours calm
Soft neutrals or muted colours suit most tastes. Personal touches like a plant, a print and a soft rug make the room feel cared for.
Use the room for two things
Many guest rooms double as a home office or hobby room. A sofa bed, a fold-away desk or a wall bed can make this work. See our tips for [home office design](/blog/home-office-design-ideas) in small spaces.
Renovating on a budget
Paint, new bedding, and new lampshades change the room for very little money. You can test a colour scheme on a photo of your room first with [AI room redesign](/ai-room-redesign), which is a helpful check before you buy paint.
Style ideas
A [Japandi](/blog/japandi-bedroom-ideas) look is calm and uncluttered, and works well in a small guest bedroom. For more, browse our [bedroom decor ideas](/blog/bedroom-decor-ideas).
