How to Make the Most of Your Guest Room
How to Make the Most of Your Guest Room
Whether your extra room is a designated guest bedroom or it is multifunctional as a home office, I have several tips to make the most of your guest room for you and your guests!
#1 – THE BEDDING
Washable bedding is a must, including the comforter. It may be tempting to pick up a trendy comforter and sham set, but make sure to check the cleaning label! Save yourself a headache and look for a washable cotton duvet cover with a down-alternative comforter inside. You’ll thank me later! A separate lightweight blanket or two, either made up under the comforter or folded nearby, is a simple way to add color to the bedding but also lets the guests choose how warm they want to be. I have found that two pillows per guest works just fine but I do like to limit the throw pillows to just one or two to keep the guest bed from looking too stuffy!
#2 – THE FURNITURE
One of my favorite things to do is choose décor that is also functional! Especially in a guest bedroom, you want your guests to feel at ease. Having furniture with adequate space for charging electronics, sorting belongings, and freshening up is essential.
The same way that washable bedding alleviates much of the cleaning headaches, having glass cut for furniture is practical to protect the surfaces and makes cleaning up any spills or smudges a breeze. Make sure to clear off any additional accessories that may be in the way!
A simple way to amp up a guest room is with a chair or bench so that your guests can use it to relax. It can also be used for extra storage for their things or for pillows they do not need.
#3 – WINDOW COVERINGS AND LIGHTING
I like to have adjustable light filtering or blackout shades as the base of my window treatments with the decorative draperies on top. This way the guests can block out sunlight when needed and have privacy. Window treatments can really tie a room together, I like to coordinate the draperies with a bed skirt when I can- it always looks so polished!
A gentle reminder: if the shades or draperies have dangling drawstrings or cords, install cleats or hooks high on the wall to keep the cords contained so that curious hands of your littlest guests do not get a hold of them! Part of functional décor is also safety!
Having a lamp on the bedside table or a standing lamp within arms reach is important for guests’ comfort! I always place a nightlight in each room and speaking of my littlest guests, I like to keep a few extras in case one needs a brighter room at night!
#4 – CREATURE COMFORTS
Make sure to have room in the closet with empty hangers for guests’ clothes and clear the tops of dressers and tables before they arrive. This way your guests can get settled in quickly and the fun can begin! I love spritzing some of my favorite linen spray onto the bedding to fill the space with a light fragrance.
If you’re looking for a way to brighten the room and make your guests feel welcome, I am always a fan of a floral arrangement! Even if you are having guests in the Wintertime, you can’t go wrong with some faux florals!
Lastly, there are a few essentials I always have on hand and in their room. A a box of tissues, wastebasket, a few water bottles, a small fan if there is not an overhead fan in the room, folding luggage valet, and towel hamper.
I hope these tips were helpful and I can’t wait for your guests to have a first-class experience staying with you! Happy hosting!
