Guest Bedroom Ideas

Guest bedroom furniture should be a delicate balance between comfort and functionality. Nightstands and dressers provide ample surface space for glasses, books and cellphones along with drawers for additional storage.

An
accent chair
with a matching ottoman or small coffee table offers a relaxing spot to unwind, and more versatile ottomans that double as storage units can also provide more room for bedding items.

If you want your spare room to serve as more than just a guest bedroom, Murphy beds and chests are great alternatives. You can create an entire hidden bedroom set, complete with shelving, lighting, charging stations, drawers and more. You can style the guest bedroom any way you’d like, but the room is still available when no one needs it for sleeping.

The classic Murphy bed is installed to a wall with hinges. When you need it for guests, it folds down into the room. Otherwise, it’s folded up and out of the way, converting into a desk or closet when the bed isn’t pulled down. A Murphy chest, on the other hand, doesn’t need to be permanently installed. It’s a chest of drawers that transforms into a bed.

How you dress your guests’ bed is another way to showcase your eye for decor, but most important, you want your guests to have a good night’s rest. Ultra-soft cotton
bedding, plush pillows and a soft linen
duvet
in simple, crisp colors are easy and inexpensive choices.

Generally, you want two pillows for each guest. Each pillow should have a different firmness, so your guest has options. Nothing can ruin a good night's sleep like a pillow that's too thick or too thin. Store extra pillows in the closet if you have one. The bottom drawer of the dresser is another option.

Keep extra bed sheets, linens and blankets handy in a nearby
storage basket
or closet. The closet can also house extra hangers and pillows.

Whether you’re going for a plush, resort-style feel or a relaxing bungalow getaway, a unique theme can make a big difference in your guest's experience.

• Bring in natural elements that brighten up the space like fresh flowers
  or
  indoor house plants.
• Highlight a collection of decorative sea shells or nautical decor pieces with soft hues of blue and textured
  throw pillows.
• Guest beds
  in a simple black finish or wood frame offers both simplicity and versatility.
• Add a rustic, vintage-inspired
  wall decor
  piece for a warm and inviting cottage-style look.

These simple tips can help you create an effortless retreat and take your guest room decor to the next level.

Keep your guests entertained with a book by their favorite author or a popular magazine that highlights their interests. Consider adding a smart TV that allows your guests to watch their favorite shows and movies on demand or even stream content from their own personal devices. Mounting the television to the wall is also a great way to save space. If your budget doesn’t allow for an extra television in the guest room, offer up your home’s common areas to watch television.

If you work during the day, provide your guests with information on local parks, museums and attractions to check out while you're gone, or suggest restaurant options or night spots to review and visit together when you return.

Knowing your guest's needs can extend far beyond decor and comfort. If you know your guest may prefer to catch up on some work during their stay, consider adding a desk to your guest bedroom too.

• Be sure to place the desk in a spot that allows convenient access to power outlets for laptops, tablets or other personal devices.
• Use a small notecard to share your Wi-Fi connection information.
• Provide a selection of writing utensils and notepads.
• Include a desk lamp and an alarm clock for an additional, yet thoughtful touch.

If your guest bedroom has a separate bath, you’ll want to get it guest ready as well. Welcome baskets are amazing guest bedroom ideas, along with a shower caddy stocked with essentials. Cotton swabs, a comb and a razor are a nice added touch. Simply place a basket on the bathroom counter and present it in a way that ties into the overall decor theme.

Remember, comfort is key, so provide plenty of clean towels and maybe even a soft memory foam
bath mat. Add a
toothbrush holder
and other accessories to make the bath feel like home.

Traveling can be hectic, and your guest is almost sure to leave something at home, especially when they're in a hurry.

Provide a few of these miniature or travel-sized items to help put your guests’ minds at ease upon their arrival:

• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Deodorant
• Spare toothbrush
• Mouthwash
• Lotion

Consider displaying these items in a decorative way, like a nice welcome message on a tray on a nightstand or dresser that’s easily visible. Attach a welcome message to the basket for an added personal touch that encourages your guests to help themselves to the items.