Whether you want to create a warm space for visiting friends and family, or generate income by offering lodging, it’s important to have a guest bedroom that is comfortable, inviting and well-appointed. Sometimes this space seems like an afterthought, hastily pulled together when it becomes necessary. Here are some tips for pulling your guest room together.
Taking Care of the Basics
Few would debate that the most important part of a guest bedroom is anything other than the bed. Your available space will dictate the size bed you can accommodate, but you should spring for the largest bed that the space will fit. Try to go with a queen bed or larger. If the space is to always be used as a guest room, spend some money on a nice bed with a mattress of medium firmness. Plan for a minimum of two pillows per person and go with bedding that is appropriate for the climate. Cotton sheets tend to be more breathable than microfiber sheets which don’t wrinkle as easily.
Providing a Work Space or Sitting Area
If your room is large enough, you should strongly consider adding a desk workspace or a sitting area. Whether your guests are in town on business or just to hang out, providing a space beyond an area to sleep is not only convenient, but it adds value to the room, especially if you’re renting the room. Your visitor can break out a laptop to get some work done without needing additional space in your home which is mutually beneficial. Pick furniture that is not only comfortable but also complements the design of your room.
Finding the Right Decor
Put special touches on the room with décor and other design touches. From bedding to lighting and decorative elements, your guests will appreciate a room that is tastefully designed. You may not have the eye of an interior designer, or the budget, but you can find inspirations for color schemes and design motifs online. Consider elevating your space with vintage wall decor that is related to the style of your home or your locale. Try to avoid having a matchy-matchy look between the colors of fabrics and other accessories. Coordination, not matching, is the key.
Remaining Neutral
While you may personally like bold and bright colors in your room, try to think of your guest room as a hotel room. In most hotels, the bed and bath linens tend to be white. First of all, white fabrics can be worked into nearly any design scheme. They give the impression of a clean, crisp and orderly space without being cold and clinical. White towels also evoke images of an upscale hotel bedroom or spa for the ultimate in comfort. Best of all, white fabrics are easier to keep clean since you can use bleach to remove stains.
Providing Entertainment
If you have the space, you should also provide a television in your bedroom. A flat screen TV can be mounted on the wall for private entertainment, especially for late nights and early mornings. If you have streaming service subscriptions, your guests will appreciate the option of being able to keep up with some of their favorite shows. Some services allow you to create additional profiles so that visitors can watch preferred content without disturbing your viewer profile. Consider including a Bluetooth speaker for visitors to connect their smartphones to enjoy music.
Whether you’re hosting friends and family or complete strangers, your guests will love a well-appointed bedroom. You’re providing a comfortable space that offers several creature comforts that makes the space feel like a home away from home. They will appreciate your mindfulness as a host and look forward to future visits.