Setting up a guest room is something I am pretty passionate about! After staying over with some friends who had an absolutely killer guest room where we felt pampered and slept like babies, I was inspired to up my game. There are so many DETAILS that can elevate a guest space from sufficient to a-mazing. And the best part is, these ideas are not expensive or difficult to execute at all!
And I do want to note that these tips ABSOLUTELY apply to a part-time guest space (temporary air mattress setups included!). Just because you don’t have a whole room to devote to hosting your guests does not mean you can’t create a comfy and inviting space for them to enjoy! No matter what your space consists of, taking these extra steps to create a thoughtful space will be appreciated by your guests.
Step 1: Make it comfyCozy bedding is a big deal. If you are working with an air mattress, top it with a piece of memory foam to up the comfort by about 1 million points. Choose nice sateen sheets and a variety of pillows (from super plush and firm to slim and soft).
I always use my pillow mist when making the bed to add a fresh, subtle scent.
Bonus points for white robes (fancy hotel vibes!), a comfy rug and a fresh candle.
Step 2: Make it practical
Start with necessities (don’t forget extra towels, toothbrushes, extra toilet paper and tampons—basically anything you’ve ever had to ask the front desk for at a hotel! ESPECIALLY the stuff that’s embarrassing to ask for).
Think of what you often use in hotel rooms, like a blow dryer or iron and make sure they are accessible. If you have a closet space, leave some hangers so they can hang clothes.
Leave a note in plain sight with your Wi-Fi password.
If you have room to furnish, consider a desk rather than a dresser. The dresser probably won’t get a lot of use, but the desk will be a place for them to set up their laptop and get a little work done if they need to!
Next, add some treats (late night snacks). In our last home, we started the tradition of having a guest room cart, and it’s probably the most appreciated and complimented thing we’ve done in our guest room. I enjoy customizing it for each of our guests. For example, if they have children, we’ll add more kiddo snacks, or if they have allergies or dietary restrictions, we’ll be conscious of that. It’s fun, special and 100% worth the extra effort! If you don’t want to do a whole cart, start with a nice little basket!
Sleep in your guest room for at least one night. This is SO helpful. You’ll find out if it’s too bright to sleep in, if the bed is comfy or if it’s a room that gets extra hot or cold for some reason.
Step 3: Make it personalized
This is your chance to make a FUN space. I do feel it’s a little more challenging going bold in a guest room because I imagine all my very different friends and family staying there and I want to make sure it’s comfortable for all of them.
With that said, I still think it’s worth it to go a little more bold or infuse it with some quirky elements because your guests won’t have time to get tired of it like a regular bedroom. Instead, think of it as a fun hotel room and give your friends something adorable to Instagram!
I still have more I want to do in this space, but I feel like it’s off to a really good start. The simple steps I’ve taken have MAJORLY upped my hostess game, which I am so excited about! Being so far from my close friends and family, it means SO much to me to have a cozy space where they feel welcomed.
Do you have a permanent or temporary guest room that’s needing some love? Which of these ideas are you planning to try for yourself? Additionally, if you have tips that have worked for your space, I’d love to hear them! I’m really inspired by the challenge of creating the ultimate guest room and I hope you are too. xx- Elsie
Credits//Author: Elsie Larson. Photography: Elsie Larson and Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess Actions.
This guest room looks so cozy, cute and comfy. 🙂
Yes id love to know where the yellow desk is from as well.
I love the rug. Where did you find it?
Love the 3 gold corner plant hangers! Where are they from???
So, so perfect!
The desk chair is invisible, I didn’t see it at first glance! ahah
Really inspiring what you can do with a small guest room. We had no idea how pretty smart it could be made, thanks for posting. You really know how to set up a guest room, keep up the good work.
Would luv to be your guest.
Have fun!
i have a dedicated guest room and it’s so ugly and boring! But we have family members stay all the time and I’ve been wanting to make it more comfortable and welcoming for them. One thing I’d like to figure out, is how to help them feel comfortable in the morning if I’m not up yet. I’m not a super early morning riser and I don’t want them starving until I can get up and make them breakfast!
What a wonderful guest bedroom set up. I love the mini bar section, its pretty clever.
I love those ideas, I can’t wait to have my own house to try them ! I currently live in a small appartment and my guests sleep on the sofa-bed in the living room. At least it’s really comfortable. I would also add a map of the area and bus directions for the guests that stay longer ! Maybe even some bus tickets.
I love this! I was so excited to design our guest room when we moved from a studio to a 2-bedroom. The guest room is actually more decorated than our bedroom! Hah. I love welcoming guests into a bright and cozy room that was made just for them. So fun!
Love ya Elsie! Happy Holidays.
Julie
These tips are SO AWESOME!
I loved the little details. Never thought about a guest room cart before but seems so obvious now that it would be so useful for the guests.
Loved dear! 🙂
http://www.loveandeverythingblog.com
I love how comfortable and cozy this room is! The tip about sleeping in the guest room is a great reminder!
The pillows are so pretty, could you tell me where they’re from?
Great post! I love the idea of keeping the bedding simple and adding color everywhere else! Thanks for the inspiration! This is the first time I’ve been to this blog- obsessed already!!
Hello!! I absolutely I adore this blog a heck of a lot. I just wanted to ask where you got the semi circle gold plant hangers from?? I really want to buy these !! Thanks X
This is super cute! You are such a talented person ?
Xx
This guest room looks definitely the ultimate guest room! Xx
Love all the tips! Where is the yellow desk from? Super cute!
Oh wow, where is that yellow desk from?? it’s lovely!
This guest room is amazing and gorgeous! I love it!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
My sister and brother-in-law put an older model Keurig single cup coffee maker in the guest bath for me when I visited. What a treat in the morning!