Creating a Welcoming Guest Room
When friends and family come over for the holidays or at any other time, it’s important to make them feel welcome. But often, guest rooms are neglected.
Instead of being a dumping ground for old toys or other unwanted furniture, they can be transformed into a soothing escape punctuated with thoughtful touches. Keep these tips in mind to create a guest room that your overnight guests will love.
1. Sofa Bed
If you have a smaller apartment and/or frequent overnight guests, a sofa bed is an excellent way to create a welcoming guest room. This multifunctional piece of furniture can transform into a sleeping area in seconds, saving you space and making it easy for guests to relax.
When choosing a sofa bed, look for one with a high-quality mattress. This will ensure your guests have a comfortable night’s sleep and help you save money in the long run.
Another option is to get a sectional sleeper sofa that also converts into a bed. These are typically equipped with queen-size mattresses that can either fold out or pull out.
In addition to their versatility, sofa beds come in a variety of styles and are often made from durable fabric. They’re especially popular for families with children because they’re durable and easy to clean.
Lastly, sofa beds make great guest rooms because they are so convenient and affordable. They’re a perfect solution for apartments and people with frequent guests, but they need to be chosen wisely.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a sofa bed, including size, opening mechanism and the type of mattress. For example, memory foam mattresses tend to be firmer than innerspring mattresses, so you may want to consider how much support your guests will need.
2. Comfortable Bedding
Whether you have a dedicated guest room or not, it’s important to create a welcoming and comfortable space. It can be easy to focus on a room’s appearance and neglect the comfort factor, but you’ll thank yourself in the long run if you make your guests feel at home from the moment they step through the door.
You can do this by providing the right bedding for your guests, which includes sheets, a duvet, and pillows. You can also add extra blankets and throws to the bed if you have them, which will help keep your guests warm and cozy while they’re sleeping.
The type of material you choose for your bedding will have a big impact on how it feels. For example, percale cotton is cool to the touch while sateen cotton has a heavier drape. It also affects how warm or cold you will feel as you sleep.
For people who are cold, a cotton sateen sheet may be a good choice. However, for those who are hot, a cotton percale sheet will provide the right amount of comfort.
In addition, try to select a linen duvet cover and at least two down pillows for added comfort and warmth. These can be found at most department stores.
A good night’s sleep is vital for a healthy body and mind, and the right bedding can go a long way in helping you achieve it. With a little research, you can find the perfect bedding for your guest bedroom that will ensure they enjoy their stay while also helping you get the sleep you need too!
3. Extra Blankets
Providing extra blankets, pillows and throws for guests to relax on during their stay is an easy way to create a welcoming guest room. It also adds texture and dimension to the space and helps to keep it feeling cozier.
Whether your guest is on a vacation, going on business or just visiting for a few nights, putting together a welcome basket full of essentials will make them feel like they are at home. This can include items such as a blanket, pillow, and some books or magazines that they can read before bedtime.
If you’re not sure what to add, a simple arrangement of greenery or faux stems can instantly bring a more thoughtful touch to the room. If you’re a plant person, you could even go all out with fake ivy or other succulents for the ultimate guest room makeover.
Another quick and simple way to store extra blankets is to get a woven basket, which can be found in just about every home goods store these days. These woven containers are perfect for storing blankets that need to be folded or put away.
Alternatively, you could buy a ladder, which will allow you to fold blankets over it while leaning against a wall. These ladders come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs. If you have a lot of blankets, you can even use an old magazine rack to hold them.
4. Bedside Table
A bedside table can be a great way to create a welcoming guest room. They offer a place to keep a glass of water, a phone charger and other items that guests might need during their stay.
Choosing a nightstand that complements the bedroom design is important, says interior designer Jonathan Rachman. It will also ensure that the space feels organized and tidy.
He suggests considering the height of your bed and how it relates to the size and shape of the table. Then choose a lighting concept that doesn’t overpower or take up too much space.
You can even go the extra mile by adding a few functional touches to your table, such as a notepad and pen, a box of tissues, and a bottle of aspirin. Keeping these handy accessories at hand will make it easier for your guests to settle into their stay and feel comfortable in your home.
Another great idea is to invest in a double-duty nightstand, which can act as a table and a study surface. These types of tables are perfect for those who want to work on their laptop or eat a snack while watching TV, as they can be pulled toward the bed.
A bedside table can also be used as a decorative piece, displaying framed artwork or miniature sculptures. Flowers and plants of different heights and sizes can be placed on top, while symmetrical layouts are a great way to create visual interest and add dimension.
5. Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important elements to create a welcoming guest room. It provides ambiance and helps create the overall mood of a room, which can make or break a guest’s stay.
A good hospitality lighting scheme should provide layers of light, varying to suit various needs and preferences. The right lighting can help guests feel more relaxed and comfortable, and it should also be easy to control.
Layers of lighting can be achieved through floor uplights, skirting level marker lights, wall lights, pendants and ceiling lighting. They can be used to highlight specific areas of the room or to create a soothing glow.
Consider using low wattage bulbs in your guest room lighting, as this will allow for a softer glow and will make the room more inviting to guests. This is especially important for bedside lighting, as it allows your guests to read comfortably without having to worry about their eyes burning.
If you are looking for more directional lighting in your guest room, consider using wall sconces or switched wall mounts. These fixtures are convenient for guests and can be flipped on and off by voice.
When designing a guest room, it’s important to think about how the lighting can complement the theme of the room. This will ensure that all the furnishings and decor in the space coordinate with each other and work together to create a beautiful and cohesive space.
6. Storage
Storage is the ability to store and organize things. It can be physical or virtual.
When it comes to the guest room, there are many ways to add storage without sacrificing style or space. Whether it’s under the bed, in a closet or on a shelf, there are plenty of clever ideas to make the most of your space.
You can also use furniture pieces like a sofa sleeper or folding luggage rack to provide guests with more convenient options for storing their belongings. These functional pieces are perfect for minimizing clutter and making your visitors feel at home.
A clothing rack is another great option for giving guests an easy place to hang their clothes. These portable racks fold compactly for storage when not in use and are a fun design element for the room.
The right storage can be the deciding factor between a well-designed guest room and one that feels cluttered. If you’re short on storage, try to keep your space as neat as possible by using neutral tones and a minimal amount of furniture.
You can also include a desk in your guest room to make it more functional for guests who may need to do a little work. This can be in the form of a simple shelf or wall-mounted desk.
