How do I make my guest bedroom more welcoming?

Are you guilty of treating your guest bedroom like a poor relation, splashing cash and creativity on your master suite but skimping on the space that will host family and friends? Your guest bedroom should be welcoming rather the reason your guests beat an early retreat, so here are five ideas to transform it into a luxury boudoir.

Guest bedroom essentials

Just as if your guests were staying in a hotel, they should have the essentials they need to be comfortable – towels, bathrobes, hairdryer, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste etc – close to hand. If your guest bedroom has an en suite, keep it well stocked with these basics. If you don’t have an en suite, put together a wash basket packed with them and leave it in the guest bedroom.  

Storage is another hotel essential: nothing says ‘You’re not welcome’ more than a lack of it. Create some space for their luggage in an empty wardrobe or chest of drawers, or, if you’re using your spare room to store an overspill of clothes from your own bedroom, be sure to make space before your visitors arrive.

Furniture ideas for your guest bedroom

You don’t want guests complaining of backache over the breakfast table, so double check that the mattress on your guest bed is comfortable (you’ll find plenty of expert tips over at Naturalmat. Provide extra blankets and cushions, too. If you can, keep these in drawers under the bed so they don’t take up precious storage space.

Personally, I like to provide my guests somewhere to sit away from the bed. I always include a comfortable upholstered chair and place a table and lamp close by to create a cute reading corner. 

Creating luxury with bedding

A well-dressed bed can make or break your guest room. Invest in quality bedlinen – 300 thread count or higher – and try turning down the top the duvet to create an inviting hotel-esque vibe. As a general rule, my preference is neutral-coloured bedlinen. I then add between two and four throw cushions to work in the colours and textures of the bedroom.

Small touches that every guest bedroom should have

Welcome your guests with a vase of fresh flowers. It’s a small, inexpensive touch but makes the world of difference, adding a pop of uplifting colour and a sweet smell. I like to include a scented reed diffuser in the en suite bathroom. Diptyque has an excellent selection. 

Colours for guest bedrooms

When considering colours for your guest bedroom, stick to a soft neutral palette that encourages your guests to relax. Personally, I steer clear of lively colours such as yellows: they may well stimulate the senses in the morning but they don’t create a sense of serenity and calm. For the same reason, I always try to avoid electrical gadgets in my guest bedroom. There’s no place for computers and TVs in a space dedicated to relaxation and quality sleep.