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10 guest bedroom ideas for a cozy and comfortable space

From furniture layout to color palettes, here are some guest bedroom design ideas to consider

coastal bedroom design with all white interior and beadboard ceiling
Artazum / Shutterstock

The guest bedroom may not be the most used space in the home, but it’s an essential addition for homeowners who like to host guests occasionally. However, making your guest bedroom a cozy and comfortable retreat can be tricky. You want your guest space to be relaxing for all friends and family while also blending with your home’s aesthetic and current design. So, here are some fantastic guest bedroom ideas you can try to make your space welcoming for all visitors.

How to give your guest bedroom a hotel aesthetic

Bright modern bedroom with wood floor and white linens
Westend61 GmbH / Alamy

A hotel aesthetic provides a simple yet luxe look to your home. It’s a great choice for homeowners looking to host various guests at different times while making them feel at home.

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Use white or neutral tones on bedding

For maximum appeal, white and neutral tones are best with bedding. They offer a clean, simple, and elegant feel to any space. Choose crisp, luxurious bedding that will remind guests of sleeping in a gorgeous hotel. Be sure to add plenty of pillows and stack extra blankets nearby for guests to use as necessary.

Best colors for guest bedroom bedding:

  • White
  • Cream
  • Beige
  • Brown
  • Gray

If your guest bedroom lacks color, green and blue are perfect hues to add a more organic touch.

Keep the design minimal

Opting for a minimal design in the guest bedroom will help inspire more peace and tranquility. Keep furniture limited, and don’t clutter the space with decor. Additionally, keep furniture and decor off of the floor to give the illusion of an open space.

Have toiletries and necessities stocked

The best hotel rooms are stocked with toiletries, towels, and linens. Be sure to keep your guest bedroom stocked with these essentials as well. Wow your guests with travel-size shampoos and soaps in your guest bathroom. Keep folded towels and extra blankets on hand for easy access. Make your space feel like a retreat where guests can relax.

Install a TV

Another way to make the guest bedroom comfortable and more entertaining for guests is to install a TV. While it doesn’t need to be anything fancy, a personal television can help guests relax and unwind at the end of the day or seek space from the rest of the household should they need it.

How to arrange a guest bedroom

Yuir Arcurs / Alamy

Arranging your guest bedroom the right way will make the space more comfortable.

Place the bed opposite the door if you can

When it comes to furniture placement, be sure to keep the bed opposite the entrance. The rules for styling a guest bedroom are similar to any other bedroom. Have the bed opposite the door, if you can. Then, place some side tables beside the bed, add a dresser or wardrobe for clothes, and maybe a chair or two for added comfort.

Have adequate lighting

Investing in the right lighting can make or break your space. We recommend having more than just overhead lighting in any space; this is especially useful in the guest bedroom. Opt for an additional lamp or two for the nightstands. Or, add a corner lamp to offer some warm and cozy lighting at the end of the day. You might also consider installing wall sconces if you don’t have enough space for nightstands or prefer a specific look for the guest room.

Add a rug

Rugs enhance your design and add more comfort to the guest bedroom. Choose a rug that feels soft underfoot to provide additional coziness to the space. This is a great way to use textiles to offer more texture and pattern to the room, creating more relaxation for guests.

How do you make a guest bedroom feel welcoming?

Bedroom in new luxury home
BM_27 / Shutterstock

Add some cozy touches to your space to make it more welcoming for guests.

Add some bookshelves

Bookshelves are a great way to add personalized decor that will make the guest bedroom feel welcoming and lived in. You might also consider adding a couple of books or magazines to the shelves to offer guests something to peruse if they choose.

Place a cozy chair or a chaise lounge

A soft chair or chaise lounge provides additional seating for guests. This is especially helpful if you have two family members or friends visiting at the same time. Extra seating can help fill out your room and tackle any empty space that feels lacking. You can also use furniture to curate a specific design style for your space.

Hang inspiring artwork

Artwork is a wonderful choice for adding charm and character to a guest room. Hang a large painting that suits the color palette and aesthetic you’re going for. You can also opt for a few paintings or a miniature gallery wall if that’s more your style. Just remember to keep things light, simple, and luxe so that it doesn’t overwhelm the room.

The guest bedroom is an essential space that can be challenging to decorate. Striking the balance between a hotel-like space fit for anyone and a cozy and comfortable personal retreat is a must. With these tips, you can achieve just that so you can create a space your guests will love.

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Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
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