Guest Room Style: 10 Expert Tips to Make Your Guests Feel at Home

Creating a welcoming guest room goes beyond simply providing a bed and a few extra pillows. The best hosts know that a well-styled guest space should feel like a cozy retreat—a home away from home where visitors can relax, unwind, and enjoy their stay in comfort. Whether you’re preparing for overnight guests or giving your spare room a stylish refresh, thoughtful details can make all the difference.

A beautifully designed guest room isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality, comfort, and small gestures that show you’ve gone the extra mile. Imagine your most memorable hotel stay—the plush bedding, the soft lighting, the perfectly placed amenities—and bring that same level of thoughtfulness into your own home.

From practical must-haves to stylish finishing touches, here are ten ways to elevate your guest room style and create an unforgettable experience for your visitors.

1. Guest Room Style: The Ultimate Cozy Bed

A great night’s sleep is the foundation of a well-designed guest room. Start with a comfortable mattress, high-quality sheets, and a selection of pillows to suit different preferences. A soft, breathable duvet and an extra throw blanket at the foot of the bed ensure guests stay warm and comfortable no matter the season.

Layering is key—opt for crisp cotton or linen sheets in the summer and flannel or heavier fabrics in the colder months. Keep the color palette neutral for a hotel-like feel, or introduce subtle patterns for a touch of personality. Your goal? To make your guest bed so inviting that your visitors never want to leave (but hopefully, they will!).

2. Guest Room Style: Layered Lighting for Ambiance

Overhead lighting is useful, but it’s not enough to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Layer different light sources, such as bedside table lamps, wall sconces, or even dimmable LED bulbs. Adjustable reading lamps allow guests to wind down with a book before bed without disturbing their partner.

A stylish bedside lamp with a warm glow makes the space feel cozy, while a motion-sensor nightlight can guide guests if they wake up in the middle of the night. If you want to go the extra mile, install smart lighting that allows guests to control brightness and color temperature at their convenience.

3. Guest Room Style: Stylish & Functional Nightstands

A nightstand is more than just a place to rest a phone or a glass of water—it’s a crucial part of a well-styled guest room. Opt for a bedside table with drawers or shelves to offer storage without cluttering the space.

Consider adding a decorative tray with essentials like tissues, a notepad, a pen, and a small dish for jewelry or watches. A carafe with fresh water and a couple of glasses is a luxurious touch that makes guests feel at ease.

4. Guest Room Style: Power Outlets & Charging Stations

There’s nothing more frustrating than searching for an outlet behind a bed or dresser. Make life easier for your guests by providing accessible charging stations.

A power strip with USB ports on the nightstand ensures that phones, tablets, and laptops can be easily charged. If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding a wireless charging pad for added convenience.

5. Guest Room Style: Closet & Luggage Space

Not all guest rooms have built-in closets, but that doesn’t mean you can’t offer storage options. A stylish clothing rack, a few hooks on the wall, or even a set of decorative baskets can provide a designated space for guests’ belongings.

A luggage rack or a bench at the foot of the bed allows guests to keep their suitcase off the floor. Adding a few wooden or velvet hangers to a closet or rack is a thoughtful detail that helps keep clothes wrinkle-free.

6. Guest Room Style: Bathroom Essentials & Little Luxuries

A well-stocked guest bathroom is a game-changer. If your guest room has an en-suite, make sure it’s stocked with fresh towels, extra toiletries, and a plush bathrobe for that spa-like feel.

Even if your guests will be sharing a bathroom, you can provide them with a small basket of essentials—think shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and even a disposable razor. A cozy bath mat and fluffy towels make the experience even more enjoyable.

7. Guest Room Style: Thoughtful Decor & Personal Touches

While minimalism can feel modern and sleek, a guest room should feel warm and inviting. Add personality with framed artwork, decorative pillows, or a cozy rug. A small vase with fresh flowers or greenery instantly makes the room feel more welcoming.

If you know your guest’s favorite scents, a softly scented candle or a reed diffuser can create a calming atmosphere. Just be sure to choose a fragrance that’s not too overpowering—something light and refreshing, like lavender or citrus, works best.

8. Guest Room Style: Entertainment & Reading Material

Sometimes guests need a little downtime, and providing entertainment options makes their stay more enjoyable. A selection of magazines, novels, or a local guidebook can be a thoughtful addition to the nightstand.

If you have a TV in the guest room, leave a note with instructions on how to use the remote and access streaming services. If space allows, a small seating area with a cozy chair and a side table creates the perfect reading nook.

9. Guest Room Style: A Guide to Your Home

Guests appreciate small conveniences, and a simple welcome note with helpful details can go a long way. Provide a printed card with your Wi-Fi password, instructions for the thermostat, and any other helpful information.

If they’re visiting from out of town, a short list of recommended restaurants, coffee shops, and attractions can be a thoughtful touch. Adding a small map or transit card (if applicable) makes navigating the area even easier.

10. Guest Room Style: Seasonal Comfort & Temperature Control

Everyone has different temperature preferences, so offering ways for guests to adjust their comfort is essential. If your home gets chilly at night, provide an extra blanket or a heated throw. For warmer climates, a small fan or an air purifier with a cooling function can help guests stay comfortable.

If your guest room has blackout curtains, they’ll appreciate the ability to control the natural light, especially if they’re adjusting to a different time zone. A simple ceiling or oscillating fan can also make a big difference in creating a pleasant sleeping environment.

FAQs About Guest Room Style

1. What should every guest room have?Every guest room should have a comfortable bed, fresh linens, accessible lighting, power outlets, storage space, and thoughtful touches like water, snacks, and toiletries.

2. How can I make a small guest room feel luxurious?Maximize space with multifunctional furniture, add plush bedding, incorporate stylish lighting, and use mirrors to create the illusion of more space.

3. What colors work best for a guest room?Soft neutrals like beige, light gray, and sage green create a calming atmosphere, while subtle pops of color can add warmth and personality.

Need Help Designing the Perfect Guest Room?

At BY Design And Viz, we specialize in creating functional, stylish spaces tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for a complete guest room makeover or just a few finishing touches, our expert designers are here to help.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s transform your space!