10 Guest Bedroom Essentials

The busy Christmas period usually involves multiple visits from family and friends from far and wide. If you have a guest bedroom you are likely to be very popular.

Before all these guests start to arrive, it’s a good idea to add those essential touches that will really enhance your guests’ stay. Read on for 10 guest bedroom essentials.

1. Storage

If you are like 99% of the population, it’s likely that your guest bedroom also doubles as a storage room. So before your guests start arriving, you’ll need to tidy up that clutter. Rather than just redistributing your stuff around the house, why not invest in some decent storage?

This will help you keep things organised and tidy even after your guests have gone. A good place to start is a proper wardrobe, some bookshelves, and a blanket box for all those bed sheets and blankets.

2. A proper bed

The guest room bed is often a bit of an afterthought. Maybe you just decided to shove in an old futon or worse, a blow-up bed! You’ve probably been meaning to get a proper bed for ages, but just haven’t gotten around to it.  If you really want your guests to enjoy their stay, now might be a good time to buy one.

3. Fresh bed sheets

Now that you’ve got a decent bed, don’t be let down by old, faded or ripped bedclothes. Invest in some guest room-specific duvets, pillows and bed sheets. Also, don’t forget to leave some extra blankets for those cold nights. Leave the bed made up for those unexpected or last-minute arrivals.

“A couple of new pillows are also a must unless your pillows are relatively new and fresh”, says designer Samantha Pynn.

4. A mirror

A simple tabletop mirror will give your guests somewhere to take off their make-up, brush their hair or just to check themselves before they head downstairs.

If you want to really impress, put in a full-length mirror so they can check their outfits too.

5. A chair

A chair or dressing set really is a must-have in any bedroom. As well as somewhere to sit while putting on makeup, reading a book or using the laptop, it also doubles up as somewhere to put your clothes at night.

6. Desk

If your spare room doubles as a home office, you might already have a desk in there. But if not, it can be a great addition. As well as giving your guest somewhere to use their laptop, it can also be used as an ersatz dressing table and a handy place for their possessions.

7. Bedside locker

A proper bedside locker will also be gratefully appreciated by any guest. As well as its practical benefits as somewhere to put your book, glasses, phone and a glass of water, it also makes the room look complete.

8. Bedside lamp

Once you’ve got the bedside table sorted, don’t forget about a lamp! There is nothing worse than staying in a room that has no light other than the main one. You get into bed to read your book and then have to get back out to turn off the main light. Fumbling your way through a strange room in the dark is no fun!

9. Fluffy towels

Much like the bedclothes, now might be a good time to take stock of your towel collection.  Get a set of new white guest room-designated fluffy towels and leave them in the room. These will be much appreciated and save your guests from having to ask for them.

“A stack of fresh towels is always an inviting touch. And white makes the occasion seem even more hotel-like” says journalist Helen Racanelli.

10. The finishing touches

In the end, it’s often the little things that will keep your guests happy and make their stay more enjoyable. Fresh flowers or a nice plant make a big difference. Some recent magazines or interesting books to flick through and slippers to relax in are nice too. A box of tissues is also essential, especially for those winter snuffles.

If you would like any help or advice in kitting out your guest room, please contact us and we will be happy to help.