How to Make a Guest Room Inviting and Cozy in 18 Easy Ways

Hosting guests soon but not sure how to make a guest room inviting? In this blog post, I’ll share 18 guest bedroom ideas to help you create a cozy, homey vibe for your guests and make you the best host.

Making your guests feel comfortable during their stay should be your top priority. After all, the guest bedroom is where they’ll be spending a lot of their time!

In this post, I’m excited to share 18 simple ways on how to make a guest room inviting that will truly enhance their experience.

From cozy bedding to thoughtful touches like a catch-all tray, these tips will help you become an amazing host and ensure your guests have the best stay possible.

So, let’s dive into some great ideas and turn your guest bedroom into a comfortable place your guests will love!

How to Make a Guest Room Inviting and Cozy

1. Make the Bed with Comfortable Bedding

Let’s start with the most obvious, but also one of the most important aspects of how to make a guest room inviting: the bedding. Here’s how you can get it just right:

1. High-Quality Mattress: Even if everything else is perfect, a bad mattress can ruin the whole experience. Aim for a medium-firm mattress that works for most people. You can’t please everyone’s preferences, but a good-quality mattress will keep your guests comfortable.

2. Fresh Bed Linens: Nothing says “luxury” like crisp, high-quality sheets. Opt for materials like cotton or linen for that soft, breathable feel. It’s all about giving your guests that hotel-like comfort at home.

3. Pillows: Aim for pillows that work for most people. Medium fill pillows offer a nice balance of support and softness. Hypoallergenic options are a smart choice too, just in case any of your guests have allergies. This way, everyone gets a good night’s sleep.

4. Mattress Topper: A mattress topper can make a big difference. It’s like an extra layer of comfort that turns a regular mattress into something dreamy!

5. Comforter or Duvet: Use a soft, cozy comforter or duvet that’s easy to adjust for whatever the weather is like. Think about getting seasonal options – like a lighter one for summer and a heavier one for winter.

Guest Room Bedding Extras

6. Throw Blanket: We cannot forget about the throw blanket. Even if your guests don’t use it, a cozy knit throw draped over the bed makes the space look super inviting – like you just want to jump right in!

It adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort, and if your guests get a little too warm, they can easily toss it off. Plus, it’s a nice little decorative touch that can really enhance the overall look of the room.

7. Throw Pillows: Add some decorative throw pillows to the bed for a quick style boost! These pillows not only bring in some fun colors and patterns but also give your guests extra comfort when they want to lounge or read in bed, for example.

Don’t be afraid to mix different sizes and textures for a stylish look! Just remember not to go overboard. Too many pillows can be overwhelming, and your guests might not know where to put them all.

8. Extra Blankets: Keep some extra blankets in the room. Maybe tucked in a cozy woven basket. This way, your guests can easily grab one if they need a little extra warmth, no matter what the temperature is like.

That way, you can easily swap them out to keep your guests comfy and happy all year round!

2. Good Lighting is Key

No one wants to sit in a cold, dark room. That’s why lighting is so important for making your guests feel at home. Here’s how to light a guest room perfectly:

Bright Overhead Light: Start with a good overhead light to brighten up the whole room.
Bedside Lamps: Place bedside lamps on each side of the bed. They give off soft, relaxing light that’s perfect for relaxing in the evening.
Soft, Warm Bulbs: Choose warm-toned bulbs instead of those harsh, bright lights. They help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that makes your guests feel right at home.
Fairy Lights or String Lights: For that extra cozy touch, drape some fairy lights or string lights around the bed or along the window frame. They add a nice glow that can make the room feel extra special. Also think about adding adding some candles or lanterns for an even warmer cozier vibe.
Layered Lighting: Combine different lighting sources – overhead lights, bedside lamps, and decorative lights – to create a balanced and welcoming environment. This way, your guests can adjust the lighting to their liking!

3. Pick a Color Scheme

It’s so so important to think about the colors you choose! The right color can help create a cozy atmosphere, which is key when thinking about how to make a guest room inviting.

Here are some color ideas for the guest bedroom to consider:

1. Soft Neutrals

Colors: Think beige, taupe, soft gray, or cream.
Vibe: These shades create a calm and serene environment.
Furniture Choices: Go for wooden or upholstered furniture in light tones. A cozy upholstered bed or a linen armchair adds a nice touch.
Usage Tip: Use these soft colors as the main base throughout the room and add some personality with darker accents in the decor or bedding.

2. Cool Blues

Colors: Light blue, navy, or teal.
Vibe: Blues bring a tranquil and peaceful vibe, perfect for a restful space.
Furniture Choices: Pair with white or light wood furniture to keep things bright. A navy accent chair or blue bedding can really tie everything together.
Usage Tip: Use lighter blue for bigger areas like walls and bedding, and save the darker shades for accents—like throw pillows or artwork—to avoid overwhelming the space.

3. Earthy Tones

Colors: Soft greens, warm browns, or terracotta.
Vibe: These colors create a warm, cozy feel that connects to nature.
Furniture Choices: Look for rustic wooden pieces, like a reclaimed wood bed frame or a wicker chair. Soft, natural fabrics in textiles can enhance the vibe.
Usage Tip: Incorporate earthy tones throughout the room but balance them with neutral accents to keep things fresh and inviting rather than heavy.

4. Warm Whites

Colors: Off-white or warm white.
Vibe: Bright and inviting, perfect for creating an open space.
Furniture Choices: Choose light-colored furniture, such as a white or light wood bed frame, and soft furnishings to keep the room airy.
Usage Tip: Use warm whites as your base color and add pops of color through decor, like throw blankets or art. This helps keep the room feeling light and open.

5. Accent Walls

Colors: Rich navy or moody green can work wonders for an accent wall.
Vibe: These colors add a bold and stylish touch to the room.
Furniture Choices: Go for light or neutral furniture to balance out the darker wall. A light rug can also brighten up the space.
Usage Tip: Keep the rest of the room light and neutral to use the accent wall as a focal point. This way, you avoid making the room feel too dark or cramped.

By thoughtfully choosing the right colors, you can create a guest bedroom that feels warm, and inviting.

4. What Furniture to Put in a Guest Bedroom?

Now, when it comes to picking the furniture we want to create a thoughtful and welcoming environment for our guests.

Besides the bed and bed frame there are other furniture pieces that you might wanna include in the bedroom:

1. Nightstands: If you have a larger bed, having two nightstands – one on each side – can be really practical, especially when two people are staying over. Plus, it makes the room look more balanced!

Make sure to set them up with some nightstand essentials like a bedside lamp, a box of tissues, a small alarm clock, and maybe a glass for water.

You can also add fresh flowers, candles, and other decorative items on it to make your nightstand look amazing. Your guests will appreciate having everything right at their fingertips.

2. Empty Dresser: A dresser can be super useful, but make sure it’s empty! If it’s filled up with your things, your guests might feel uncomfortable and won’t want to use it to store their clothes. An empty dresser lets them unpack easily, helping them feel more at home during their stay.

3. A Desk: Now, it doesn’t have to be anything fancy! Even a small desk or a foldable one can be a nice touch in case guests need a place to work or just want a spot to jot down some notes.

If you’re in a small space, think about adding a floating shelf that can double as a desk.

It’s a smart idea that adds extra functionality to the room without taking up too much space.

4. Luggage Rack or Bench: This is a game-changer for keeping your bed sheets clean! Your guests can easily place their luggage there instead of tossing it on the bed, making unpacking a breeze.

5. Create a Guest Room Welcome Basket

One of the best and most thoughtful ways to make your guests feel at home is to create a cute welcome basket!

It’s not only a sweet gesture, but it’s also super practical.

We all know it’s easy to forget something when we travel, so having a basket filled with essentials can save the day – and save you from last-minute shopping or running around looking for items.

Here’s a list of must-haves to include:

Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
Welcome note with the wifi password
Body wash or soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Bottled water
Snacks (think granola bars, nuts, and chocolates)
Hand sanitizer
Facial tissues
Phone charger

With these thoughtful items in their welcome basket, your guests will feel cared for and right at home.

6. Provide Sets of Fresh Towels

Having extra towels ready for your guests means they won’t even have to ask for them, which makes everything run smoothly!

A nice touch is to neatly roll up some towels – like bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths – and place them on the bed next to the welcome basket.

This way, they can see everything right away and feel comfortable from the moment they arrive!

7. Add a Rug

Having a rug is a great way to create an inviting guest bedroom! It’s super soft underfoot, which is a nice touch, and it really helps define the space.

When choosing a rug, look for one that complements your room’s decor. Whether you go for a plush, fluffy rug or a sleek flat-weave option, it’ll add texture and visual interest to the space.

Rugs can really bring the whole room together and make it feel warm and welcoming for your guests!

8. Add a Comfy Chair for Extra Seating

Now, this will all depend on the size of your guest bedroom.

If you have ample space, you might consider adding two armchairs or even a loveseat with a small table next to it.

This setup creates a lovely cozy corner for your guests to read or relax in.

On tOn the other hand, if you have a small guest room, a compact chair can do the trick! Just add a floor lamp beside it, and you’ve got a welcoming little nook for your guests to unwind.

It’s all about making the best use of the space you have while giving your guests a comfy spot other than the bed to enjoy during their stay!

9. Use Blackout Curtains

A good night’s sleep is super important! That’s why keeping the room nice and dark is so crucial. And blackout curtains are perfect for achieving that.

You could also think about layering your blackout curtains with sheer curtains, for example.

This way, they can let in some natural light during the day while still maintaining privacy. With this setup, your guests will feel comfortable around the clock!

10. Hang Some Wall Art

Hanging some wall art in your guest bedroom is a great way to add personality and life to the space while filling up those bare walls.

When it comes to choosing colors, don’t be afraid to be a bit bold!

If your guests aren’t staying for long, they won’t have to live with it forever, so you can have a little fun with vibrant shades.

Here are some ideas for what you could add to your walls:

Nature Scenes: Landscapes, flowers, or serene nature imagery can create a calming vibe that helps guests relax.
Abstract Art: Colorful canvases with interesting shapes bring a modern touch and a splash of energy to the room.
Personal Travel Photos: Displaying framed photographs from your travels adds a unique, personal touch that feels inviting.
Inspirational Quotes: Positive messages on the walls can uplift the mood and encourage relaxation, making guests feel right at home.
Local Art: Including artwork from local artists adds a special touch and reflects the community, giving the room a sense of place.
Textiles and Fabric Art: Tapestries or fabric wall hangings lend warmth and texture, making the space feel cozy.
Black and White Photography: Timeless black and white images offer a classic look that can enhance the room’s elegance.

It’s one of the easiest ways to give your guest bedroom some character!

11. Add a Few Books or Magazines

You probably have a good idea of what your guests are into, so having a small selection of books or current magazines that you know they’ll love is such a thoughtful touch!

It’s the perfect way to help them feel right at home and cared for. And they’ll definitely appreciate you going the extra mile to make their stay special.

12. Brighten Up the Guest Room with a Mirror

A mirror isn’t just a must-have for your guests to get ready; it’s also a great way to brighten up the space! You’ve probably heard that mirrors reflect light a lot, right?

But they can really help make the room feel airier and more open. If you can, place a full-length mirror across from a window to get that nice natural light bouncing around.

Just keep in mind how the reflection might feel for your guests. You don’t want it to be uncomfortable!

But overall, a well-placed mirror is a great addition to any guest room!

13. Freshen Up the Space with Greenery

Adding some plants or flowers – whether they’re real or faux – is an awesome idea for how to make a guest room inviting.

They bring a touch of nature into the space and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

You could pop a small plant on the bedside table, or place a larger one in the corner to fill up some space. If you’re tight on room, hanging plants can be a great option too!

Either way, they’re an awesome way to freshen up the space and give it a little life. Your guests will definitely appreciate that extra touch!

14. Add a Chic Tray for Jewelry

guest bedroom organization ideas — Photo by Karly Jones on Unsplash

This is a nice little extra if you want to think of everything for your guests! A small tray or a jewelry holder is such a thoughtful touch.

It gives your guests a dedicated spot for their jewelry and accessories, so they won’t have to worry about losing anything.

Plus, it saves them from having to sleep with those pieces on, which just hurts!

15. Set Up a Tea/Coffee Station

Want to make your guests feel super special and pampered? Setting up their very own tea or coffee station is definitely the way to their hearts! And it doesn’t have to be a big setup.

Here are some simple tips to get you started:

Tips for Setting up the Station:

Choose a Location: Look for a small table or dresser where you can easily set up the station.
Beverage Options:
- Coffee: Think about providing a coffee maker, a French press, or even a single-serve machine with individual pods. Don’t forget the essentials like sugar, creamers, and stirrers!
- Tea: Stock up on a variety of tea bags to cater to different tastes. Whether they like herbal, green, or black tea, a little choice goes a long way!
Essentials:
- Mugs: Pull out some cute mugs for a fun touch.
- Water Kettle: A kettle for boiling water makes it super easy for guests to prepare their drinks.
- Tray or Organizer: Use a tray to neatly arrange the coffee and tea supplies. It keeps everything tidy and adds a nice, inviting look.
Snacks: Throw in a few light snacks, like biscuits or granola bars, to go along with the drinks. It’s a sweet little addition that your guests will appreciate!
Clear Instructions: If you have specific equipment, like a coffee maker, leave simple instructions so your guests can easily figure it out without any confusion.

Setting up a tea or coffee station is a thoughtful way to show your guests you care, and it adds a personal touch to their stay. They’ll love it!

16. Trash Can

It might seem super obvious, but it’s definitely worth mentioning: having a trash can in the guest room is a small detail that can make your guests’ stay more comfortable and hassle-free.

They can easily toss their trash in the bin without having to leave the room, which is always a nice convenience!

17. Flyers, Menus and More

I think it’s such a thoughtful idea to have some flyers or menus from your favorite local restaurants laid out in the guest room.

You could even get creative and put together a little guide with tips on great places to eat, fun things to do, and local coffee shops they absolutely have to try.

It really makes life easier for your guests and shows that you care about making their stay enjoyable. Plus, it helps them explore the area like a local!

18. Add a Special Touch

You can easily add a simple yet cute touch to the guest room with little accents, like fun pillows that say things like “Welcome” or “Stay Awhile.”

They really bring a warm and inviting vibe to the space! You could also include things you know your guests would love, like their favorite protein bars, an adult coloring book, or a cozy reading light.

It’s all about being thoughtful and attentive to what they might enjoy, and those little details can make a big difference in how comfortable they feel!

I really hope this post helped answer your question on how to make a guest room inviting! I trust you found some helpful tips that you can easily put into action in your own guest room.

Your guests will absolutely love and appreciate these little touches, and it will make their stay so much more enjoyable! Happy hosting!

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How to Make a Guest Room Inviting and Cozy in 18 Easy Ways