How to Decorate a Guest Room (That Guests Won’t Want to Leave)

This post is sponsored by Dream Cloud and we were provided a mattress to facilitate our review. 

How to Decorate a Guest Room (That Guests Won’t Want to Leave)

The holidays are upon us and that means that over the next six weeks, people will be doing more traveling than most other times of the year. Up until a few years ago, I never really thought much about having a guest room but then we moved out of state and away from family. Now, when they come to visit I want a place for them to stay that makes them feel comfortable, welcome, and at home. I wanted to create a guest room that no guest would be in a hurry to leave because they felt like they were at home. With these simple tips, you can decorate your guest room so that your guests feel welcome and won’t want to leave either. 

Color Scheme

The first thing to do when decorating your guest room is to establish a soothing color palette. I recommend starting with the wall color and opting for a neutral that can stand up to any changes you may make in the future to bed linens. To make the room feel warm and cozy, stay away from bright whites and opt for warm neutral tones. 

After you have the wall color chosen, focus on finding bedding that coordinates without being an exact match. Using a combination of dark and light color tones allows for a relaxed atmosphere that will make any guest feel comfortable. 

If you are going with neutral tones in the bedding, use accessories to add in pops of color. Choose throw pillows, blankets, and drapery in bright or bold tones to bring energy to the room. 

Accessories

Once you have your color scheme, you will want to think accessories and extras to include in the room. You want to think like a guest and not like a resident. When we live somewhere our needs our different than when we are guests so make sure to remember to address these key guest needs below.

• Storage Space – Make sure guests have a place to unpack and stow away their clothes and belongings while they are visiting. A few dresser drawers, closet hanging space, and/or open shelves are a great way to help them feel at home. 
• Extra Bedding – Include a few extra throws, pillows, and blankets in the closet or a dresser drawer for when they get cold or need to get a little more comfortable. No guest wants to hunt down their host to ask for these things so keep them in the room so they are handy when they need them. 
• Reading Lamp – Provide a second light source (besides the primary room light) so that if guests want to sit and read, watch TV, or work while winding down they can have light without engulfing the whole room in light. This is particularly helpful if you have two guests sharing one room. 
• Electronics – Provide a power strip on at least one of the outlets so guests can charge all their devices. People often travel with more than a smartphone so having one spot to recharge all their devices will help them stay organized during their visit. If you want to go a step above, provide them with a cell phone charger. Opt for one with the pieces for both Android or iPhone devices. 
• Clock – Most people use their phones as a clock but help them to set it down and enjoy their vacation by placing an alarm clock in the room. This will encourage them to set their phone down and start their day without being bombarded with work emails and to do lists. 
• Toiletries – When packing for a vacation or holiday, essential toiletries are often left behind or forgotten. Place a decorative basket or bin on the dresser with travel sized body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, lotion, toothbrush, etc. This will save them a trip to the store if they have forgotten anything.  
• Wastebasket – Provide guests with a simple wastebasket somewhere in the room so that they can dispose of any garbage they may have. Use small trash can liners so that they can be easily emptied.

The Bed and Mattress

This is one of the most important areas to consider when designing a guest room but it often the one area that is overlooked. Since guest rooms don’t get daily usage many people think that any mattress will suffice. It is also the place where many people place their old mattresses but this is something you should refrain from doing if at all possible. 

Create the perfect place to sleep by purchasing a DreamCloud mattress. Their 15″ luxury hybrid mattresses are made of 8 layers of premium materials to create the perfect sleeping space for every kind of sleeper. A hybrid mattress combines the sturdy support of coils with the contouring comfort of memory foam. These layers work together to create the perfect sleeping experience allowing your guests to sleep comfortably while staying cool. Each layer has a specific purpose and you can learn more about them below. 

• Layer One – This layer is a TrueTufted™ Cashmere Polyester Blend Cover that provides softness and breathability. 
• Layer Two – The DreamCloud’s gel infused memory foam provides cooling and support while conforming to the body.
• Layer Three – This super-soft quilted memory foam provides superior softness. 
• Layer Four – This hypoallergenic latex provides cushioning bounce for more give and added contouring. 
• Layer Five – DreamPlush supporting memory foam provides deep contouring support which helps with a good night’s sleep.
• Layer Six – This layer of memory foam is super soft and super dense to provide a strong support system for any sleep position. 
• Layer Seven – Five- zoned foam encased pocketed micro coil compression system provides total body support. 
• Layer Eight – This bottom layer is comprised of high density and super soft memory foam reduces motion transfer and provides support. 

The DreamCloud hybrid mattress can be used with any suitable bed frame or box spring. If you don’t have a current frame, they offer a few different frames on their site which you can order with your mattress. Choose from the basic foundation, a bed frame with attached headboard, an adjustable bed frame, or a basic metal frame. 

I know that you and your guests will be as happy with a DreamCloud mattress as we are and thanks to their 365-Night Trial, you can give a try for yourself without worrying. Head on over and check out all the great features of the DreamCloud and purchase the mattress that your guests will want to take home with them. 

Furniture

Since the guest room is the one place guests will have to themselves, make sure to furnish it with the following pieces for maximum guest comfort function. 

• Nightstand – Place next to the bed where guests can keep the items they need on hand before they go to bed and right after they wake up. 
• Desk – Provide a desk area with seating so that guests have an area to work, study, or get ready in the morning. Make sure to include paper, pens, and basic office supplies in the drawer for guest use. 
• Mirror – Even if they have access to a private bathroom, include a mirror on the wall so guests can do a quick check before leaving their room. 
• Sitting Area – If the room provides enough space, designate an area of the room as a sitting area. Include at least one comfortable chair and table to allow guests a reading nook or other area where they can unwind at the end of the day. 

Bathroom 

Not every guest room has an attached or private bathroom but if the guest room you are decorating does make sure to include it in your decorating also. Use the same decor and color scheme so that the rooms flow with each other. Make sure to stock quality linens in the bathroom so guests don’t have to go searching for them. Also make sure to stock it with extra toilet paper, toiletries, and medications. See our tips for creating a guest medicine cabinet, so that your guests have what they need if they get sick.

Extras 

The final touch on your guest room will be the decorations or embellishments that you will add to give the room a unique style. Use framed photos, simple vases, candles, etc to create a homey touch. Be sure that the room feels welcoming without being stuffy. While it is okay to display a few collectibles in the guest room, don’t use the room as your display center because it can easily become stuffy and look more like a showroom than a bedroom. 

If there is room, you can also designate a little nook as a Coffee Bar. A single-cup coffee maker is perfect for this space and you can include reusable or disposable coffee mugs. Make sure to include coffee, tea, sugar, creamer, and water. If there isn’t enough room for all that leave a few water bottles so if your guest gets thirsty. Remember it is all about hospitality and going the extra step when guests visit. 

Lastly, before your guests arrive, arrange a vase of fresh flowers in the room. This is also a good time to leave a welcome basket with snacks or treats that your guest likes in the room. Display it on the bed or dresser with a note thanking them for visiting. It doesn’t take much to welcome them into your home but these extra steps can make new guests feel at ease. 

I hope these tips help you create the guest room of yours (and their) dreams and I do not take any responsibility for the guests that won’t leave however, because they are your friends and family. What I can do is guarantee that you and your guests will enjoy a good night’s sleep when you start sleeping on a DreamCloud mattress. 

Get ready to pamper your guests this holiday season when you shop for your DreamCloud mattress today.