The Perfect Guest Room

Hey there! Can you believe it is already October? Halloween is creeping up on me, and I have not begun planning my Christmas gifts. Every holiday seems to come faster each year. I imagine gatherings in 2021 will be grand and extra special since 2020 put a damper on many celebrations. If you are hosting for the holidays then this post may make you the best host of the season!

The art of hosting seems to be lost. It is important to make guests feel welcome in your home by giving them a room or space that's just for them. Prepare guests' room with essentials to make their stay comfortable and easy.

The Importance of a Guest Room

A well put together guest room benefits you and your guests. We've all traveled and stayed at someone else's home. Let's be real here, okay? It is significantly less comfortable to be a guest in someone's home than be in your own home. I always want to be on my best behavior, and ensure the host does not have to go out of their way for me. However, I always need something! You know that feeling when you are trying to fall asleep and you are cold, fumbling for a blanket around an unfamiliar house? Or you need a fan to fall asleep and you did not pack yours! Hence the importance of preparing a guest room with everything a guest could need. When putting together a guest room think to yourself what are things I always pack for a trip? What do I forget but always wish I had when traveling? What would make ME more comfortable as a guest in someone's home?

Creating a guest room that is comfortable, cozy and prepared with essentials for the traveler make the guest feel welcome and relaxed. During the holidays I know some people have family that stay for days or weeks, so it's important they have a place to re-charge away from the primary residence of the home. We all need our space at times

What Makes a Perfect Guest Room

It's pretty simple actually. Prepare the guest room with things you use daily to get ready for the day or to fall asleep. Think about what you need in a hotel room and wish was just provided. The most important rule to follow when decorating a guest room is to keep everything visibly accessible to your guest. This way they can easily find what they need. Below is a checklist and pictures of items to add to your guest room.

The Bed

Extra pillows varying in firmness. Everyone has a strong pillow preference so provide plenty of options.
Layer the bed with a sheet set, blanket and comforter. Add another blanket to the foot of the bed for those who get chilly at night. Guests can easily remove the comforter or blanket already stretched across the bed if they get hot.
Provide a table or night stand on both sides of the bed. If you do not have room for two night stands find a small table that at leasts fits a glass of water and phone.
On both sides of the bed make sure there is a lamp the guest can access while laying down.

The Night Stands & The Goodies

I've had this cubicle storage unit since college and I have moved it a dozen times! I am now using it as a second night stand in my guest room and a place to put all the extra goodies and essentials for my guests. If you have other shelves in the room to fit the belongings that works as well!

A mirror makes the room look larger and gives guests a private place to check their hair, makeup, and outfit.
A candle adds ambiance to the room, so I try to light it before a guest's arrival. Plus they may enjoy the smell on their own. If you put a candle in the room be sure to have a lighter close. I have placed the lighter for the candle in the large stein below.
A coaster and lamp are nice functional pieces for the guest. Don't forget to offer them a glass of water before bed.
It's a bummer to forget things like lotion and fragrances, so I have put a fairly popular and common sent in the room. I will probably add an unscented lotion as well since some people have sensitive skin.
Towels are a must! Now the towels can also be placed in a guest bathroom. I have one, but a lot of people do not have a guest specific bathroom. Therefore, I have rolled the guest towels and placed them in the storage cubicle.
Tissues. I don't know what else needs to be said, but I feel like people always need tissues!
A white noise machine is a nice addition to the room. There are always new noises in an unfamiliar space, so help your guests find a familiar sound that will help them fall asleep.
Provide light reading for guests. Choose something that helps your guests get to know more about you too! However, keep the options light and broad, so anyone can enjoy the selections.

Everything Else

We still need to talk about storage space for guests and other elements that can help make a stay more comfortable.

In a closet leave extra hangers that are not utilized. Let your guest know they are welcome to use the hangers for their belongings.
Leave as much floor space as possible for luggage, especially if luggage can't be pulled into a closet.
Hang black out drapes, so guests are not woken by the light. Unless they want to be, and in that case they can push the drapes aside.
Provide a stand alone fan for guests who get warm at night or like the sound.
In addition to light reading, provide a television for guests. Remember to leave a remote out with any login information needed to access wifi, apps, etc. Some people really can't wind down without watching TV.
Place a small laundry basket out for guests to place dirty clothes, used towels, and anything else that needs washing. This way they don't have to throw things on the floor and carry a pile of dirty clothes in their arms to your laundry room.
Leave chargers in drawers for mobile devices and laptops.

The Guest Bathroom

I am fortunate enough to have a full guest bathroom in my home. It works out well for my husband and I as well when we both need to get ready at the same time. It is especially great for guests. I have not remodeled the guest bathroom yet, so I don't have pictures. However, I do include some essentials in the bathroom.

Toothpaste
New toothbrushes
Towels
Tissues
Face wipes
Feminine products
Basic medications like pain relievers
Shampoo & Conditioner
Body wash instead of bar soap

Are You Ready to Host?

Did I miss something you put in a guest room or think needs to be in a guest room? Comment below if you think of something you wish you had in a guest room for overnight stays. I can't wait to see the guest rooms you create! If you need help email me at brookewrightinteriors@gmail.com or text me at 567.395.7357.

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Brooke Wright