A guest room should be a haven for weary travelers far away from home. And if your guest room feels cozy and comforting, staying there might entice your long-distance loved ones to come and stay more frequently. Whether you’re hosting friends or family, the goal is to make them feel at home while offering a hint of luxury.
This guide will walk you through 10 helpful hacks that will turn a basic guest room into a true home away from home. Plus, stick around for some extra tips that will put the finishing touches on your hospitality.
1. Pick Serene Paint Colors
The first step to creating a welcoming guest room is choosing the right paint colors. Patterned wallpaper or neon shades are fine for your own space, but a soothing spa-like palette is ideal for a guest room.
Avoid overly bright or bold colors, as they can be jarring and make it difficult for guests to relax. Instead, try giving the walls a fresh coat of paint in a serene, neutral shade like soft gray, pale blue, or muted green—these colors are universally calming and neutral, perfect for a guest room.
2. Make the Lighting Adjustable
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of a room. Some guests will want bright overhead lights; others may prefer softer lamp lighting. A combination of overhead lighting, bedside table lamps, and perhaps a floor lamp will offer guests the flexibility they need.
For ultimate versatility, bring in bedside lamps with three-way light bulbs and install a dimmer switch to adjust the overhead lights as needed. There are even bedside lamp options where you can adjust the intensity of the lights with a simple tap of the finger.
3. Offer Temperature Control
Comfortable room temperature is vital for a good night’s sleep, and your ideal home temperature might be too hot or too cold for the comfort of your guests. If your home lacks centralized air conditioning or heating, consider investing in a smart thermostat that allows guests to adjust the temperature to their liking.
For simpler solutions, drape cozy fleece throw blankets over the bed, and provide a small space heater in the frigidness of winter. For guests who run too hot, have a fan or two on hand to help them cool off.
4. Add Fresh Flowers
Nothing says “welcome” quite like a vase of fresh flowers. Before guests arrive, place a small vase of fresh blooms inside the room. They add a touch of elegance and show your guests that you’ve put thought into their stay.
Don’t know your guests’ floral preferences? Opt for flowers with minimal scent, like calla lilies or tulips. Visitors who are sensitive to strong smells should appreciate the thought. Remember to change the water daily and remove any wilting blooms to keep the arrangement fresh throughout their visit.
5. Make Music and Earplugs Available
Your home may be much quieter or much louder than guests are used to. Provide a noise machine and/or a Bluetooth speaker for guests who enjoy falling asleep to music or white noise.
On the flip side, you can provide earplugs for those who prefer complete silence or in case your home or neighborhood proves to be too noisy for light sleepers. Having these options available demonstrates your thoughtfulness and attention to detail.
6. Anticipate Tech Needs
Most travelers carry gadgets of some kind when they travel. Stock the guest room with spare chargers in a few different types and maybe even a universal adapter for international guests.
A small card with the Wi-Fi network name and password placed on the bedside table or framed on the wall can also be very helpful. And if there aren’t many available outlets in the room, consider adding a few extra power strips to make sure their tech needs are met.
7. Choose Sleek, Soft Linens
High-quality linens can make a world of difference in your guest’s comfort. After all scratchy, threadbare sheets scream “motel,” not “retreat.” Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Ensure that the bed is dressed with crisp, clean sheets before every visit, and consider adding a quilt or duvet that complements the room’s color scheme, adding a bit of visual interest. Don’t forget to provide an extra blanket or two for those chilly nights.
8. Cover the Windows
Let guests control the amount of light and privacy they’re afforded by providing window coverings. Blackout curtains are ideal for those who are sensitive to light while sleeping, or for any late risers who don’t want to be woken up by the sun.
Alternatively, layered window treatments that combine sheer curtains with heavier drapes or blinds offer both privacy and light control.
9. Pump Up the Pillows
Guest room pillows should be thick, supportive, and plentiful. Place at least two pillows on either side of the bed, ensuring there are enough for both reading in bed and for sleeping.
To make your guests feel like they’re really sleeping in luxury, provide a mix of firm and soft pillows they can swap out to cater to different preferences. Decorative throw pillows can also add a touch of style and comfort, though keep in mind that these often wind up tossed on the floor.
10. Upgrade the Mattress
Decorations, curtains, and extra blankets are important features of any welcoming guest room, but if you can only make one upgrade to the room, make it the mattress. Providing a comfortable and supportive bed is the single most important thing you can do to make your guests feel at home in your space.
The mattress is arguably the most important part of any guest room. Consider investing in a mattress that offers a balance of support and softness, such as those from Tochta Mattresses, known for their custom comfort solutions.
Pro-Tips for Becoming a Dream Host
To elevate your hospitality to the next level, consider these additional touches:
- Pick a Versatile Sound Machine: Providing a sound machine with options for white noise, rain, or meditation tracks can enhance sleep quality.
- Gift Basket with Favorite Treats: For extra host points, place a basket on the bed containing water bottles and a few snacks, tailored to your guest’s preferences. Plus, there’s nothing worse than staying at someone’s house who has no good snacks available.
- Mattress Accessories: For added comfort, include accessories such as an Electro Warmth heating pad for cold nights.
Give Your Guests Luxury With Tochta Mattresses
Is your guest room a tight squeeze, or have dimensions that make standard-size mattresses impossible to fit? If so, a Tochta mattress is the solution. Tochta’s custom mattresses are customizable, so yours can be created to perfectly fit into your space.
Choose from three mattress types: Journey, for customers who want a great mattress at a low price; Utopia, a high-end luxury sleeping surface with memory foam; or Divini, a mattress that can be adjusted on both sides for partners who have conflicting sleeping preferences.
With serene decor, plenty of cozy comforts, and a customized Tochta mattress set up in your spare room, you might find yourself sneaking into your own guest room the next time you need a break—or a really good night’s sleep! Explore our mattress options at Tochta and discover how you can elevate your guest room to new heights of comfort.
