How to Style Your Guest Bedroom

Perhaps you’ve got family from out of city or out of state for a long weekend, for the holidays or just to visit. Maybe you’ve got a friend visiting from overseas, or perhaps you’ve just got someone housesitting, or looking after your pets while you yourself go on vacation.

Either way, there needs to be a solution for that person — or potential people — to sleep. 

The (slightly obvious) solution? A guest bedroom. Or, if you don’t have the luxury of having a spare room where you can consistently put someone up for a few days, a guest space.

Whether it’s an entire room, a pull-out couch, or even a big blow-up mattress, you can still take it to the next level, so your guest still feels at home when away from home. In these five steps, we teach you exactly how to style a guest room. 

If the spare room mattress isn’t that comfortable — or the blow-up mattress, for that matter — you can still find a way for them to climb into comfort after a long day of sightseeing, hanging out with their host (that’s you), or taking care of your space and your pets.

It might be a bit obvious, but what should be in your guest bedroom starts with a mattress topper or underlay, and don’t forget a cosy quilt. Think cotton for summer, wool for all-season use, and feather & down for luxury (and cooler nights).

Provide a couple of pillows so your guests can find the perfect option or profile to suit them. And remember, you can extend the life of these bedding foundations (or even use them yourself after a while) if you keep them clean with pillow and mattress protectors; the ideal way to ensure the longevity of your bed foundations.

A bed isn’t a bed until it’s made up — yep, we’re talking sheets and quilt covers. A major role in the quality of your guests’ sleep, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to feel — you could go for relaxed linen, crisp cotton, or slinky TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres. 

If you want to go all-out with a touch of luxury, consider 1000 or 1200-thread-count cotton sheets, a heavier weight that rivals the best of hotels.

When it comes to guest bedroom ideas, choose a soothing shade and feel when it comes to your quilt cover — like Marlo, which comes in three calming colours. Its unique cotton weave has a washed finish for extra softness; so comfortable, your guests might try and pack it away with them. The quilt cover set also includes a pair of matching pillowcases – perfect for putting together an aesthetically pleasing, coordinated look with no unnecessary fuss. 

This is especially helpful if you’ve got a fold-out couch because then you get to enjoy them every other day of the year.

Cushions and throws are an easy way to add character and style to a space, and an easy answer to “how do I make my guest bedroom luxurious?” Our curated cushion bundles are a perfect place to start — like The Sanctuary Bundle. The Wrenn cushion in peach sand coordinates perfectly with the Marlo quilt cover set in the same shade, while the Neo breakfast cushion adds a pop of contrasting colour. Layer with the Abbotson Ticking Stripe and Lankin cushions for added pattern and texture, and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded look. 

In winter months, a chunky throw or even an extra bed cover will never go astray as an extra layer of warmth — your guests will thank you for it.  

Let’s be honest — your guest deserves better than the old, threadbare bath towel hiding in the back of the linen cupboard.  

For ease, you can get them a set that includes two bath towels and a hand towel (like the Luxury Egyptian Towel Gift Set). Or, go with a “the bigger the better” outset, and indulge in a bath sheet. 

And if you really want to go the extra mile — or just refuse even the slightest opportunity of a towel slip — a robe makes it more comfortable for everyone involved, physically and otherwise. 

When it comes to what a guest bedroom should have, a bit of life, or personality, never goes astray — and you can transform it from barebones to homey with a few finishing touches… and show off an extra level of thoughtfulness.

You can hang up some wall art in the space if able, bring in a scented candle or diffuser, or add a touch of nature with a plant or flowers (real or otherwise). 

If it is just a space as opposed to a full room, you can incorporate an ottoman or something similar into your own space, one that can double as a bedside table for when guests are in town. 

A room divider — a folding screen, pull-out curtain, or even an open bookcase can help lend a feeling of privacy to your guest. A luggage stand prevents having a big old suitcase on the floor, with clothes scattered everywhere — helping keep the guest bedroom (or just your living room floor) looking a little cleaner.

Setting up a spare charger or two (in an obvious place) always helps a guest out, how many of us have packed everything but that when travelling? An eye mask also helps add an extra special touch, as well as allowing your guest the possibility of blocking out any extra light if they’re sleeping in a main area.