While the guest bedroom is perhaps the least-used room in the house, it’s the space where your visitors will spend a good deal of time, so why not take the opportunity to show off your awesome interior style and make your guests feel welcome? You don’t want to waste any space in a guest room so put thought into the décor you choose and use items that are practical as well as pretty. Put yourself in the shoes of your guest and think about the things that you like when you're away. Take our word for it, your guests will appreciate it. Make every stay feel special, not like an afterthought, with our favourite guest bedroom ideas.
Decorating a Guest Bedroom
Manage the light
Good lighting is essential for any room, guest room included. Many people like to read or work in bed so make sure you have some bedside lamps, sconces, hanging lights, or built-in headboard lights. But think about natural light too. While it’s great to have light flooding your room during the day, there’s nothing worse when daylight comes creeping into your room hours before you’re ready to arise. So, install curtains or blinds to prevent any interruptions to your guests' beauty sleep.
Cater for hot and cold
When styling a guest bedroom, think about how comfortable you can make it for your guests. If you've got friends or family who are hot sleepers, having a fan on hand—whether it's a trusty ceiling fan or a cute tabletop one—is a thoughtful gesture. Bonus: it can also provide a relaxing distraction for those who appreciate a bit of white noise. For the ones who like to stay cosy and warm, make sure you have extra blankets within arm's reach. This could double as a decorative throw blanket which really jazzes up the room.
Get creative with functional elements
Think about other items you can add that are useful and decorative, like a ladder or a statement headboard. A decorative ladder is not only aesthetically pleasing but it’s also a unique way to hang towels, blankets or clothes- add some coat hangers and there's no need for a wardrobe! A headboard is one of those things you’ll probably have anyway so why not bring in your expert styling in and create a stunning centerpiece in the room.
Small Guest Bedrooms
Create a small guest room
If you're short on spare rooms but have an attic, why not clear it out and transform it into a snug guest retreat? Sure, it might not be the grandest space, and that slanting ceiling can make things a little awkward, but with a lick of paint, some creative décor and low furniture, you can soon create a warm and inviting, small guest bedroom.
Reflect light 
Every guest room needs a mirror- ideally full length because let's face it, everyone want to look their best from head-to-toe, especially when they’re away. Plus, mirrors are like magic in small rooms; they bounce light around, making the space appear bigger and lighter so it's a win-win.
Don’t over-style
You don’t have to crowd a guest room with fancy ornaments especially if it’s a small one. Keep it clutter-free but not cold. To do this, use warm colours, textures and plenty of cushions and throw blankets. That way the bed will seem really inviting even if the rest of the room is quite minimalistic.
Read next: Small Bedroom Ideas & Decorating Tips
Creating a Guest Bedroom that Doubles as an Office
Divide the spaces
We don’t all have guests every day so it’s great to be able to use the spare room as an office in the meantime. Hang curtains to divide the spaces while allowing the room to still flow as one. A bed and bedside table on one side, a desk and chair on the other, and ta-da! It's the ultimate space-saving hack that lets you make the most out of that extra room, whether you're hosting guests or tackling some serious work.
Opt for a daybed
Introducing the daybed- the ideal small bedroom, office combo idea. It's a space-efficient genius that plays the role of a comfy seating option during the day but can effortlessly transform into a bed when unexpected guests turn up at your door.
Combine a desk and dressing table
Guests will want a place to ready themselves each day; a desk with a mirror above is just the thing in a guest room that doubles as an office. This means they can use it to lay out their toiletries or as a workspace, and you can use it as a desk the rest of the time when you're home is guest-free.
Small Guest Bedroom Ideas on a Budget
Make use of what you already have
When decorating, make use of extras from the rest of your house. If the room is small, you don’t need a whole lot of stuff so take a look at what you already have, such as spare lamps, cushions, furniture etc. and see what you can repurpose for your guest room. With a bit of refurbishing, it’ll feel just like new. Then all you’ll need to buy is a couple of extras to tie it all together, costing you much less overall.
Be welcoming with small details
Decorate with small items like fresh flowers, candles, coffee mugs, books for your guests to read and essentials like towels. These are cost-effective, look good and can add a fresh, welcoming ambience to the room. Even if your budget is tight, guests will appreciate the thought you have put in.
Never underestimate paint
Paint is a no-brainer for a small bedroom on a budget. It’s not that expensive, it doesn’t take up space and can make a room look completely different. There's more scope to be creative with colour in guest rooms because you don’t have to live in it every day, but consider your guests too. Waking up to glaring bright walls might not be everyone's cup of tea, so opt for colours that are calm and soothing, smoky greys or deep greens are always good choices.
Leave some empty space
This one won’t cost you anything but is very valuable in small rooms. Trying to navigate a suitcase obstacle course every time you get in and out of bed is no one's idea of a good time, so leave some floor space for suitcases or have a bench that guests can sit them on. It's a small but mighty gesture that will help your guests stay organised and feel more at home during their stay.
Choosing Furniture for a Guest Bedroom
Bedsides
A bedside table is important guest bedroom furniture for holdings things like phones, clocks and glasses of water. It doesn’t even need to have drawers; it’s the tabletop guests will mainly find useful so any sort of side table will do or even a floating shelf. Alternatively, put a lowboy, desk or dressing table beside the bed so it can have dual purposes.
Space to hang clothes
Most guests don’t need a lot of storage, especially if they’re only staying a few nights but space to hang clothes prevents things from getting crumpled in suitcases, whether it be a full-on wardrobe or just a rack or a couple of hooks to hang stuff on. Don’t forget the coat hangers!
Seating
A sitting area is a nice touch in a guest room. Visitors may not want to hang out in your living room the whole time but would rather have space to read, work or chill out in private, that’s not just on the bed. So, if space allows, include a bedroom chair or window seat.
Guest Bedroom Decorating FAQs
HOW CAN I MAKE MY GUEST ROOM BEAUTIFUL?
Keep true to your personal style so that your guest room fits in with the rest of your house and give it as much care and attention as other rooms, always keeping in mind what you would enjoy as a guest.
HOW DO I SET UP A GUEST BEDROOM?
You can set up a bedroom for guests in a spare room or an attic or office. Make sure there is a place to sleep, a side table, mirror and somewhere for putting a suitcase and personal items. If you have the space, a seat and extra storage for clothing is useful as well.
HOW DO YOU MAKE THE MOST OF A SMALL GUEST ROOM?
Ensure your guest bedroom styling is cosy and inviting. Don’t clutter it with too much stuff but have all the essentials and small, welcoming items. Use smaller furniture and furniture that can be used in multiple ways.
HOW DO I COMBINE A SMALL BEDROOM AND OFFICE?
Use multipurpose furniture that can be useful for both you in an office and visiting guests. Always clean up your specific office items before guests arrive, so it feels ready for them, not like they’re invading your space.
