18 Guest Bedroom Ideas That Will Make Your Visitors Feel Right at Home
Creating a cosy home away from home for your guests is the best way to show you care. A thoughtfully designed guest bedroom allows visitors to relax, recharge and feel welcome. Small spaces can still pack a big punch with versatile furniture, while modern guest bedroom ideas add a luxurious and stylish edge. Clever storage solutions, thoughtful décor and warm personal touches can transform any spare room into a haven.
With these tips and the help of Harbour Lifestyle’s premium furniture and décor options, you’ll create a space so inviting and comfortable your guests might never want to leave. After all, being the hostess (or host) with the most-est means going the extra mile.
1. Opt for multifunctional furniture to maximise space
Chalbury Console Desk in Warm White - £399
Smart furniture choices can completely transform your guest bedroom. Multifunctional pieces, like sofa beds or ottomans with hidden storage, ensure your space is practical and stylish. A daybed doubles as seating during the day and a cosy bed at night, perfect for small guest rooms. Consider bedside tables with built-in drawers or a wardrobe with a mirror to save space while keeping the room functional.
2. Choose decorative touches like framed photos and plants for a homely feel
Ivyline - Puro Lipped Gloss Peach Ripple Planter - £34.99
Decorative elements bring personality and warmth to your guest room, making it feel like a true home away from home. A framed photo, a scented candle or a small vase of fresh flowers can instantly elevate the space. Give your guest bedroom an instant facelift by adding some nature via potted plants and succulents. An easy way to breathe new life into a space, plants create an inviting atmosphere that shows your guests you've put thought into their comfort and stay.
3. Use cosy, soft furnishings like throws and cushions to create warmth
Cosipillow Heated Square Cushion in Green - £99.99
Nothing says "welcome" like a bed adorned with soft, cosy textures. Layer throws, blankets and cushions to create warmth and a luxurious, inviting atmosphere. Opt for neutral tones or muted colours to keep the look calming, or add pops of colour to liven up the space. A chunky knit throw paired with plush velvet or boucle cushions makes any bed look irresistible and leaves your guest room feeling less like a hotel and more like a thoughtful retreat.
4. Use light colour schemes to make small guest rooms feel bigger
Chalbury 3 Over 4 Chest of Drawers in Warm White - £499
Soft, neutral tones like whites, taupe's and pastels reflect natural light, creating an open and welcoming atmosphere that can make even the smallest guest room feel bright and airy. Maintain a cohesive and serene look by pairing these soft hues with bedroom furniture in similar shades, ensuring a harmonious flow throughout the room. Adding pops of greenery, such as a small plant on a bedside table, can break up the palette without overwhelming the room for a calm, relaxing space where your guests can sit back and unwind.
5. Select comfortable bed frames and mattresses to ensure a good night’s sleep
Chalbury 5ft High-End Kingsize Bed Frame in Dusky Black - £649
The bed is the centrepiece of any guest bedroom, and a comfortable one is non-negotiable. Choose a high-quality bed frame that complements the room’s style, whether a sleek modern design or a more traditional option. Pair it with a supportive mattress, a stylish headboard that doubles as a décor statement and plush bedding for ultimate comfort and a restful night's sleep.
6. Add clever storage solutions, like under-bed storage or built-in wardrobes
Bali Grey Kubu Set of 2 Rectangular Chests - £215
A clutter-free space is key to making guests feel at home, and innovative storage solutions are the answer. Under-bed storage boxes or drawers are perfect for stashing spare linens, while built-in wardrobes save space and keep belongings organised. Thoughtful touches like floating shelves can hold décor or essentials without taking up valuable floor space, ensuring the room stays tidy and functional.
7. Add stylish bedside tables with enough space for guest essentials
Chalbury 5ft High-End Kingsize Bed Frame in Warm White - £649
A well-chosen bedside table is practical and stylish, giving guests a place to store essentials like phones, glasses or a book. Wooden bedside tables add a classic, homely touch, while sleek modern designs suit a more contemporary room. Look for designs with drawers or shelves to provide extra storage, and add a decorative lamp or a statement ceramic vase to finish the look—it's these little details that make a stay memorable.
8. Incorporate a workspace for guests to use if needed
Siena Bouclé Tub Chair With Black Legs - £369.99
A small desk or multifunctional console table can be a lifesaver for guests who need to work or write during their stay. Choose a design that blends seamlessly with the room, such as a compact wooden desk or a minimalist floating option. Pair it with a comfortable chair and a table or wall light for added functionality. Adding a small notepad and pen shows extra thoughtfulness.
9. Ensure good lighting options, including bedside lamps and overhead lighting
Acer Natural Woven Tall Table Lamp in Ivory - £159.99
Lighting plays a significant role in creating a welcoming guest bedroom. Create a comfortable space and visually appealing environment by layering ambient, task and accent lighting. Using bedside lamps, overhead fixtures, or wall sconces also adds a level of personalisation by letting your guests set the perfect mood.
A dimmable bedside lamp is great for night-time reading, while soft overhead lighting brightens the room during the day. Stylish lighting choices also double as décor, elevating the overall aesthetic.
10. Use wall-mounted shelves to save space
Use wall-mounted shelves to display your favourite decorative items like framed photos, small plants or a diffuser. A clever way to add storage and style without taking up floor space, wall-mounted shelves leave enough space for practical essentials like an alarm clock or your book collection and work hard in smaller guest bedrooms, keeping them clutter-free.
11. Opt for foldable or pull-out furniture to maximise room space
Ardley 3 Seat Sofa Bed in Warm Grey - £1,499
Foldable and pull-out furniture is a game changer for guest rooms, especially when space is limited. A pull-out sofa bed provides a cosy spot to sit during the day and transforms into a comfy bed at night.
Foldable chairs or occasional tables can be tucked away when not in use, freeing up floor space and ensuring your guest room is always ready, no matter the occasion.
12. Make a guest bedroom feel like a luxury hotel with high-quality bedding and elegant décor
Chalbury 4ft 6" High End Double Bed Frame in Pebble Grey - £599
Chalbury 3 Drawer Bedside Table in Pebble Grey - £175
Nothing says “luxury” like crisp bedding and elegant décor. Layer high-thread-count sheets with a plush duvet and accent pillows to create a bed that looks as good as it feels. Add an upholstered headboard for an injection of grandeur, and finish the look with tasteful marble-topped bedside tables topped with sleek lamps or fresh flowers. Elegant details like these will have your guests feeling pampered, as though they’ve checked into a five-star retreat.
13. Use mirrors to create an illusion of more space
Chalbury Mirror in Warm White - £99
Mirrors can work wonders in making a guest bedroom feel larger and brighter. A full-length mirror or a decorative wall-mounted design reflects light and opens up the space. Placing a mirror near a window amplifies natural light, creating an airy atmosphere.
To keep the look cohesive, opt for a frame that looks like it was made for your room, such as sleek metallic for modern guest bedroom ideas or wooden or antique brass finishes for a more traditional vibe.
14. Select contemporary furniture with clean lines
Chalbury 3 Drawer Bedside Table in Dusky Black - £175
Contemporary furniture with clean lines makes any guest bedroom look sleek and sophisticated. Choose modern pieces like minimalist bed frames or bedside tables with smooth finishes and simple designs for something that’s a little more polished. A matching contemporary furniture set can tie the room together beautifully, creating a unified and inviting space for your guests to enjoy.
15. Use a neutral colour palette for a modern feel
Chalbury 3 Over 4 Chest of Drawers in Pebble Grey - £499
Neutral tones like whites, greys and soft beiges create a serene and modern guest bedroom. Popular for a reason, these shades are incredibly versatile, allowing you to layer textures or introduce subtle pops of colour via your décor instead. Pair the palette with contemporary furniture, such as a light-toned bed frame or bedside table, to enhance the room’s calm atmosphere. Warm lighting and soft furnishings ensure the space feels cosy while maintaining its clean, modern feel.
16. Choose minimalist décor to avoid clutter
Natural and White Abstract Canvas with Natural Frame Large - £149.99
Minimalist décor keeps your guest bedroom fresh and inviting, leaving no room for unnecessary clutter. Focus on quality over quantity with carefully selected pieces like a sleek bedside table and a simple lamp. A neutral rug or textured throw adds warmth without overwhelming the space. For small guest bedroom ideas on a budget, simple but stylish furnishing offers an easy and affordable way to style your room without breaking the bank.
17. Add modern lighting fixtures to complete the look
Venus Blue and Grey Ombre Ceramic Table Lamp - £55
Lighting can elevate a guest bedroom from functional to fabulous. Modern fixtures like designer pendant lights or stylish wall sconces add a designer element to the space, making your guests feel like they are staying in a luxury hotel.
Pair these with dimmable bedside lamps to offer guests flexible lighting options, and consider lighting that doubles as décor for smaller spaces, like a sculptural lamp or a striking overhead fixture, to further enhance the ambience.
18. Ensure guests get a good night’s sleep with comfortable mattresses and blackout curtains
Chalbury 5ft High-End King-size Bed Frame in Warm White - £649
A restful night’s sleep starts with a quality mattress and blackout curtains to block unwanted light. Opt for a supportive mattress that provides just the right balance of comfort and firmness. Pair this with thick blackout curtains for a cosy, dark environment that promotes deep sleep.
Bedside tables with drawers can keep essentials like earplugs or an eye mask within easy reach, ensuring your guests wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.
How do you style a guest bedroom on a budget?
Creating a stylish guest bedroom doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Start with affordable furniture like compact bedside tables or a versatile chest of drawers or bench, which can double as seating and storage.
If you’re good with your hands, DIY décor is a budget-friendly game changer. A gallery wall using inexpensive frames, wall décor or a hand-painted feature wall, can add personality without draining your wallet.
Soft furnishings like cushions and throws are another affordable way to inject colour and texture into the space. Pair these with warm lighting to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Small details, like a plant or a scented candle, make the room feel thoughtful and put together, all while keeping costs low and getting the most out of your budget.
Practical guest bedroom essentials
A well-stocked guest bedroom is the secret to making visitors feel at home. Start with the basics: crisp bedding, including fresh sheets, a plush duvet and a mix of pillows for different sleeping preferences. Comfortable mattresses are essential, and adding a throw or extra blanket or two ensures your bed looks beautiful and your guests stay cosy.
Storage options like bedside tables with drawers or a small wardrobe keep clutter at bay and provide a place for guests to unpack. Don’t forget lighting—a bedside lamp for night-time reading and overhead lighting for general use are key.
Add a few thoughtful touches like a charging station, fresh towels and a water carafe, and you’ll have a room that feels as practical as it does inviting.
Design a guest bedroom your guests will never forget with Harbour Lifestyle
Transforming a spare room into a memorable guest retreat requires a careful balance between comfort, style and practicality. With multifunctional bedroom furniture, smart storage solutions, cosy textiles and ambient lighting, you can create a space that’s not just beautiful but also practical. Even small guest bedrooms or those styled on a budget can look chic and functional with the right touches, like versatile décor and a neutral colour palette.
Ready to wow your guests? Browse Harbour Lifestyle’s premium collection of furniture and accessories to bring your guest bedroom vision to life. With stylish bedside tables, smart storage solutions and beautiful lighting that creates the perfect atmosphere, we’ve got everything to help you design a guest room they won’t want to leave.
FAQs
Where is the best place to put a guest bedroom?
The best place for a guest bedroom is in a quiet area of your home to ensure privacy and a restful stay for your visitors. Rooms away from high-traffic areas, like the living room or kitchen, work well, while those with natural light feel bright and inviting. If possible, choose a space with an ensuite or close access to a bathroom for added convenience.
