Table of Contents
- 1. Give Old Furniture a New Look
- 2. Make Guests Feel Welcome
- 3. Give Guests a Place to Work
- 4. Add a Bold Color
- 5. Spend the Night in the Room
- 6. Offer Plenty of Storage
- 7. Even Small Spaces Can Have a Big Impact
- 8. Offer Plenty of Bedding Options
- 9. Create a Sitting Area in the Room
- 10. Add Plenty of Light to the Room
- 11. Make the Bed the Focal Point
- 12. Give the Room a Clean a Fresh Look
If your guest bedroom has become the space where random furniture lives and the storage area for the items you don’t quite know what to do with—it’s time for a room refresh. Before you have company over to stay, let these guest bedroom ideas inspire you to create a space that is calming, cozy and will have your guests wanting to stay longer. From bedding, decor and even giving your guest bedroom a test run, these 12 guest room ideas will transform your extra room from storage to stylish.
1. Give Old Furniture a New Look

Bees Knees/Kyle J Caldwell Photography
If your guest bedroom is full of mismatched furniture–there’s no need to panic. Now is the time to do a little DIY. A fresh coat of paint or adding a different color stain can transform those pieces into a matching furniture set that creates a cohesive look in your guest bedroom. Pull the look together with coordinating accessories like throw pillows, bedding and throw rugs.
2. Make Guests Feel Welcome

Bartone/ Lissa Gotwals Photography
Freshen up the room and add personal touches that will make your guests feel right at home. From fresh flowers on the nightstand, a few snacks left by the bed and towels and toiletries that are just for your guests, these small additions can make home feel even more welcoming.
3. Give Guests a Place to Work

Etch Design Group/Cate Black Photography
While you’ll want to create a space that your guests can relax in and get a good night’s rest, they may need to do some work while they visit. If that’s the case, consider creating a small home office area in your guest room. Transform a small closet into a work space or choose a desk that has a small footprint. Offer plenty of lighting and a comfortable chair so your guest can wrap up their work while they stay in your home.
4. Add a Bold Color

Caroline Brackett/Brie Williams Photograph
To make a dramatic change in a plain guest bedroom, choose a bold color that will wrap the room in warmth and style. From paint, wallpaper or an accent wall, the guest room is the perfect space to try out colors that you’ve wanted to use, but haven’t found the right space. Just be sure to choose colors that allow guests to relax when it’s time to end the day.
5. Spend the Night in the Room

Caroline Brackett/ Emily Bolt Photography
If you’ve never spent the night in your guest room–now is the time. You’ll be able to test out the mattress, know if you need to add blackout shades for early morning sun, or know firsthand if the room gets chilly at night. Once you know the conditions of the room, you can make any changes that are needed so your guests get the best experience each and every night of their stay.
6. Offer Plenty of Storage

Living with Lolo/Life Created
Don’t let your guests live out of a suitcase. Even in a small space, you can offer plenty of storage. From skipping nightstands and using small cabinets next to the bed, to choosing a bed that has drawers along the base, and even extra shelves on the walls to hold all of their items, get creative with storage options. Maximize closet space by clearing out your items–or at least moving everything to a higher shelf, and leave plenty of room for your guests’ belongings.
7. Even Small Spaces Can Have a Big Impact

Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop/Chad Mellon
If you’re converting a small space into a guest room, a few careful designs and details can make the room feel larger and make it the perfect spot for company. From opting for furniture with a smaller footprint, choosing a simple and light color scheme, adding plenty of mirrors and pulling your curtains all the way to the ceiling, these simple changes will instantly make the room appear larger.
8. Offer Plenty of Bedding Options

Etch Design Group/Mia Baxter Smail Photography
Make sure your guests are feeling cozy at night by leaving several layers of extra bedding in case they get hot or cold when they sleep. Also don’t forget to leave a variety of pillows with differing firmness. You’ll be the perfect host or hostess with these additions. While decorative blankets and pillows add color and texture to the room, they often aren’t comfortable to sleep on–so let guests have their pick of bedding.
9. Create a Sitting Area in the Room

Curated Nest/ Kyle J Caldwell Photography
If you have the space in your room, give your guests a place to pull up a chair and have a seat by creating a sitting area. From a great decorative chair, a cozy bench, to a small set of tables and chairs, offer your guest a place to relax, scroll or read while they stay with you. This is also a great way to add zones to a large room and make your design more purposeful.
10. Add Plenty of Light to the Room

Jessica Lagrange Interiors/Nathan Kirkman
Don’t leave your guest in the dark. Make sure the guest room is filled with light–natural light from windows, added light from lamps and overhead lighting, and don’t forget to leave a nightlight. You’ll also want to make sure all of that light can be darkened at night. Blackout curtains are a nice touch to make sure guests won’t be woken up with the sun.
11. Make the Bed the Focal Point

Etch Design Group/Mia Baxter Smail Photography
Whether you’re working with a small space or an extra large guest room, turning the bed into the focal point will make the room look and feel well designed. From choosing a fabulous bed frame or headboard, adding extra layers of bedding and comforters that will give your guest room a five star hotel finish, and completing the look with throw pillows and blankets, your guests will appreciate the extra details.
12. Give the Room a Clean a Fresh Look

Urbanology Designs/J Turnbow Photography
Don’t let your guest room feel cluttered and overwhelmed. Keep it simple and airy so your guests feel relaxed and you don’t have to spend hours in the room cleaning before guests arrive. From fresh and light colors and furniture, well placed decor and adding touches of nature with plants, you can create a serene space for guests in your home. Plus it will be a space that’s easy to tidy before and after guests arrive.