For the first time, we actually have a dedicated guest room! My husband and I enjoy hosting/entertaining – but living in an apartment – that was never really a ‘comfortable’ option. So when purchasing our first home, we made sure to have a dedicated room for guests, especially since we moved halfway across the country (NY to MO)! It is important to us that our family and friends can come visit and have a comfortable, inviting space.
Taking trips over the years – whether it be to visit family or friends, renting an Air BnB, or staying in a hotel – I always tried to take note of things that made the trip more comfortable and cozy; things I wish I had readily available during my visit. So when we had a space for visitors, the basics would be covered and guests would feel like they had everything they needed.
So what are my top tips for making guests feel comfortable in your home?
A Decluttered Space
When your guests arrive, they should have a space to put their belongings without having to move yours out of the way. Leave the closet with some empty hangers and have spare hooks they can hang their coat, bag, or wet towels on. It helps to give a dedicated space for things; freeing up the floor space so your guests aren’t tripping over their belongings.
If your room allows, try to have a dedicated workspace. Some visitors may have work obligations while visiting, or may just want a space to put their laptop, do their makeup etc.
We chose to convert our guest bedroom closet into a desk nook. The room is on the smaller side, so this gave us the room to have a dedicated workspace for our guests without adding more furniture to the room. It also serves as a spare workspace for me when my husband works from home.
Fresh Linens & Extra Towels
Make sure your bedding is clean and fresh. Whether you have pets that occasionally lay on the bed – or it just hasn’t been used in a while and is collecting dust – it needs a little freshening up. I recommend using a duvet cover for comforters so that you don’t have to wash bulky items every time you have company.
Another important item for bedding is having pillows of varying firmness, and extra blankets. Everyone likes something different, and many people opt to bring their own pillow while traveling. It’s nice to have different options on hand so that people can choose their comfort level.
I like having a stack of fresh towels and washcloths readily available for guests. That way our guests aren’t searching or having to ask for them. If they are placed in their rooms, they know it’s for their use. Some people feel uncomfortable having to ask for items, so the less they need to ask you for the better.
Extra Toiletries
We’re human. Most likely your guest is going to forget something while packing so it’s good to be prepared and have some extras on hand. A list of items I keep stocked in the guest bathroom…
Amenities:
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Disposable razors
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Body wash
- Lotion
- Contact Solution & Containers
- Ibuprofen
- Q-Tips
- Tissues
- Makeup wipes
- Feminine products
While it’s not absolutely necessary to provide these amenities for your guests, it’s nice to have a stock on hand and save your guests an impromptu drug store run. You’ll likely be buying these items anyway, so just buy in bulk and save.
Tech
- WIFI
One of the first things your guests will ask you upon arrival is “what’s your WIFI password?”. I created a durable display with our wifi login information, and framed it in the guest room for easy access.
- Chargers/Outlets
Your guests will need a place to charge their devices. Having accessible outlets available is helpful. We connected a power strip next to the desk nook for convenience, and universal phone chargers on the night stands in case they have forgotten theirs.
Hamper
How many times have you been traveling, and find yourself living out of a suitcase with no great place to store your dirty clothes? They typically end up balled up on the floor, draped over furniture – or worse – crumpled back in your suitcase with your clean clothes. Something I would have liked while traveling is a designated spot for dirty laundry, so why not put an empty hamper for your guests to use while staying with you? This gives them a place to put their belongings so that they are less likely to lose something kicked under the bed. The hamper is also a place for soiled towels used during their stay.
Fan or Noise Maker
Are you one of those “can’t sleep without a fan or background noise” people? My husband has to have a fan to sleep well, so anytime we travel and there is a fan in the room it’s a huge bonus! We currently have a small desk fan for the nightstand as an option for guests, but down the road I will also invest in a noisemaker of some sort. Possibly a combo noise maker/alarm clock.
Welcome Basket
Totally not necessary, but I love to do this one! It’s a favorite of mine when you stay at an AirBnB and they have a welcome basket of goodies (snacks, magazines, local attraction brochures, wine).
For my guests I like to create a little welcome basket tailored to them by picking up a few snacks/beverages I know they like, a book I’ve read I think they’ll enjoy, a couple magazines, and maybe a cute local gift to take home.
Mirror
Throughout our travels, I have found a lack of mirrors – except for the bathroom. It’s nice to have a mirror to check yourself before you leave your room in the morning. I typically have crazy bedhead, sleep lines and am generally a little disheveled and out of sorts in the morning. Definitely not a morning person over here! When your guests are getting ready, they will appreciate having a mirror to get dressed for the day.
Window Privacy
Options. I like options for window coverings. For our guest bedroom, we have an easy-to-use window shade (no cords) and drapes to adjust the level of light coming through your windows. Our guest bedroom faces the street, so it’s important to be able to cover the windows at night.
Task Lighting & Atmosphere
We have one ceiling light for the room for general lighting, and task lights on the night stands. If your guest wants to read or relax, they can have a more controlled light. When they are done using it, they don’t have to get out of bed to turn the light off. Isn’t it the worst when you get all comfy and warm under the blankets and then realize the light switch is all the way across the room?
Lighting plays a big role in the overall feeling of your room. Try creating an atmosphere that is cozy and inviting by bringing in different textures, plants, and appealing decor. For a breakdown of our guest room design, check out my blog post: Guest Room.
Your top priority for your guest room is making sure your guests feel comfortable and welcome! They will appreciate the little touches you add through the space. I promise!
