The guest bedroom is usually last on the list.
It’s where old furniture goes to retire.
It’s where boxes pile up.
And it’s often the smallest, most awkward room in the house.
But with just a few smart choices—starting with the bed—you can turn your guest room into a space that feels calm, comfortable, and fully thought through.
Here’s how to make it look finished without spending a fortune.
- Choose the Right Mattress Size
A full-size double mattress might feel like a generous option—but in a small room, it can eat up all the floor space and leave your guests feeling cramped.
Better choices:
- A small double (120cm wide)
- A single bed with a trundle underneath
- A daybed that doubles as seating when not in use
If you only host occasionally, go for a guest bed that can adapt.
Just make sure it’s a proper mattress—not a sagging fold-out or squeaky camp bed.
- Keep the Frame Simple
There’s no need for a big statement bed in a guest room.
What you want is something that blends in and opens up the space.
Try:
- Wooden or upholstered frames in pale colours
- Slim legs to raise the bed and show more floor
- No footboard, so the room feels longer
A bed that disappears into the background will make the room feel bigger—and the bedding will do the rest of the styling.
- Add a Fabric Headboard for Warmth
A guest room needs to feel welcoming, and hard edges don’t help.
If your bed frame doesn’t come with a padded headboard, consider adding one separately.
It softens the space, makes the bed feel finished, and adds comfort—especially if your guests like to read or sit up before sleeping.
Choose:
- Neutral linen or boucle
- Rounded corners or gentle curves
- Wall-mounted if space is tight
- Make Space for a Bag and a Cup
Your guests don’t need much. But they do need somewhere to put things.
Even in a small converted loft bedroom, make sure there’s:
- A bedside surface (shelf, stool or mini table)
- A reading light
- A clear floor space for a small suitcase or bag
Avoid overloading the room with furniture. One small chair and a mirror can do more than a bulky chest of drawers.
- Use Bedding to Dress the Room
Since the bed takes up most of the room, let the bedding do the decorating.
Go for:
- White or neutral sheets
- One textured throw (wool, knit, or waffle)
- Two or three scatter cushions in complementary tones
This makes the room look dressed—even if there’s nothing else in it.
Stick to calm colours. Guests don’t want bold patterns or fussy designs. They want clean, fresh, and calm.
- Add a Personal Touch
The best guest rooms feel like someone’s thought about them.
Try:
- A folded towel at the foot of the bed
- A spare charger or plug socket within reach
- A carafe of water and a small glass
- A scented candle or plant for freshness
You don’t need a hotel set-up. Just one or two signs that you’ve prepared the room for someone else.
- Don’t Forget the Window
If your guest room faces a street or catches early sun, window coverings matter.
You don’t need thick curtains. A simple shutter or blackout blind will give your guests privacy and a good night’s sleep.
Plus, a neat blind or shutter helps keep the room looking clean and streamlined—which is key in a small space.
The Bottom Line
Your guest room doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
But it does need a bed that fits, bedding that feels thoughtful, and space for your guests to feel comfortable.
Sort the bed first. Keep it simple. And let the little details do the rest.
