5 Small Guest Room Ideas to Create a Restful Retreat

How to create a cozy guest room

Want to transform your spare room into a welcoming haven? Discover five small guest room ideas to create a restful retreat that will impress any visitor.

Step 1: Declutter and Clean

Step number one is editing. This means removing items from the room. Repurpose items in another space, give them away, or donate them. A clean slate is needed to work with. Do not forget the closet. Once that clean slate is achieved, perform a deep cleaning. Open up all the windows, air out the space, clean the windows, vacuum thoroughly, wash all the sheets, and freshen everything up. The room has probably been locked up for a while and may smell stale, so ensure it is guest room and guest-ready.

Step 2: Lux Up the Linens

Tip number two involves enhancing the linens. Here’s a hotel tip. White linens should be used on the guest bed. White immediately communicates cleanliness. While personal preferences can dictate choices for one’s own bed, for the guest room, simplicity is key with lovely white sheeting. There are many beautiful options available in white. The look needs to be fresh and clean, and everyone appreciates slipping into crisp, clean sheets after traveling.

guest room, small space, decorating, organization, lighting, bedding, linens, hospitality, welcome basket, storage
Source: Youtube/Kristen McGowan

Bedding Essentials

In addition to white sheets, add something luxurious and comfortable, like a large duvet and a down comforter, or a non-down alternative for allergy considerations. Add an extra throw or a small blanket at the end of the bed, because if it’s cold, guests will appreciate something extra to snuggle up with. The goal is to make them feel comfortable.

Pillow Perfection

The key to pillows is to provide options: one firm or foam pillow and one soft, down or down-alternative pillow. By offering two options per person, guests will appreciate the attention to their potential preferences.

Towel Tactics

The third element to consider with linens is plush towels. Stick with white, as it’s easier to maintain cleanliness. White towels are also less expensive and can be bleached. Make sure to have plenty of them, at least two or three large ones per person. Even if they don’t use them all, it creates a five-star hotel experience.

Step 3: Provide Storage

Tip number three involves giving guests a little storage. You don’t want someone living out of their suitcase for several days, so clear out some space in the closet. Provide extra hangers and a little space. If closet space is limited, hooks are useful. Hooks are versatile. Various styles can be chosen. They can be used for jackets and shirts. This makes guests feel welcome because they have places to put their belongings besides just a suitcase. For an extra touch, include a guest bath robe. Place it on the back of a hook in the bathroom or in the bedroom.

guest room, small space, decorating, organization, lighting, bedding, linens, hospitality, welcome basket, storage
Source: Youtube/Kristen McGowan

Step 4: Light Up the Space

Tip number four involves lighting up the space. Not being able to find a light switch in the dark is a common inconvenience for guests. To solve this, ensure there’s a light fixture. This could be a lamp on the nightstand, a sconce, or a floor lamp. The key is that guests should be able to reach it from the bed and turn it off at night. This allows them to easily turn on the light if they need to get up during the night. Another tip is to use a dimmer switch, which allows guests to adjust the light if they like to read in bed before sleeping.

Step 5: Create a Welcome Basket

Tip number five involves creating a welcome basket. This is an added touch. People appreciate guest baskets in a guest room because they are often found in luxury hotels. The basket can be personalized. If located in a unique area, include local items, such as a cheese or a wine. Also include travel-sized toiletries, such as shampoos or toothpaste. Guests will appreciate having something they may have forgotten. The welcome basket is a detail that will impress and elevate the guest room experience.