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How to Style the Perfect Guest Bedroom

Guest bedroom styled with houseplants and wall decor

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

One of the joys of home decorating is showing it off to friends and family and getting a chance to welcome your loved ones into your home. If you're someone who loves to host (or even if you're not!), creating the perfect guest oasis is key to ensuring a memorable stay for your family and friends. 

The best guest rooms are uncluttered, comfortable and feel a little like home. But it is also a place to put your own personal touch and make your guest feel like they're staying somewhere that's well thought out and intentional. Whether you add a bold wallpaper like this one from raveinteriordesign or you're hunting for other ways to create the perfect guest room decor, we've rounded up our favorite tips and tricks. 

  • 01 of 13

    Have Fun With Your Guest Bedroom

    Guest room with hanging swing chair

    kj_interiors / Instagram

    We think a side chair is a must-have piece of furniture for any guest room, but why not take it a step further and give your guests their very own indoor swing, like this one photographed by andyryanphotographer? We love the effortless feel of this modern boho-styled space. If an indoor swing isn't your style, consider adding an unexpected piece of art or bold throw pillows to keep the room interesting and anything but generic. 

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  • 02 of 13

    Create a Restful Space

    Dark bedroom with black walls

    restoringlansdowne / Instagram

    The most important element of a well-decorated guest room is that it gives your guests a great night of sleep so they can be ready for a full day of sightseeing or quality time. We love this moody bedroom from restoringlansdowne. Painting your guest room a dark color like black or navy blue is not only unexpected, but it can create a relaxing cave-like vibe that helps lure your guests to sleep after a long day. 

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  • 03 of 13

    Add Furniture

    Guest bedroom with a desk
    Paper & Stitch

    If you have space, the best guest rooms contain more than just a bed. Adding a small desk like this one from Paper & Stitch or a bench at the bottom of the bed is a great way to give your guests the freedom to use the room for more than just sleep. 

    Even the closest family members can feel awkward and imposing when they have to spend hours in common spaces around the house. Give them a place to retreat when they could use a little alone time after all the socializing. 

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  • 04 of 13

    A Classic Guest Room

    Bedroom with floral wallpaper

    charlottehlucas/ Instagram

    While we think it's a great place to experiment, a guest room shouldn't feel out of place with the rest of your home's decor. If you love a classic or traditional style of decor, keep your guest room aligned. This beautiful room from charlottehlucas is classy and feels like an upscale European hotel room. Add details like heavy velvet curtains or perfectly-placed lamps to make the room feel like a destination. 

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  • 05 of 13

    Make It Cozy

    Country chic guest room

    babbfarmlife / Instagram

    Adding a bunch of throw pillows like the ones seen in this shabby chic guest room from babbfarmlife instantly creates a cozy and welcoming space. When it comes to decorating your guest room, use your hands as much as your eye. While aesthetics are important, textiles can make all the difference. Splurge on cozy organic sheets, toss a knit blanket on an armchair and leave a stack of high-quality towels for your guest. 

    Whether its linens or bath towels, always give your guests more than what they will need. Asking for more can be awkward, but if there are spares in the closet they'll never feel like they're imposing.  

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  • 06 of 13

    Don't Forget the Toiletries

    Guest room with dark green walls
    DIY Playbook

    We love this chic modern guest room from DIY Playbook because it's simple, but feels intentional and finished. When stocking your guest room's nightstands, add toiletries your guests may have forgotten. Items such a toothpaste, body wash and individual packets of Tylenol are the perfect way to make your guest feel at home. 

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  • 07 of 13

    Pick a Theme

    nautical guest room with bunk beds

    jennymartindesign / Instagram

    This nautical bedroom from jennymartindesign owned its theme. The best way to decorate a guest room is to decide on your decor scheme or theme and stick with it throughout the space. Keep towels and blankets in the same color palette and add little objects around the room that fit with the theme. 

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    A Cozy Guest Room

    Guest room with a small day bed

    sarahrichardsondesign / Instagram

    Even if you don't have a lot of space, you can still create a wonderful guest room your family and friends will love. This pint-sized guest room from sarahrichardsondesign proves that sometimes smaller is better. We love the day bed that fits perfectly in the space. If your room is lacking in square footage, focus on wall paint colors that make the room appear wider.   

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  • 09 of 13

    Work With Your Room's Natural Elements

    Guest room with a fireplace

    renovating_number_16 / Instagram

    When designing your guest room, work with the architectural elements in your home. This lovely guest space from renovating_number_16 takes advantage of the vintage fireplace and creates a wonderful focal point for the space.

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  • 10 of 13

    Update for the Holidays

    Guest room with holiday decor

    305decoliving / Instagram

    One fun way to keep your guest room fresh and interesting is to sprinkle in holiday decor, like these Halloween pillows from 305decoliving. Think easy-to-swap items like pillows or wreaths that you easily pop in for the season and give your space a festive feel. 

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  • 11 of 13

    Symmetry Always Works

    Symmetrical guest bedroom

    Reena Sotropa

    When it comes to adding two beds to your guest room, keep it symmetrical. Like this modern guest room from Reena Sotropa, keeping the room symmetrical is an easy way to reduce visual clutter and keep the space streamlined. 

    When picking out the best bed or beds for your space, consider who, exactly, your guests are. Do you typically host couples or families? Are you hosting friends for overnighters, or are you considering renting your guest room out on Airbnb? Make sure to pick the solution that works for the majority of your expected guests. 

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  • 12 of 13

    Keep It Clutter-Free

    Organized guest bedroom

    D Burns Interiors

    This gorgeous room by D Burns Interiors is perfect for a wide variety of guests. It's clean and uncluttered (but not boring) and features a few fun accessories sprinkled around the room and a statement-making duvet and sham set.

    Channel Marie Kondo—before your guests arrive, toss anything that doesn't make you feel happy in a closet to create a welcoming space with enough room for all of their belongings, with a few thoughtful touches to make them feel at home. 

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  • 13 of 13

    Add Fresh Flowers

    Guest bedroom with fresh flowers on nightstand

    Cathie Hong

    When your guests arrive, welcome them with a bouquet of fresh flowers, like the ones seen in this guest room from Cathie Hong. Pick fuss-free flowers with lasting power so they won't droop before your guests "check out." Adding little touches, like a vase of flowers or mints on the pillow, can give even the simplest guest room a wow factor.