Guest bedrooms are some of the most joyful rooms to decorate. You want to create cozy, inviting spaces that are a balance between aesthetically beautiful and practical for hosting all different kinds of guests. They are also rooms you can be more playful in and experiment with colors and trends you might not use in your own room, since they are not used every day.
As designer Tiffany Duggan rightly explains, 'A guest bedroom provides the perfect opportunity to step a little outside of your comfort zone. Guests are likely to only be visiting for a relatively short time, and so we like to approach a space just as we would an eccentric boutique hotel.'
So if you are looking for some inspiring guest bedroom ideas, we have rounded up all our favorites that cover many interior design styles and many types of guest too. We also asked designers for their advice when designing this important-to-get-right space.
20 guest bedroom ideas that balance style and practicality
Designing guest bedroom ideas can be daunting, as there are so many things to consider, from bedroom color ideas to bedroom lighting and bedroom storage. Making sure your guests have the best possible night’s sleep should always be the priority, so investing in comfortable bed ideas and choosing the best mattress is a good place to begin.
‘Design a guest bedroom to have a great-looking, blissfully comfortable bed, with lighting that can be lowered and add softness. A soft rug underfoot, a voile blind that blows in the wind, textured throws and cushions,’ says Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company. ‘Invest in a high-quality bed and mattress that molds and supports your body correctly, plus great-quality linen, duvet, pillows, and a cloud-like mattress topper. It can feel like a big investment but, in the long term, it is worth it as great quality will feel better and last longer.'
1. Paint to ceiling to up the coziness
Painting the ceiling in a small bedroom can have a dramatic effect. In this guest bedroom, which has no real view and limited natural light, interior designer Nicola Harding wanted to do something impactful to compensate. Although a common fear is that painting the ceiling in a deeply saturated color will close the room, it can make the space feel larger by blurring the lines and edges.
Then it’s a question of adding the decorative details. ‘The blue and green ceramic lamp, set against the crimson wallpaper and paint, adds the perfect contrasting pop of color that also ties back to the antique bedside table,’ explains Nicola. The wallpaper is a Tile design by Galbraith & Paul.
2. Incorporate a living room zone
For larger guest rooms, take a cue from hotel design and include a small sitting area. It will give visitors somewhere to retreat to in comfort without feeling they are imposing on their hosts every minute of their stay.
This design by Kitesgrove capitalizes on the room’s generous proportions. ‘The joinery niche created for the sofa bed was an effective way of using the space, while providing a cozy library and seating area,’ explains head of design Clara Ewart.
The walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Cromarty, a light green-grey that brings an atmospheric tone and softness to the room.
3. Carve out a bedside shelving area
Consideration should always be given to creating a bedside surface. However small your guest room may be, you will want to be able to place a book, glass of water, or phone by the bed. Here, niches have been recessed within the adjacent wardrobes.
They needn’t be huge: about the depth of a paperback will do. ‘I wanted this room to be a classic cocoon with a contemporary approach, which we achieved by using bright, modern colors and unusual fabrics alongside joinery,’ says Kate Aslangul, founder of Oakley Moore. ‘Space was tight, so I designed cupboards with built-in niches either side of the bed. I love working on small spaces; they take lots of thought then they’re so rewarding.’
3. Consider a grown up bunk bed
If you’re planning a room that might host multiple guests or a family, look up – and think about building a bunk to make the most of your space. The key to this guest room, designed by Pringle & Pringle for a treehouse project, lies in its flexibility, explains co-founder Sophie Pringle.
‘Initially, the clients had two double guest rooms, but as we got to know them we realized they would sometimes need more versatile accommodation. This space works as a double room for adults, a children’s room, or both, depending on who is staying.’ The ladder to the bunk mirrors the design of the clothes storage shelving, which is built in around the bed to further maximize the space.
4. Add a hidden door
A jib door is one that is flush-mounted into the wall, meaning it has no obvious hardware so is almost invisible when closed. Here, interior designer Sean Symington was presented with the challenge of moving between eaves and pitches in this top-floor bedroom.
‘We opted to build a partition to obtain storage as well as a tall, clear wall that would be the perfect place to centrally position the bed,’ he says. ‘To keep the symmetry of the room, the jib door means that storage isn’t on show. Hanging art on this secret door boosts the camouflage effect.’ The fact that the skirting continues along the bottom of the door adds to the trick of the eye. Sean used Edward Bulmer’s Granite Green on the walls for a calming ambiance and paired it with watermelon pink on the headboard.
5. Maximise storage potential
Squeezing a double bed into a small guest room is always a challenge. If it means there’s no space for bedside tables, you have to think creatively. Here, Katharine Paravicini built a bookcase with scalloped detailing behind the bedhead, with a surface for a lamp, a book, and a glass of water.
‘The bookshelves have a false back so they aren’t too deep, otherwise, books would disappear within,’ she says. A divan bed with drawers provides useful storage for extra bedding, blankets, and towels.
6. Opt for sliding doors
‘Small rooms can offer limitless opportunities for creativity, with every design decision making a positive impact by enhancing the sense of space,’ say Lucy Derbyshire and Jena Quinn of Studio QD.
Here, they’ve used a pocket door, which slides into the wall so doesn’t encroach in any direction, to join two rooms. ‘All the furniture was custom-made to maximize its purpose while adding to the illusion of expansiveness within a modest space.
7. Build a guest bedroom in your yard
Many houseowners with enough space are opting to convert outbuildings into private spaces for their guests. This room designed by Susie Atkinson is in a London home. As the garden wraps around it, the key is to bring the outside in with vast sliding glass doors that can be opened in the summer.
The textured sofa at the end of the bed offers a space to sit and enjoy the view when the weather isn’t warm. To draw the eye outside, the scheme has been kept on the neutral side with pops of color in cushions and the headboard fabric by Penny Morrison.
8. Invest in a statement headboard
A headboard should have a height of at least 23 inches above the mattress – enough for anyone to rest their back against it without touching the wall. If you go bigger, an oversized design will make a luxurious statement and ensure the bed is the main focal point. In this space by Own London, the headboard, with its playful wavy shape, stretches all the way across the room, enveloping the bed and nightstands like upholstered half-height paneling.
The rest of the details pivot on earthy tones and warm textures. ‘Don’t go overboard with pattern to create a calming bedroom,’ says Alicia Meireles, associate director of interior design. ‘Pick one type of pattern, abstract or nature-inspired, and use it in moderation with other surfaces in the same tonal palette.’ Find the perfect balance between fabrics, soft rugs, and hard finishes such as wood, she adds. ‘I’d suggest using natural fabrics, such as mohair, linen and wool.
9. Elongate a headboard for a hotel feel
Guest bedrooms are often small spaces that require clever design solutions. Adding an elongated headboard idea is a clever way to make bedrooms appear larger and feel more streamlined and contemporary. In this small guest room by TR Studio, an upholstered bespoke headboard brings color and luxurious texture but also creates a cozy backdrop for lounging on lazy mornings.
'Often headboards can be quite bulky and can add lots of visual clutter, so this idea allows for space saving whilst creating a contemporary look with complimentary green Guatemalan side tables, and build-it wardrobes as well,' says the studio's founder Tom Rutt. 'Wall lights were added above the bed for reading and again to keep the space clean and sleek.'
10. Add a cozy nook bed
If you have a guest room which is narrow with low ceilings, why not make the most of the intimate space by creating a cozy nook bed? By fitting a double bed snuggly into the corner of this room Vanrenen GW Designs managed to free up valuable floor space making room for a large chest of drawers.
'The bedroom is on the ground floor and was a very dark and damp room so the challenge was to create a really warm, cozy, and comfortable place for guests to sleep, says Sarah Vanrenen. 'We built paneling and bookshelves around the stone walls and chose vibrant warm colors for paint and fabrics to transform this space.'
11. Decorate with neutrals
Decorating with neutrals is a safe choice for guest bedrooms, as they are not overly masculine or feminine plus they are restful and they make the space more versatile.
A muted and gentle color palette is easy on the eyes and can create a relaxing and cozy space. It doesn't mean we need to limit ourselves to only creams and beige bedroom ideas. You can choose colors from different families but it's best to keep to softer and muted shades rather than strong saturated colors.
If you're thinking of neutral bedroom ideas, 'It’s good to choose pieces that will add character and gentle texture,' says Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company. 'I love a combination of natural materials and finishes. From timber, stone, sisal floors or rugs to touches of greenery that bring hints of the outside world in.'
12. Choose tranquil colors inspired by nature
There are no strict rules on what bedroom paint ideas are best for guest rooms, it's very much a matter of debate among interior designers, but the color will have an instant impact on the mood, so consider your choice carefully.
'For a room to be appealing to different people is good to avoid very strong bright colors as they can be overpowering. Also, very dark colors may not be the best choice if we want that room to feel welcoming and restful,' suggests Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown.
If you're after a relaxing bedroom she suggests looking to nature for inspiration. 'Blue is the color of the sky and water and has calming and restorative properties for our minds. Green is the color of the living environment, it connects us with nature, the trees, and gardens, and promotes well-being. Both those colors, especially when softer shades are chosen, are restful and harmonious so perfect for creating a relaxing and welcoming space.'
13. Add some personality
There are different approaches to take when decorating a guest bedroom. While a paired-back scheme layered with soft colors and textures is guaranteed to create a restful feel, guest bedrooms can also be great spaces to showcase unique personal style and decorate with art.
‘Guest rooms should be fun, delightful, and attractive. Always hang beautiful artwork, such as a large landscape photograph or a gallery wall of interesting pieces – this should be an opportunity to 'treat' your guests to your sense of individual style. Have a bit of fun with texture and the unexpected.' says interior designer Cat Dal.
14. Go for fitted carpets for warmth underfoot
When it comes to bedroom flooring ideas, fitted carpet is guaranteed to make guest bedrooms warm and welcoming. As well as offering a cozy surface for guests to sink their feet into, they help insulate heat and sound.
When thinking about material, wool is a natural insulator that helps rooms stay cool in summer and warm in winter, plus it is renewable, sustainable, and hypoallergenic. Natural carpets like jute are also becoming increasingly popular and are a good alternative if you like the rustic look of wooden flooring but are after something warmer.
15. Layer up for coziness
Knowing how to style a bed with beautiful cushions and covers isn't just about aesthetics, but practicalities, too. Not everyone sleeps at the same temperature during the night. Cater to everyone’s needs and make your guest bedroom extra comfortable and easily personalized by layering the bed with blankets, throws, and pillows. Guests can then tailor the bed to their liking and personal comfort.
Different bedding styles can also feel different in terms of warmth so it’s worth knowing what will suit your room or home. Percale cotton is cooler to the touch and is suited to hot sleepers, whilst sateen cotton has a naturally heavier drape, making it ideal for those that feel cold at night. The addition of a natural linen sheet can satisfy both sides of the camp as it is a natural insulator to trap more heat under a duvet at the same time as being temperature regulating and comfortable to sleep under on its own.
16. Get the lighting right
Good lighting is just as important in a guest bedroom as it is in a master bedroom. When it comes to decorating a guest bedroom, smart bedroom lighting ideas should not be an afterthought.
‘Bedrooms are all about creating atmosphere and mood lighting plays a key role,’ says interior designer Nicky Dobree. ‘It’s important to have layers of lighting, with a good reading lamp by the bed a must – it’s so frustrating to climb into bed then find you’re not able to read.’
If your room lacks floor or table space, consider having one hung on the wall instead.
17. Ensure the room feels lived in
In your zeal to be creative in every other area of your home, don’t forget to ensure the guest bedroom has some character and feels cozy and lived in, no matter how much it gets used, advises Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co.
‘To make it inviting, think about texture. Fabric walling doesn’t have to cost a fortune and will transform the space, making it look sophisticated while feeling cozy and warm. By the same token, use proper Roman blinds or curtains. Also, be a bit punchier with pattern or color. You can risk it here,’ says Irene.
Make sure the guest room doesn’t have a neglected ambiance, by hanging as many pictures as you’d have in your own bedroom. Details such as fresh flowers – or even superior quality faux flowers – will make the spare room look ready for action if any last-minute guests arrive. Thoughtful furniture additions will make all the difference, too.
The key to designing a beautiful guest bedroom is to think about what you yourself would want from a guest bedroom. You'd want it to feel welcoming, like a home from home, that's comfortable and practical. So when designing you own space always be thinking about how welcome and at ease you want you guests to feel – then you can't go far wrong.
