Guest Room Décor Ideas That Will Prove Your Prowess as Hostess

Updated on February 15, 2023

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bedroom with white bed, pink comforter, horse paintings on the wall and plants in the corner — Photo: Laurey Glenn

The guests are coming…the guests are coming! You know the drill. Pull out your crispest bed linens, fluff the pillows, write out the Wi-Fi password…and then what? While hosting is fun and a great way to spend extra time with friends and family during their stay, it can also be a little stressful. Your hostess skills will have to stand up to the test. So, what does it take to create an amazing guest room that'll have visitors raving? The secret? It's all in the details. We tapped some design experts to get their tips and tricks on making your guest room an unforgettable experience. Guest room décor ideas range from personalized art to fresh plants and lots of pillows, to the practical things like storage and travel soaps. With these suggestions, you'll never wonder how to decorate a guest room ever again. And, dare we say, you can definitely give Airbnb a run for their money.

01 of 10

Plants

Pink bedside table with classic drum lampshade and pink lamp — Laurey Glenn

"Fresh flowers or plants provide a mood-lifting space," says Mel Bean of Oklahoma-based Mel Bean Interiors. You can't fail to delight with a little greenery. Use a plant or flower you know your guests love, or that complement the color and texture of the room.

02 of 10

Artwork

"Have fun. Personalize the space for guests," Bean continues. "Add photos or artwork that will remind them of past visits or times together." If you find yourself hosting often, it may not be practical to put up personalized photos, but they do make great gifts! As for the room décor, opt for something that showcases your personality or a beloved local spot in town.

03 of 10

Channel Faraway Influences

Pass Christian Guest Bedroom — Dane Tashima; STYLING: Buffy Hargett Miller

This guest room is a playful ode to the Anglophile: Colefax and Fowler Bowood drapes frame the window, English toile de Jouy coverlets featuring a British fishing village wrap the twin beds, Union Jack bunting trims the ceiling, and framed 19th-century political cartoons sourced from English printshops accent the walls.

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Designated Sitting Area

window seat with pink floral pillows and white drapery — Molly Culver

Guests staying for a while? They may want some alone time. "Create a sitting area where guests can read a book or relax," shares Mary Patton of Houston-based Mary Patton Design. Though it's great to spend time together, eventually, everyone may want a few moments to relax and drift off to decompress, and giving your guests a designated space (instead of just the bed) is a thoughtful touch.

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Great Linens and Pillows

bed with floral bedspread and pink pillows — Molly Culver

No traveler can enjoy the sites if they haven't got a good night's sleep! "Outfit the space with comfortable and colorful linens," Patton adds. "Offer a selection of pillows with various degrees of firmness."

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The Forgotten Necessities

guest bedroom with oval side table — Haylei Smith

Lance Thomas of Louisiana-based Thomas Guy Interiors lists must-haves as, "a small hamper, extra throw blankets, a mirror, and an alarm clock." It's always the little things that are often forgotten, but when remembered can take a stay over the top.

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Personal Touches

bed with blue and white bedspread and pillows, bedside table with books — House of One

Hosting is also an opportunity to let your own style have a moment. Brittany Farinas of South Florida-based House of One Interior Design shares, "I recommend leaving reading materials, such as favorite books or a local magazine in a guest room. Also, providing a tray or catchall for personal items is a nice touch."

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Storage

bed with grey pillows and headboard, side table with lamp — BlueGrape

Don't leave guests wondering where to leave their suitcases. Designers at BlueGrape Staging say must-haves include, "Comfortable pillows, side tables with storage, and a luggage rack."

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Window Treatments

cellular shade — Stoneside Blinds & Shades

Window treatments might be an afterthought, but they're no less important. Design Consultant James Brewer at Stoneside Blinds and Shades says, "Choose the right window treatments in a guest room to allow for a good night's sleep. I love incorporating motorization into window shades as it gives guests the ability to adjust the shades based on the many changes of light throughout the day."

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Bathroom Touches

stainless steel bathroom faucet with flowers — NOMI

The designers at Dallas-based NOMI custom bathroom designs say, "Don't forget to leave personalized touches in the guest bath. Shop locally-made soaps, candles, and fresh flowers so guests can further experience what your location has to offer."

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