Decorating Ideas For Spare Bedroom

WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ

Houseguests are like fish: They start to stink after three days. Or so said Benjamin Franklin at least. To make sure everyone is comfortable during their stay—guests and hosts—give visitors the very best. That means fresh flowers, blackout curtains, fluffed pillows, and a few more of the items below. Read on for 25 guest bedroom ideas, essentials, and style inspirations to curate a space that'll look beautiful and feel great.

guest bedroom design

Robert McKinley Studio

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Don't Forget a Mirror

Hang a full length mirror so your guests have somewhere to evaluate their outfits before you to introduce them to everyone (just kidding). But really, houseguests will definitely appreciate having easy access to a full-length mirror since when living out of a suitcase. A mirror will also make a small guest bedroom feel larger. In this room at the Kinsley Hotel designed by Robert McKinley Studio, the extra hooks are also great for coats, robes, and towels.

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ERIC PIASECKI/OTTO

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Convert a Nook

When you don't have an actual guest bedroom, maximize another room in the house by building out a nook. Deep enough to moonlight as a guest bunk, this alcove by Rita Koenig and architect Gil Schafer has drawers under the cushion. "It's more than a reading nook or another piece of furniture," says Schafer.

Attic bedroom ideas

Fantastic Frank

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Transform the Attic

If all the rooms in your home are occupied or you just need to set up an extra guest bedroom, use your attic space. If the ceilings are low or sloped, keep everything low to the ground and hang a pendant light to polish things off.

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Leanne Ford Interiors

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Hang a Diving Curtain

Not all room dividers are folding screens. You can get crafty! Interior designer Leanne Ford hung a curtain in this attic office nook to make it serve double duty as a guest room.

Guest bedroom tips

Nicole Franzen

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Place a Phone on the Bedside Table

If you're a household that still has landlines installed, make sure there's one in the guest bedroom, too. It could come in handy if your guest's cell phone needs recharging, and if you don't get good cell service, this is even more essential.

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Robert McKinley Studio

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Add a Mini Bar

Add a mini bar to give your guests extra privacy and a hotel vibe, especially if your guest bedroom is actually inn it's own private structure away from the main house. Just don't forget to keep it empty once they depart. For style inspiration, it doesn't get better than this summery set up by Robert McKinley Studio.

Unique headboard ideas

Nicole Franzen

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Make a Statement

Just because you don't lay your head to rest there every night doesn't mean the guest bedroom shouldn't be up to par design-wise. Opt for a statement headboard, wall art, and built-in lighting for a unique and stylish aesthetic.

guest bedroom ideas pictures

David A. Land

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Give It a Reading Nook

A window seat is a great addition to a guest bedroom. It'll give them somewhere to cozy up in that isn't the communal living room. A dresser is also a nice touch, in case they'd like to unpack any of their belongings.

guest bedroom essentials

Trevor Tondro

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Get Scrappy With Furniture

When space is limited and you don't want to shop for new, bulky furniture, use a chair as a side table and install wall sconces to save surface space. A cheerful color, like this pale turquoise hue, is also a good idea to set a happy mood.

guest bedroom ideas

Fantastic Frank

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Provide a Robe and Towels

Make your guest room feel like a hotel by putting the things they'll need throughout their stay right there in the room. Some examples include a robe, slippers, and towels. If you want to go the extra mile, leave a carafe of water on the side table.

small guest bedroom ideas

PHOTO: Douglas Lyle Thompson; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

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Make It Do Double Duty

If your home doesn't have enough space for a guest room but you host a lot, make one of the other rooms in the house (like the family room or home office) serve double duty. Just put a daybed in a corner—make it super cozy and comfortable with tons of pillows and throws.

Guest room wallpaper

Catherine Kwong Design

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Use Darker Tones

Keep things streamlined, with clutter at a minimum, and bring in darker colors for a sense of intimacy and coziness. Bedside sconces are a guaranteed way to make your bedroom look and feel as fresh as a five-star hotel room.

guest room decorating ideas

PHOTO: Nicole Franzen; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

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Remember: Less Is More

As simple as this room is, it feels crisp, clean, and perfectly inviting. All it takes is layers of fresh linens, a small side table, and a reading lamp. Just make sure you fluff the pillows and straighten up the bedding before guests arrive.

Colorful bedroom ideas

Melanie Acevedo

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Bring Them Breakfast (on a Bench)

Place a bench at the end of the bed to give the room a refined feel. And if you bring your guests breakfast in bed, you automatically earn a reputation as the best host ever. Giving them somewhere to sit other than the bed also diminishes the likelihood of spillage on the bedding.

gallery wall ideas

Nicole Franzen

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Dial Up the Art

A gallery wall will give the space character and make it feel more like a home without taking up valuable surface space. An alarm clock and radio are also nice touches.

Bohemian bedroom style

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Don't Forget Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers in the guest bedroom are a small but mighty detail. They communicate that you're so excited to have them there!

Small white bedroom design

Fantastic Frank

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Let the Light in (but Provide an Eye Mask)

If possible, put the guest bedroom in a space where lots of natural light floods in. Just be sure you leave a sleep mask on the bedside table, especially if you didn't install blackout shades.

Guest room bedding ideas

Miguel Flores-Vianna

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Bring in a TV

Deck the guest bedroom out with all the classic pieces, like high-end, traditional monogramed bedding, an orate mirror, full drapes, and a canopy bed. Then add an unexpected, fun throw pillow like this one, which says besos. And a television will be appreciated when guests want to unwind alone, or if they can't fall asleep.

Guest room essentials

PHOTO: Alexandra Ribar; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

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Incorporate Greenery

It's always a good idea to bring in plenty of greenery for a balanced, lively environment. In this bedroom designed by Leanne, she opted for a Bird of Paradise tree and a snake plant.

Modern guest bedroom

Catherine Kwong

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Make It Sleek

We love how streamlined and sleek this bedroom is. The lack of clutter and built-in furniture make it feel like a hotel room. Fold an extra blanket on the end of the bed for your guests in case it gets chilly.

Luxury guest bedrooms

Eric Piasecki

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Set Up a Work Space

If space allows, model a hotel room by giving your guests a little en suite work space. A side chair, desk or console, and table lamp are all it takes.

how to style a bedside table

PHOTO: Genevieve Garruppo; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

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Keep Books in There

Family photos give the guest bedroom a nice personal touch, but the real hero item in this bedroom is that fully loaded bookshelf. Take note and fill the side table with books in case your guests can't sleep and want something to do.

Children's guest bedroom ideas

Alec Hemer

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Pick a Theme

Go with a theme that speaks to your home's location. This one is super fun for a children's guest bedroom somewhere coastal: These bunk beds save space while also reflecting the nautical ship theme.

Bedroom sitting area design

Amber Interiors

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Introduce a Sitting Area

Give guests a little seating area so they have somewhere private to unwind that isn't just the bed. A simple reading nook will do, but if there's enough room, add a loveseat and a small coffee table.

Twin beds guest room style

Kerri McCaffety

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Double the Fun With Twin Beds

You can't go wrong with twin beds featuring classic white bedding and headboards that match the wallpaper. Embroidered coverlets give them a formal, traditional look, while gingham skirts are a delightfully playful finish.