Guest Room Best Room
So, it’s been over a year, and the good news is we can now invite family and friends to stay overnight! Time to get the guest room spruced up and ship shape. I once read (can’t remember where!) that your guest room should be the best room in the house. Well, I kind of get that and that is the ideal, but most of us need to spend time and money on our own family rooms. However, sometimes the spare room or guest room gets forgotten and ends up being a bit of a dumping ground. Check out my simple tips below to ensuring your guests get a good night’s sleep and enjoy their stay…


A Good Mattress
First and foremost, a decent bed and mattress is essential. While its easy to put an old mattress in the spare room, it is doubtful it will be comfy. So, try not to skimp on this vital element to sleep. There are many good, inexpensive, mattresses available now as well of course great toppers that can add that extra bit of comfort. One tip is to sleep in the bed (includes sofa bed) yourself one night to make sure it is actually OK.
One additional point: check what type of bed you have and what type of mattress you need.
Wooden or metal slats or divan springs? While most mattresses suit most bases, there are some considerations especially if your bed is a slatted. Check the slats are close together and secure, ensure the mattress you choose has good support – good springs, memory foam or a hybrid.
More Must Haves
The following are additional basic items that ensure a stay at your home is comfortable and has privacy.
Curtains or blinds – need not be fancy but a window treatment is a must
Fresh towels – always nice in case guests are not packing their own
Seasonal duvet and blankets – be mindful of the time of year so your guests don’t freeze or roast!
Bedside lamp – need not be expensive but is an item to let your guest have light if they need in the night or bedtime reading… and you can be creative without spending loads on a table – a wooden or plastic box, a chair or stool, shelf, even very heavy securely stacked books…
Mirror – self explanatory
Sockets – make sure there are some sockets available (and near a mirror) for hair appliances, make-up, phone chargers etc
Wardrobe, rail, drawers – somewhere to hang clothes and store clothes. You don’t need much, but every guest will have items they may need to hang or just to get the suitcase out of the way. A back of the door hanger can help and a fabric box if you don’t have room or budget to splash out on a bedroom suite!
Box of tissues – there are lots of pretty small boxes of tissues around


Nice to Haves
OK, so you’ve got the basics now if you want you can add some lovely extras if space and budget allow:
- TV and radio
- Mini kettle, tea/coffee, water carafe
- Alarm clock
- Door lock
- Sofa or chaise
- Maybe twin beds or zip link to give versatility to the room
- Rug
- Pictures, photos and artwork
- Flowers
- Unopened soap, shower gel, cotton wool , toothpaste – a little bathroom pack
Finishing Touches
Like every room in the house the guest room can express your sense of style.
Think about colours and patterns , go understated or make a statement!
Rugs, fabrics, soft furnishings such as cushions and throws can easily add interest.
Window treatments and lighting choices can all make a room, that once was forgotten, a wonderful haven.

In a nutshell:
Have a review of your spare room or guest room. Check the basics, and add any extras:
Must Haves = WELLBEING + Nice to Haves = COMFORT+ Finishing Touches = STYLE
Don’t know where to start or don’t have the time ? Give me a call or contact me here and I can help
#Change can happen one step at a time
#theglimmerofhome #guestroom #friendsandfamily #interiorinspo #interiordesign #outoflockdown #buckingham #winslow #aylesbury #brackley #bicester