There were two main things I looked for when purchasing our current home.
- A room designated for the boys. Somewhere they can play and hang out with their friends – somewhere that their LEGOS do not leave.
- A guest bedroom. Our previous home had the perfect number of bedrooms for our family. When someone came to visit, we’d displace one of the kids which wasn’t a big deal. I knew as the kids got older it would be a bit disruptive, and I wanted to make sure people came to visit and were comfortable.
Now that I have the guest bedroom (and playroom – no more stepping on LEGOs all over the house!), I wanted to make sure that my guests have everything they need to be comfortable! I’ve curated some essentials for the perfect guest bedroom.
GUEST BEDROOM ESSENTIALS
Closet Space and Drawers
Depending on how long my guests are staying, they may or may not want to live out of their luggage. I personally love to unpack as soon as I arrive. Make sure that you have a section of the closet cleared for your guests, along with hangers to hang their clothes. I also make sure to have at least one dresser drawer per person available.
Toiletries Basket
This is a must in my house. Under the guest bathroom sink, I store the following:
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Hair dryer
- Q-tips and cotton balls
- Shampoo and conditioner (although I have some in the shower area as well)
- Body soap (In the shower area as well!)
- Mouthwash
- Body lotion
- Disposable razors
- Feminine hygiene products
Tip: I save the travel sized products from hotels that I visit for this very reason!
Fresh Flowers
How nice is it to enter a room and have a small vase filled with fresh flowers?! Be sure to ask if there are any allergies ahead of time (i.e. allergies to Asiatic lillies – my husband).
Alarm Clock
I always like to know what time it is, as I am sure my guests do too.A tiny digital clock rests on one of the nightstands.
Reading materials
I love to read – books, magazines, newspapers. I always leave a few books on the entry table to the guest bedroom – just in case my guests need something to read!
Extra pillows and blankets
I like to sleep with two pillows and a light blanket, but I am not everyone else. Some people like more pillows, a heavier blanket, maybe even just a flat sheet to cover them. I offer all options as I want them to sleep well!
Plush towels and/or a robe
Before the guests arrive, I place fresh towels on the toilet in the bathroom. Usually, I leave two body towels, two washcloths, and two hair/hand towels.
Nightlight
Nightlights are key, especially for people that are visiting the home for the first time. I leave one in the bathroom as well as one in the hallway.
Aromatherapy
Lavender is a well-known essential oil that helps with relaxation. Ever since I’ve added the iHome Zenergy Aromatherapy light (and so much more) to the guest bedroom, I’ve gotten many compliments! I, of course, had to try it out first in my room and think it is such a cool accessory for any bedroom.
Aside from the fact that you can wirelessly stream music from your smartphone via Bluetooth, you can also use it as a speakerphone for incoming and outgoing calls, AND my favorite – light and sound therapy. There are seven different light therapy modes:
- Breath ( slowly decreasing red pulse)
- Aurora (swirling rainbow spectrum),
- Calm (swirling red and orange lights)
- Energy (swirling blue and white lights)
- Glow (solid rainbow spectrum)
- One Color (holds the last color shown)
- Candle (flickering candle effect)
and six sound therapy modes:
- Natural Sounds: Ocean, Nature, Storm
- Tonal Sounds: Dream Tones, Zen
- White Noise
I give my guests a little tutorial on how to use the Zenergy Aroma + Light + Sound and I wonder if they are going to leave the room once they hear of how their guest room can turn into a little oasis! You can purchase one on Amazon or Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Once I put mine in the guest room, I kind of missed it in my room so had to buy one for myself! You’ll see why!
Amber Myers says
Ooo I love this speaker! I might have to pick it up. We don’t have extra space for a guest room, but I’d like it for our room.
Sarah Bailey says
I would absolutely love to have a guest bedroom, sadly our bungalow is only one bedded, but perhaps one day. It would be so nice to have an area for friends and family to come and stay in.
Samuel frodo says
Woow! Your guest bedroom must seem like 5 star hotel room. Lol, great stuff really.
Dana says
Thanks, Samuel! 😉
Vannah says
With guests coming next week, I am gonna need this! Thanks so much for the wonderful ideas! I feel like if my guests aren’t comfortable they will not want to stay long, and I’m in for the long haul! haha
Dana says
Vannah, it’s funny that you say that because a lot of people have said, “Your guests are going to want to stay forever – are you ready for that?!” LOL
Andrea says
I agree with you it is so nice to have your guest bedroom so well equipped. I have a lot of friends that visit me from home and from blogging I have met a lot of wonderful people and being able to give them a nice place to stay is a nice feeling.
Sudipta Dev Chakraborti says
Wow ! I would love to buy this Aromatherapy Speaker for myself. Will check if it is available in Mumbai, India.
Dee Jackson says
I currently have a guest room and these are definite essentials. Love the look of this room.
Minakshi Bajpai says
Beautifully written post. It is exactly what I was looking for. Currently I decorated my guest room. This tips will help me.
Heather Reed says
I don’t have a guest room but this post made me wish I did!!! What an awesome collection of ideas and it is beautifully written!!
Dana says
Thanks Heather!!!
Jessica Taylor says
We are thinking of turning the kids’ play room into a guest bedroom, but we haven’t figured out where to start. These are great ideas.
Rikki Ridgeway says
This is a great list for those setting up a guest bedroom, my house is a little too small to allow a guest bedroom, but if I did, this list would help me decorate it a bit beyond just the necessities.
Dana says
I’m glad you like the list, Rikki!
Carrie says
I’d love to have a guest bedroom and decorate it with this lovely Aromatherapy Light.
I guess fresh flowers are always a great surprise for the guests because they instantly light up the whole room!
Dana says
Carrie, the light is so cool! I love that it also doubles as a bluetooth speaker!
Rachel says
I love the idea of the toiletries basket with all the essentials in it! That aroma light sounds really cool too!
hey sharonoox says
I really like the concept of this aromatherapy speaker. This guest room looks so inviting. Great job!
Ana De- Jesus says
I love how you cater for the guests by providing them with any sanitaries that they may need like pads and razors. Not only will this make their stay more enjoyable but it will also mean they can be prepared too.
Terri Beavers says
I’m finally going to have a guest bedroom when I move, and I can’t wait. I love all of your suggestions and I’ll check in to buying a Zenergy Aroma + Light + Sound. I’ve never had a guest bedroom so I’m looking for ideas on how to create a relaxing stay for my guests.
Mark Olowokere says
Close space and drawers is something for me to address. Fresh flowers is a wonderful idea. Thanks.
What Corinne Did says
Wow, looks like you have everything a guest needs in this room. But that’s good because it makes a stay more relaxing and enjoyable! also, it’s like you are at home!
Kim says
This is super helpful! I’ll be hosting visitors this summer and I’ll definitely be referring to your post to get ready!