Having company this weekend, but your spare room currently looks less than welcoming? A guest room can often be forgotten when it comes to decorating and maintenance.
Don't let this happen in your home! Turn your guestroom into a space they'll never want to leave. Learn 20 things every guestroom should include to make them comfortable and functional.
Greeting guests with a warm and welcoming space can be done without too much time or money. Just remember, your guests never want to feel as though they are imposing on your space or your time. Provide them with their basic needs, so that they won't need to constantly ask you for things. Also, it's the personal touches that will please your company—and we all know that happy guests means a happier weekend for both of you!
View the gallery above for simple tips, guaranteed to make your friends or relatives feel right at home.
Ready to turn your guestroom into a comfortable and stylish room? See Spoil Your Guests and Spare Room? Turn it into a Guest Room/Office for more ideas.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
1. Hide your personal clutter
When creating a welcoming environment for your guests it is essential that you stow away your clutter in a closet or even just in a different room of the house. Clutter is not only unattractive, it creates a feeling of imposition. Your guest will feel as though they are invading your space.
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2. Include a luggage rack.
Living out of a suitcase is never much fun. Place a luggage rack in your spare room so your guests are not forced to rummage through their things on the floor.
Photo Credit: Alamy
3. Add a full-length mirror
A full length mirror is necessary for most when getting dressed. It's a simple addition but one that will be much appreciated.
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4. Include plenty of storage
Giving your guests a few drawers in which to keep their things will help them to feel at home. Their morning routine will seem a bit more natural if they're taking items out of a drawer instead of a suitcase.
Photo Credit: Monalyn Gracia, Corbis
5. Offer additional pillows
Having extra pillows shows that their comfort is a top priority to you.
Photo Credit: Corbis
6. Offer additional blankets
Temperature can be one of the main causes for discomfort when you're in a foreign environment. Most guests will remain uncomfortable rather than ask you to change the temperature. Have a few extra blankets so they're not shivering all night long.
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7. Include a serving tray
You can flip the serving tray upside down and place it on top of the luggage rack. This way the items double as a bench.
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8. Provide them with their own freshly cleaned towel
Even if you live by yourself, you should always have one or two spare bath towels for visitors to use.
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9. Add a plate or bowl of snacks
When people are staying in your home, they will not want to rummage through your fridge, or worse yet ask you to make something for them. Simply add a bowl of fruit or some nuts to your spare room for them to munch on.
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10. Hanging closet space
If they have a suit or fancy dress that they need to hang. They shouldn't have to live out of a suitcase during they're stay.
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11. Compile an "out of town-er" survival kit
Leave a few maps of the surrounding area in your spare room for your guests to take with them. This gesture gives them assurance that they needn't worry if they are ever separated from you. For a really sweet personal touch, print off a map from the internet, and draw in key places that may be of interest to them. Write in the local bakery, or gym.
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12. Hang a set of spare keys on the door home
This gives your guests a sense of freedom and security. Just like with the maps, the keys assure them that they wont be stranded if you are ever separated. It also gives them the freedom to wake up and take a run, or run to the corner store without bothering you.
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13. Add some plants or fresh flowers
Plants and flowers are always a nice addition to any space. Fresh flowers will add an element of comfort to your guest bedroom.
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14. Install beds that provide multiple sleeping options
Place two twin beds in your guestroom instead of one large one. Twin beds can always be pushed together, and you'll have more flexibility when hosting. Your guests may not always be comfortable sleeping together (think mom and teenage son). This way you don't need to come up with alternative sleeping spaces.
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15. Provide seating other than just the bed
Your sleeping schedule may be very different from that of your guests. Provide a chair in the guestroom, so they can stay up and read a book, or wake up early and surf the web.
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16. Place something scented in the room
Put a scented candle or some incense on the bedside table. It will be a nice added touch to the room, and will cover any of those smells that come with rooms and sheets that are rarely used. The guests can always choose whether or not to use them depending on their preferences.
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17. Give them their own alarm clock
This is essential so they can set their own schedule and you don't have to wake them up each day.
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18. Provide some spare toiletries
Leave a basket with a few essentials like toothpaste, toothbrush, female sanitary supplies etc. Even the most well traveled, often forget something. If it's in a basket in their room they won't have to ask you for it.
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19. Include bedside lighting
Remember, your home is an unfamiliar space to your house guests. Provide them with a bedside lamp, or a night light so they don't stumble around in the middle of the night.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
20. Decorate in the same style as the rest of your home
Put as much effort into your spare room as you would your living or dining room. Failing to put time into the decor says that the space is unimportant. If the decor matches the rest of your home, your guests will feel less separated from you and your family.
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