Guest Room Glow-Ups: How To Style for Last-Minute Visitors

Having guests at home is fun, especially if they’re people you love. However, it can be stressful when they visit on short notice. Your space for guests could be in terrible shape and uncomfortable for visitors.

That doesn’t mean sprucing it up at the last minute is impossible. You can do a few things to give your guest room an instant glow-up. The tips below are easy to follow and apply in case a friend or loved one calls in for an impromptu visit.

Update the Bed

Preparation prevents even the tiniest problems. So, ready your guest room before you expect those last-minute messages, starting with the bed.

A guest bed should be as comfortable as the one in the master bedroom and ideally fit at least two guests. A full or double bed is a good option, but it may not accommodate some people. On the other hand, queen or king-sized beds are comfy enough to lie on while still having enough space to stretch.

Remember to consider the room size. Bulky beds are out of the equation if you have a smaller guest suite. Consider guest-friendly sofa beds with hidden storage for their multipurpose features. These beds can fold up during the day as lounging seats and serve as storage for your guests’ personal belongings. Bigger rooms fare also well with sofa beds for the additional space they offer.

Cosy Up the Guest Room

Your guest room must be comfortable to help visitors settle in faster, plus guests might spend most of their stay there.

Gather extra pillows, laundered bed linens, and comforters. Set aside some thick, warm blankets for visits during colder months. If the room has hardwood flooring, place a cosy rug near the bed.

Besides prioritising comfort, go for style, too. Pretty furniture is a pleasure to the eyes, so consider investing in chic bedroom pieces. For instance, browse Ecosa’s stylish sofa bed range for great options to add to your guest room. Having different styles or colours available will make selection much easier.

Declutter the Space

You likely wouldn’t let anyone enter your home if you haven’t done spring cleaning yet. So, if someone calls in to stay over for the weekend, decluttering should prevent your guest room from looking like a mess.

The first step in cleaning a bedroom on short notice is to ensure the floor is free of debris or clutter. Sweep or vacuum under furniture, rugs, and every nook and cranny.

Next, clear out any items that are not part of the guest space or that you think your guests won’t use. That includes your personal storage boxes or duplicate furniture. Leave only the essentials. Consider getting extra storage to avoid turning the space into a makeshift stockroom.

Keep your decor minimal. Your guests don’t need a wall of framed photos or little figurines on the desk. A few curated focal pieces, such as one painting above the bed or an ornate bedside table vase, will do.

Even if you’re not expecting visitors, clean your guest bedroom regularly. There’s a correlation between clutter and mental health. A messy room could cause frustration and overwhelming feelings not only for you but for your guests, too. (1)

Upgrade the Lighting

Lighting has a significant effect on a room’s comfort level. A single bright bulb overhead won’t be as comfortable as having several lamps with adjustable lighting. Conversely, poor lighting will make navigating the room difficult for your guests.

To help people sleep better, consider spreading small, low-level lamps around the room. Experts recommend orange and yellow light for melatonin production, which regulates sleep. Make sure your overnight guests also have a working bedside lamp available in case they need a light source in the middle of the night. (2)

Prepare Basic Toiletries

Some last-minute guests arrive with personal items, but some come with just the clothes on their backs. Having a basket of toiletries ready for these visitors shows your hospitality. It should include the basics, such as:

Rolls of toilet paper
Fresh toothbrushes and toothpaste
Soap and travel-sized hair products
A small bottle of body wash
Cotton balls and swabs

Keep this basket handy even for guests who bring their own toiletries. They’ll appreciate the effort and the supplies in case they run out.

Add a Snack Stash

When your guests arrive on short notice, they might be hungry. Some ready-to-eat snacks could help fill their stomachs before a proper meal.

A spacious basket or acrylic box works best for keeping snacks like bags of chips, crackers, or cookies in guest rooms. You could also use drawer organisers to store miniature packs of nuts or candies.

For healthier options, prepare a fresh fruit bowl and leave it on the desk before your guests arrive. If you have a mini fridge, stock it with soda cans or bottled water.

Bring in Some Blooms

Flowers offer a personal touch to a simple guest room and provide a welcoming atmosphere. Your guests may feel the benefits of blooms and greenery, too. Studies show that indoor plants reduce carbon dioxide and improve indoor environment quality. (3)

There’s no need to create a large, intricate bouquet. A minimalist vase with fresh flowers will add colour and life to a monochrome guest room. Consider unscented or hypoallergenic plants like hybrid roses or succulents for potential allergy sufferers.

Wrapping Up

If you receive a message from a loved one urgently looking for a place to stay, don’t panic. Following these tips makes preparing a clean and cozy guest room at the last minute possible.

You don’t have to make it look like a luxury hotel suite. Proper furniture, careful design choices, and thorough decluttering can make guests feel more at home.

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