The holiday season often brings visitors, so now is a great time to give your guest bedroom a quick refresh. Below are practical tips and real progress from my own guest room makeover to help you create a welcoming, comfortable space for friends and family.
My guest bedroom project is part of my “12 rooms in 12 months” effort, and I partnered with Brooklinen for the linens shown here. I’ll describe the pieces I used and why they work well for guests.
When we moved in, the room was basically a storage space for bikes and extra furniture. It’s far from finished, but it’s transformed a lot since those first “before” photos:
Here’s how it looks at the moment. I still need a large piece of art or a wall hanging for the blank wall to the right of the bed and a couple of finishing touches, but overall it’s coming together.
Below are five straightforward tips for refreshing a guest bedroom before visitors arrive.
1. Prioritize good sleep. The top goal for a guest room is a restful night’s sleep. Comfortable mattress support and soft, breathable bedding make a huge difference. I prefer linen for its relaxed look and breathable texture. For this room I used a white linen sheet set, a haze-colored linen duvet cover, and a lightweight down alternative comforter. High-quality bedding feels cozy and lived-in, and small extras—like clearly labeled fitted sheets so you always orient them correctly—make remaking the bed easier.
We tested the guest bed ourselves when our newborn days required shifting sleep arrangements, and the linen bedding proved so comfortable we now want the same set for our own bed. A guest complimenting the sheets—or joking about slipping them into their suitcase—is the ultimate validation.
2. Create a welcoming vibe. Small details set the mood. A candle or two and a Bluetooth speaker give guests control over ambiance—light a candle to unwind, or play music. If you include candles, place matches or a lighter nearby. A helpful trick is to light the candle once and blow it out so guests know it’s functional rather than decorative.
Bring life into the room with a plant or a small bouquet, and add artwork to make the space feel curated. Even modest pieces or prints can change the room’s character and make guests feel intentionally hosted.
3. Provide places for belongings. Make it easy for guests to store their things. Clear out clutter in closets and add hangers so visitors can hang coats and outfits. Small touches like a dish for jewelry on the nightstand, a luggage rack or DIY suitcase stand, and a basket for shoes create convenient “homes” for items and help the room feel organized and thoughtful.
4. Think bedside essentials. A few pragmatic items beside the bed go a long way: a phone charger (I often forget mine when I travel) and a simple alarm clock for guests who prefer not to rely on their phones. Keep a small lamp with easy-to-reach controls and a coaster or small tray for drinks. These conveniences help guests settle in without needing to ask for everyday items.
5. Desk or surface items for short stays. If your guest room has a desk, leave a card with the Wi‑Fi password, a couple of reading options (magazines or a favorite book), and a notepad and pencil. If there isn’t a desk, a tidy nightstand or a small tray with the same essentials will do. These details support both leisure and any last-minute work needs a guest may have.
In short, focus on comfort, practical touches, and small stylistic details. A soft bed, clear storage, approachable lighting, and a few thoughtful extras will make guests feel welcome and at ease.
What do you think of the guest bedroom so far? I’d love to hear how you set up your space for visitors.
This post is in partnership with Brooklinen. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Paper and Stitch running.