How to Create a Relaxing and Inviting Guest Room (Just In Time for the Holidays)
As the temperatures drop and the holidays quickly approach, many of us are preparing to welcome friends and family into our homes. Whether your guests are staying for a weekend or a week, the key to creating a truly memorable experience lies in designing a space that feels both comfortable and considered—a retreat where your loved ones can unwind, recharge, and feel cared for. Think of it as creating a boutique-hotel-meets-home vibe—warm, cozy, and layered with thoughtful touches.
Here’s how to create an inviting, relaxing guest room that feels effortless and mindful, with plenty of charm to carry you from fall into the festive winter season.
1. Start with a Cozy Foundation
Before diving into decor, focus on comfort. A supportive mattress, soft linens, and quality pillows set the tone for your guests’ stay. Consider investing in a medium-firm mattress topper if your existing one is too firm or too soft—it’s an affordable way to instantly improve comfort.
Layer the bed with a breathable cotton sheet, a quilt or coverlet, and a chunky knit throw at the foot for added warmth. Choose neutral or calming tones like soft taupe, ivory, or sage green. If your guests visit during colder months, add a down comforter or wool blanket for an extra layer of coziness.
Pro Tip: Provide multiple pillow options—some soft, some firm. Guests have preferences, and nothing says hospitality like choice.
2. Create a Thoughtful Bedding Display
A neatly made bed can make a world of difference. Instead of stacking pillows flat, try propping them in layers—two standard sleeping pillows in back, then a pair of Euro shams, followed by one or two decorative throw pillows in the front. This instantly makes the space look intentional and welcoming.
For a designer touch, add a bed runner or folded blanket at the end of the bed to create a polished, hotel-inspired finish.
3. Layer Warm Textures
When the weather turns cooler, texture becomes your best design tool. Think beyond just the bed—add warmth through soft rugs, cozy throws, and tactile fabrics. A low-pile rug or woven jute mat helps ground the space and adds a homey feel underfoot.
Mix materials like linen, wool, velvet, and faux fur to create depth. Drape a throw casually over the arm of a chair or fold it neatly on the bed. The goal is effortless comfort—not perfection.
4. Provide Practical Storage and a Landing Zone
Even if your guest room doubles as a home office or spare space, make sure there’s room for guests to unpack. A small dresser, bench, or open shelving unit allows them to settle in comfortably.
Add a luggage rack or small bench so they’re not forced to live out of a suitcase. A few empty hangers in the closet and a spot to store shoes make a big difference.
Include a nightstand with a drawer and open shelf—perfect for books, glasses, or tech essentials. Inside the drawer, consider keeping a few handy items: charging cords, earplugs, tissues, and a notepad with a pen.
5. Offer Simple Welcome Touches
A small welcome basket or tray is a sweet, memorable gesture that immediately makes guests feel seen. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—a bottle of water, a small snack, and a handwritten note go a long way.
During the holidays, you can make it seasonal by adding a mini pine-scented candle, some locally made treats, or a sprig of greenery tied with twine.
Bonus Idea: If guests are staying for several days, include a “guest guide” card with your Wi-Fi password, coffee setup instructions, and a list of favorite local cafes or walking trails.
6. Lighting
Lighting can transform the mood of any room. In the guest room, aim for layered lighting—soft bedside lamps, ambient overhead lighting on a dimmer, and even a small nightlight if your guests are unfamiliar with the space.
Avoid harsh overhead lights and opt for warm-toned bulbs (2700–3000K) to create a soothing, cozy atmosphere.
If possible, include a lamp with a built-in USB port for easy charging—a small upgrade that feels incredibly thoughtful.
7. Keep the Space Calm and Clutter-Free
Guest rooms don’t need to be overly decorated. Instead, focus on clean lines and a calm palette. Store away personal clutter or items that make the space feel like an afterthought.
Decorate with intention: one or two framed art prints, a vase of greenery, or a cozy reading nook is all you need. Keep surfaces mostly clear so guests have room to spread out their belongings.
If you want to add personality, consider displaying a few meaningful details—perhaps a local art piece or a coffee table book that reflects your region or hobbies.
8. Add Fresh Scents and Greenery
A little natural fragrance goes a long way in creating a tranquil atmosphere. Add a small vase with fresh flowers, eucalyptus stems, or seasonal foliage. For the holidays, try a simple arrangement with cedar branches and dried oranges.
Candles or diffusers with subtle, non-overpowering scents (like amber, linen, or pine) can also elevate the room’s ambiance.
Pro Tip: Avoid overly sweet or floral scents—fresh, clean, and woodsy notes are more universally loved and soothing.
9. Don’t Forget the Essentials
Think of all the little things that make travel easier: an extra blanket, a fan for white noise, a water carafe, and an outlet extender.
You can also keep a small basket of toiletries in the bathroom—items like toothbrushes, razors, pain relievers, or cotton pads. These simple touches make your guests’ stay feel effortless.
For an extra layer of thoughtfulness, leave a robe and slippers for cooler mornings.
10. Add Personality Through Styling
Just because it’s a guest room doesn’t mean it has to feel generic. Layer in pieces that tell a story. A woven basket at the foot of the bed, a vintage mirror above the dresser, or a soft plaid throw in rich autumnal hues can create warmth and depth.
If you’re inspired by designers like Amber Lewis or Shea McGee, think natural textures, layered neutrals, and lived-in elegance. These spaces feel curated but not fussy—exactly the energy you want your guests to feel.
11. Make It Holiday-Ready
As you prepare for the holidays, add small festive touches without going overboard. A sprig of evergreen tucked into the linens, a cinnamon-scented candle, or plaid throw pillows can subtly nod to the season without overwhelming the room.
When guests arrive, play soft instrumental music in the background and light a candle—it’s a simple way to create an instant sense of welcome.
Bonus Tip: Consider leaving a few cozy extras, like slippers, hot cocoa packets, or a book of short stories by the bedside.
12. Transition the Space for Winter
As the holiday season winds down, shift your decor from festive to cozy. Replace bright accents with warmer tones like rust, olive, or deep navy. Swap out light linens for heavier bedding, and add a thicker rug or extra layer of curtains to insulate the room.
This is also a great time to declutter and refresh—wash all linens, rotate throw blankets, and refill essentials like tissues and toiletries.
If your guest room doubles as a workspace during the year, consider furniture that can flex—a daybed with trundle, or a desk that doubles as a vanity.
13. Final Touches That Make Guests Feel Special
The most memorable guest rooms are the ones that feel personal. Leave a handwritten note welcoming your guests, or a framed photo from a past trip together. Keep a few books or magazines on the nightstand for evening reading.
If your home is in a colder climate, provide a small heater or electric blanket. If it’s warmer, offer a fan or blackout curtains for sleeping in.
Most of all, think about how you want your guests to feel—relaxed, considered, and connected.
Creating an inviting guest room isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. Each small detail, from layered linens to ambient lighting, works together to make your guests feel cared for. As the holidays approach, embrace this as an opportunity to slow down, add warmth to your home, and create meaningful moments with the people you love.
