Most guest rooms are underused and unloved, forever confined to the fringe of our homes until someone needs them. Unfortunately, this also means most guest rooms are dull and drab; hardly spaces for guests to relax and unwind in!
Thankfully, transforming your guest room into a perfect space is easy with planning and a little bit of effort. You can take any guest room and turn it into a homely space suitable for your guests to spend time in, rather than just dump their bags down.
Here’s how to transform your guest room into that perfect space:
Get a divan bed
Divan beds maximise floor space because they don’t have a protruding frame, preventing guests from whacking their knees on the bed.
The beauty of divan beds is their simplicity and functionality; you style them with a headboard, and most beds are available with built-in drawers. So, if you want to maximise space without compromising style, a divan bed is for you. Or if you are looking for a smart bed, then check out this Sleepify comparison beforehand.
Get a medium mattress
Since everyone sleeps differently, it’s a good idea to have a medium mattress on your guest bed. Neither too firm nor soft, these mattresses are best for side sleepers, as well as stomach and back sleepers. Your guests will wake up feeling fresh!
The only exception to this rule is if you have a regular guest with special requirements, like an orthopaedic mattress or soft mattress.
Increase space with furniture changes
If your guest bedroom is small, increase floor space with a taller, narrow wardrobe and a narrower chest of drawers. Move floor lamps to the wall and ditch bedside tables in favour of bedside shelves. If space is really limited, downgrade from a double bed to a small double bed, which still offers space for two people.
If you have a big guest room, you don’t need to worry about maximising space, but you can still use space smartly with tiered shelves and dual-use furniture.
Follow the 60-30-10 rule
Transforming your guest room requires a new colour scheme, and there’s no simpler way to get it right than the 60-30-10 rule.
The 60-30-10 rule stipulates that 60% of your bedroom should be one main colour, 30% a secondary colour, and 10% an accent colour.
For example:
- 60% bamboo
- 30% nordic grey
- 10% midnight blue
What the rule does is bring balance to colour schemes.
Top tip: bedroom furniture can be the same colour as the primary or secondary colour, but not the accent colour. Save your accent colour for a feature wall and pops of colour. Be sure to match furniture colours as well for a seamless look.
Inject dark sophistication
Although light and airy spaces are great, guest bedrooms should feel cosy, and the best way to do this is with darker colours.
For your accent colour, consider dark teal, green, purple, brown, grey or blue. Our favourite colour for guest bedrooms is navy blue.
A dark feature wall behind your bed or across from the door entrance is a great way to make your guest room feel more welcoming.
Add colour with wall art
Keep wall art simple in bedrooms. Landscapes are always a good choice because they inject bright colours and nature into spaces.
Avoid portraits because they can make people feel uncomfortable. Also, avoid dark artwork because it can sap energy from the bedroom. Save that for the living room!
If you need art ideas, head over to Etsy – Etsy is an online marketplace full of artists selling original work and prints for great prices.
Use thick, homely fabrics
One of the mistakes people make with guest rooms is making them feel like a hotel room, with smooth textures and clean lines.
Your guest room needs knitted fabrics, chunky throws, weaved window blinds, rattan baskets, and a stylish shagpile rug.
Thick textures add depth to spaces and make them feel more welcoming. The problem with smooth fabrics is they are too sterile.
