Here’s a fun little experiment: go sit in your guest room for five minutes. No, really—sit there, on the bed, and pretend you’re staying over. Now ask yourself, Would I actually want to sleep here?
If the answer is anything other than a confident yes, we’ve got some work to do. But don’t worry—this isn’t about spending a fortune or doing a full-blown renovation. It’s about making a few strategic swaps that magically turn your guest room into the kind of place people rave about. You know, the kind where guests wake up refreshed, send you an overly grateful text afterward, and possibly try to extend their stay. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Scroll on for our top picks to give your guest room (aka your new cozy nap spot when the house is empty) a guaranteed glow up.
1. Makeover Your Mattress
*Sponsored by Avocado Mattress
Look, if the guest bed is uncomfortable, nothing else matters. You could have the most gorgeously decorated space, and it wouldn’t change the fact that your guests woke up feeling like they just went ten rounds with a brick wall.
We suggest upgrading to an Avocado Mattress because it's one of those beds that somehow works for everyone—not too soft, not too firm, just the perfect level of cloud-like coziness. They are also having a President’s Day Sale* from 1/28-2/18, so you’ll want to take advantage of the deals below while you can:
- 10% off Eco Organic Mattress
- 15% off Green Mattress
- 20% off Luxury Mattress
- 10% off Crib Matts, Kids Matt, Toppers
- 10% off Pillows
*Sale ends February 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST. Offers cannot be transferred or combined. No exchanges or refunds on free pillows. All discounts must be applied at time of purchase.
2. Ditch the Dorm-Style Duvet
That old duvet that’s been in the linen closet since 2014? Time to go. A fresh, high-quality duvet cover instantly makes a room feel like a five-star suite. Opt for crisp white for that classic hotel look, or try a soft, neutral linen for a relaxed, cozy vibe.
3. Play Up Your Pillows
Pillows are like Botox for your bed—instant lift. Mix up textures (think velvet, linen, and chunky knit) and add a fun print for personality. Just don’t go overboard, or your guests will need a map to find the actual mattress.
4. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
If you’ve got even the tiniest amount of space, a reading nook is a total game-changer. Guests love a little corner where they can sip coffee, scroll on their phone, or pretend to read a book while actually just texting.
All you need:
- A comfortable chair
- A chic side table
- A warm, stylish floor or table lamp (overhead light kills the vibe)
- A couple of coffee table books (bonus points if they’re about your city—makes you look extra thoughtful
5. Swap Your Window Treatments
If repainting your guest room sounds like an ordeal, don’t worry. Simply swapping out your curtains is the next best thing. Because they take up so much wall space, they have a massive impact with minimal effort. We suggest going for a soft neutral or a subtle pattern for an instant refresh.
Pro Tip: Hang them “high and wide” (just below the crown molding and 12-18 inches past the window trim) to create the illusion of larger windows and taller ceilings. A designer trick that’s completely free? We’ll take it.
6. Roll Out the (Patterned) Carpet
Nothing elevates a room faster than a statement rug. But if you’re worried about luggage dragging in dirt or that friend who can’t hold onto a glass of bedtime wine, we hear you. Thankfully, that’s what machine-washable rugs are for. Sure, we may be biased, but our exclusive collection with Ruggable is the cutest thing out there. Pops of color? Minimal and monochrome? It’s all covered. Shop the entire The Home Edit by Ruggable collection here.
Sizing Cheat Sheet: Go for an 8x10 under a king bed, 6x9 under a queen.
7. Stock the Essentials (So They Don’t Have to Ask):
You know that awkward moment when a guest has to sheepishly ask for a phone charger, extra towels, or even (gasp!) a toothbrush? Let’s avoid that. A fully stocked guest room makes guests feel at home without the need for endless questions.
Want to make sure you have everything covered? Download our free guest room essentials checklist here!
