Is Your Guest Room Ready for the Holidays?
Here’s How to Make It Feel Like Home
Start with a Comfortable Bed
Your guest bed is the star of the room. If it hasn’t been updated in years or has become the landing spot for old bedding, it might be time for an upgrade. A medium-firm mattress tends to work best for most people. If replacing the mattress isn’t an option, invest in a quality mattress topper.
Choose crisp, breathable sheets—100% cotton or a cotton blend is ideal. Add a cozy duvet or quilt, and include a couple of pillow options (soft and firm). Guests often won’t say anything if they’re uncomfortable, so anticipate their needs in advance.
Pro tip: When thinking about guest room essentials, remember that quality bedding is the foundation of comfort. Some of our favorites are Matouk, Sferra, Frette, and Yves Delorme.
Neutral, luxe materials are the foundation for this tranquil spa-like retreat with a custom bed in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Clear the Clutter
If your guest room doubles as a home office, storage space, or exercise room, now’s the time to edit. Clear surfaces and create space in the closet or dresser so your guests have somewhere to unpack. Even a few empty hangers and a drawer or two make a difference.
Removing clutter isn’t just practical; it sets the tone for a relaxing stay. A room that feels intentional and uncluttered immediately puts guests at ease.
A clutter-free guest bedroom is one of the simplest ways to create a relaxing environment for holiday visitors.
Layer in Thoughtful Touches
Small details make a big impact. Consider adding:
A bedside table with good lighting so guests can read at night
A clock—many people prefer not to rely solely on their phones
A full-length mirror for convenience
Extra blankets and pillows stored within easy reach
You might also place a carafe of water with glasses on the nightstand (the one pictured below is from a favorite Vancouver, BC store) or a small basket of essentials (tissues, hand cream, and a phone charger). Thoughtful details like these make your guest room feel like a boutique hotel.
Cristallin bottle with cup from Lumina Eligma Home.
Cup conveniently stacks atop bottle.
Give Them Privacy and Comfort
Window treatments matter more than you think. If your guest room only has sheer curtains, add blackout liners or shades so guests can sleep in without early morning light streaming through.
Check the temperature controls in the room. If it tends to run warm or cool, offer a small fan or a throw blanket. Comfort is about anticipating those little inconveniences before they happen.
An ensuite bath elevates a guest room even more by offering both convenience and privacy.
Chic mesh drapes add intrigue as a den, and room-darkening shades with concealed hardware provide essential privacy as a guest room in this Bethesda, Maryland condo.
An ensuite bath and guest room were added to our Breckenridge project for convenience, privacy, and multigenerational living.
Create a Small Landing Zone
Guests need a place to drop their bags, keys, and other belongings. If you have the space, add a bench at the foot of the bed or a small luggage rack. A hook or two on the wall can be helpful as well. This simple addition keeps the room tidy and makes life easier for your visitors.
Below left, a mudroom is the perfect drop zone addition for a multigenerational family in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and below right, a chest of drawers provides plenty of storage and display space for treasures in the entry of a Bethesda, Maryland condo.
Clean, functional drop zone keeps essentials organized and charged.
In the entry of a condo, a storage chest hides essentials while providing a place for small treasures.
Add Calm and Personality
Your guest room doesn’t need to be a showroom, but a little personality goes a long way. Art on the walls, a cozy rug underfoot, or a statement throw pillow can make the room feel finished.
The key is balance. Avoid overly busy patterns or too much décor, which can feel overwhelming. Stick to a calming palette and soft textures that signal relaxation, like the primary bedroom in our Sterling project.
Warm, neutral greys create a zen sanctuary and allow personality to pop through art and accessories.
Do a Test Run
A well-prepared guest room is more than just a checklist. It shows care, attention, and hospitality. Before your guests arrive, spend a night in the room yourself. Is the mattress comfortable? Is there enough light for reading? Does the door stick or squeak? Experiencing the space as your guests often reveals small adjustments you might have overlooked and creates an experience remembered long after the visit.
Ready to Elevate Your Guest Room?
If you want your guest room to feel welcoming, stylish, and stress-free this holiday season, TOBE DesignGroup can help. From quick refreshes to complete redesigns, we’ll create a space that combines function and beauty.
👉 Schedule your design consultation today and let’s make your home holiday-ready.
Every space has a story. Let us design yours. hello@tobedesigngroup.com | 301.656.6600