When family or friends come to stay for the holidays, your guest room becomes more than just a place to sleep. It’s a little slice of home-away-from-home, a space that can make your guests feel truly cared for. Whether you have a dedicated room or a flex space with a pullout couch, a few thoughtful touches can make your guest room cozy, chic, and functional (without requiring a total renovation).
Here’s how to create a guest room that’s warm, stylish, and ready to impress this holiday season.
Start with a Statement: Set the Tone with Lighting
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to create a warm, inviting mood. Overhead lighting can feel harsh and cold, especially in winter. Instead, opt for layered lighting that guests can control.
Place a lamp on each nightstand for individual reading light, and consider adding a soft-glow floor lamp or a sconce if space allows. Look for lampshades that diffuse light gently rather than direct beams that scream “waiting room.”
Bonus points for a dimmer or smart bulbs that let your guests adjust the ambiance. A warm glow can make even a small space feel like a boutique hotel room.
Bedding That Invites a Snooze
Your guest bed should be the hero of the room. But that doesn’t mean it needs a thousand pillows or a frilly bed skirt. Focus on comfort and layering.
Start with soft, breathable sheets (think cotton or linen). A cozy duvet with a neutral or seasonally inspired cover adds style, while a quilt or throw blanket gives guests options if they run hot or cold at night.
Mixing textures, like a linen duvet with a cable-knit throw, adds visual interest and makes the room feel extra plush. And don’t underestimate the power of good pillows: offer at least two per person and vary firmness if you can.
Furniture That’s Functional (and Stylish)
If your space allows, try to include a small dresser or night stand. These provide useful surfaces for bags, clothes, or holiday gifts.
A small side chair can also be a nice addition, a cozy corner to read or place extra layers. And if you don’t have a closet available, a standing coat rack or wall hooks offer an easy fix for hanging items.
Choose furniture in warm wood tones, rustic finishes, or classic black to keep the style elevated and consistent with the rest of your home.
The Bathroom Touches Guests Will Appreciate
Even if guests are sharing your main bathroom, a few thoughtful extras can go a long way. Stack fluffy, freshly laundered towels in the guest room or bathroom with a small note saying “Help yourself.”
Add a basket or tray with mini toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, soap, a razor, cotton swabs. These aren’t just helpful, they make your guests feel considered.
If you really want to lean into the hosting role, include a holiday-scented hand soap or lotion. Look for warm, cozy scents like pine, vanilla, or cranberry to keep things festive without being overpowering.
Small Touches That Make a Big Impact
These are the things that often get the most praise… little extras that show you went the extra mile.
- A bedside water carafe or bottle so guests don’t have to wander into the kitchen at night
- A few books or magazines in case they forgot theirs
- A universal phone charger or power strip for convenience
- Tissues and a small wastebasket to avoid awkward scavenger hunts
- Holiday touches like a pine-scented candle (unlit!), plaid throw, or mini wreath hung on the wall
You can even leave a welcome note or short “house cheat sheet” with the Wi-Fi password, nearest coffee shop, and morning plans.
Don’t Forget the Scent and Sound
A well-scented room can instantly shift the mood. A simple reed diffuser or a few spritzes of linen spray on the bedding can bring in warmth and calm.
Avoid overpowering air fresheners; instead, think cedarwood, clove, or soft citrus.
And if your home tends to be noisy (or the guests are on a different schedule), offer a small white noise machine or let them know how to use a sound app on the TV or smart speaker. It’s a nice touch that’s often forgotten.
Your Western Decor Can Help You Make a Cozy, Chic, and Holiday-Ready Guest Room
You don’t need to redo the entire room to make it guest-worthy. Just a few smart upgrades like cozy bedding, intentional lighting, layered textiles, and thoughtful touches can turn a basic space into a guest room that feels curated and inviting.
And the best part? These updates don’t just make your guests happy, they elevate your home too. Whether it’s a gorgeous rug that warms up the space, artisan lighting that sets the mood, or western-inspired decor that adds character, it all adds up to a space you’ll love showing off this season.
Ready to upgrade your guest room? Check out our lighting, bathroom, and bedding collections.
