A comfortable guest bedroom transforms occasional visits into memorable experiences for both hosts and visitors. Whether you're preparing a dedicated guest room or converting a home office that doubles as sleeping quarters, creating a welcoming space doesn't require a significant investment. This guide covers practical strategies for setting up a guest bedroom that impresses without straining your budget.
Choosing the Right Bed for Guests
The bed dominates any bedroom, and for guest rooms, the key is balancing quality with value. You need something comfortable enough for visitors to sleep well, but it needn't match the specifications of your own mattress.
Double Beds for Guest Rooms
A double bed offers the most versatility for guest accommodation. At 138cm wide, it comfortably sleeps one person with room to spare, or two people who don't mind close quarters. This size fits in most spare rooms and provides a substantially more comfortable experience than a single bed, particularly for adult guests.
For guest room beds used intermittently, mid-range options around $300 to $500 for the frame and $400 to $600 for the mattress deliver adequate quality without overspending. Memory foam mattresses in this range provide good comfort, though innerspring options offer better longevity for beds used infrequently.
- Sofa beds: Modern designs offer surprising comfort and dual functionality
- Murphy beds: Fold-away beds that free floor space when not in use
- Day beds: Function as seating during the day, sleeping at night
- Trundle beds: A second bed stores beneath the primary, extending for guests
Essential Bedding for Guests
Quality bedding makes the difference between a passable and an exceptional guest experience. Fortunately, guest bedding doesn't require the same investment as everyday use items since it experiences less wear.
Sheets and Pillowcases
Purchase at least two complete sheet sets so you can change bedding between guests without immediate laundry pressure. Cotton sheets with thread counts between 300 and 400 provide a comfortable, breathable sleeping surface at reasonable prices. Neutral colours like white, grey, or navy hide wear and match any decor.
Pillows
Provide two pillows per sleeping position—some guests prefer firm support while others like soft pillows, and having options accommodates different preferences. Medium-firm polyester-fill pillows around $20 to $40 each work well for guest use. Consider adding one decorative pillow to enhance the room's appearance without cluttering the bed.
Blankets and Doonas
Layer bedding to accommodate varying temperature preferences and seasonal changes. A quality doona rated for year-round use serves most situations. Supplement with a throw blanket at the foot of the bed for guests who run cold. In Australian climates, having both summer-weight and winter options allows guests to adjust their coverage without touching the thermostat.
Start with a fitted sheet, add a flat sheet, then a doona or blanket, and finish with a throw. This layering allows guests to adjust warmth throughout the night by adding or removing covers to suit their comfort.
Furniture Essentials
Beyond the bed, several furniture pieces enhance guest room functionality without overwhelming the space or budget.
Bedside Table
At minimum, provide one bedside table with a lamp. Two tables allow both occupants to have personal space for phones, glasses, and books. Budget-friendly options include small wooden stools, repurposed crates, or basic tables from flat-pack furniture stores. The key is providing a stable surface at mattress height with nearby power access.
Clothing Storage
Guests need somewhere to unpack, even briefly. If the room lacks a built-in wardrobe, provide alternatives: a small chest of drawers, a portable clothes rack, or simply clear hanging space in a closet. Provide at least five empty hangers so guests can hang garments without living out of their suitcase.
Seating
A small chair or bench gives guests a place to sit while dressing or simply a surface for their bags. This needn't be elaborate—a simple wooden chair or small upholstered stool serves the purpose while occupying minimal floor space.
Thoughtful Touches That Cost Little
Small details communicate care and make guests feel genuinely welcome. Most require minimal investment but create lasting impressions.
Lighting Options
Provide both overhead and bedside lighting. A bedside lamp allows reading without disturbing a sleeping partner. Consider a nightlight near the door or bathroom path—guests unfamiliar with your home will appreciate guidance in darkness.
Technology Access
Place a power board with USB charging ports near the bed. Write down the WiFi password and leave it visible—on the bedside table or a small card. If you have a smart TV in the room, provide simple instructions for streaming services.
Climate Control
If the guest room has independent heating or cooling controls, explain their operation. Provide a fan for summer visits and an extra blanket for winter. Australians have varying temperature preferences, and guests may hesitate to adjust household-wide climate settings.
- Fresh towels (at least two per guest)
- Toiletries basket: soap, shampoo, toothpaste
- Tissues and a small bin
- Water carafe and glasses
- Mirror (full-length if possible)
- Alarm clock (not everyone uses phone alarms)
- Notepad and pen
- Local information: restaurant recommendations, transport options
Multi-Purpose Room Strategies
Many Australian homes use guest bedrooms as offices, hobby rooms, or storage between visits. Successfully balancing these functions requires thoughtful planning.
Home Office Combinations
Position the desk to avoid dominating the room visually when guests arrive. Consider a Murphy bed that folds away to provide full office functionality between visits. If using a permanent bed, choose a frame with clean lines that doesn't interfere with the room's daytime purpose.
Quick Transformation Tips
Before guests arrive, clear all personal work materials and papers. Store office supplies out of sight. Add decorative elements—fresh flowers, a scented candle—that shift the room's ambiance from functional to welcoming. This transformation takes minutes but significantly changes how the space feels.
Ensure guests have true privacy. If the room doubles as a home office, remove or secure any personal documents, sensitive materials, or work devices. Guests should feel comfortable in the space without worrying about accidentally accessing private information.
Maintaining Your Guest Room
A guest room that sits unused accumulates dust and develops stale odours. Regular maintenance ensures the room is always ready for unexpected visitors.
Air the room weekly by opening windows for at least an hour. Dust surfaces monthly even when unoccupied. Wash stored bedding every few months to prevent mustiness. Run taps and flush toilets in attached bathrooms periodically to prevent plumbing issues from disuse.
Before expected guests, make the bed with fresh linens, vacuum thoroughly, and add finishing touches like fresh flowers or a welcome note. This preparation time, invested before arrival, lets you greet guests without last-minute rushing.
Creating Lasting Impressions
The best guest bedrooms feel like comfortable retreats where visitors can truly relax. This doesn't require luxury—it requires thoughtfulness. Comfortable bedding, practical amenities, and small welcoming touches combine to create experiences your guests will remember and appreciate. With the strategies in this guide, you can create an impressive guest space without significant expense, making hospitality a pleasure rather than a burden.