Guest bedroom ideas

Although only used occasionally, guest bedrooms are important as they should offer a comfy place for visitors to rest their heads and feel right at home.

Spare rooms also provide you with the perfect opportunity to be decoratively experimental. They require a little research into what’s the best type of bedroom furniture to buy for guests too.

We’ve created this guide on how to make a comfortable guest bedroom for your loved ones. From bedroom colour schemes to types of guest beds, bedroom furniture, and everything in between. You’ll soon be fully armed with creative ideas and regarded as the host with the most.

The best guest bedroom colours

You’ll probably want to relax your guests and provide them with a bedroom that’s peaceful.

When it comes to wall colour, different shades can promote the feelings of tranquillity and safety. We’ve collated the best guest bedroom colours for relaxation below.

Neutral guest bedroom ideas

Neutral tones are an ideal colour scheme for your guest bedroom, so that it suits every visitor.

Just look at our beautiful Elba 3-seater sofa bed in a soft-woven natural tone, styled next to muted terracotta walls, a cream woven rug and accents of olive green. This colour palette results in a timeless, chic space that hits every time. Your guest won’t want to wait to dive into bed at night.

Top tip: A mattress topper can make a sofa bed sleep even comfier, adding an extra layer of cushioning for guests who’ll be staying more than a night or two.

Green guest bedroom ideas

If you have a large spare room, deep jewel-like colours can create an opulent hotel-feel for your guests.

Take a look at our Haze sofa bed and chair above in a dark green room. Spacious with a high ceiling, the room is painted in a deep emerald green shade. Dark green is commonly associated with wealth, so having a large guest bedroom in emerald green might have your guests feeling like they’re staying in five-star accommodation.

Orange guest bedroom ideas

Sofa beds like the stunning orange Gallway pictured above are great for guest bedrooms and living spaces that need a pop of colour.

Steeped in rich, warm tones, orange is an ideal shade for a statement sofa that transforms into a comfy double guest bed. Style against calming neutral walls, like white or cream, and accessorise with pops of greenery for a beautifully cohesive space.

For more sofa bed inspiration, browse our round-up of the five best sofa beds for any space.

Practical day beds for guest bedrooms

Great for daytime naps as well as overnight stays, our day beds are multi-functional designs.

Day beds are endlessly versatile and can be styled as sofas or beds depending on what you need. Place in hallways, kids’ rooms or guest rooms for a timeless solution that can quickly transform into a comfortable place for guests to crash. Our Northwood Day Bed comes with the option to add a convenient drawer for extra storage, too.

For more space-savvy ideas, see our guide to the best guest beds for small spaces.

Air beds for all occasions

Our air beds make a great temporary sleeping area whenever guests drop by – even if you don’t have a spare room.

The Bestway Fortech Air Bed above is a super cushiony pick that is easy to inflate and designed to be just as comfy as a proper bed. And the best part? You can deflate it and tuck it away in a cupboard when not in use. Don’t worry about the hassle of setting it all up again. With its built-in super-fast electric pump, it inflates in just 5 minutes.

Single beds for guest bedrooms

Sometimes the simplest option is the best one. A single bed is a humble classic that does exactly what it needs to: give your guests a comfy bed.

For spare rooms that double as a home office or hobby space, a single tucks neatly against the wall and leaves floor space free for everyday use. Pair with a single mattress in a medium comfort grade to suit most sleepers, and you’ve got a reliable guest setup that works year after year.

Not sure which bed type suits your space? Our guide to choosing the perfect guest bed compares singles, sofa beds, day beds and more.

Guest bedroom furniture ideas

If you have the space, the best guest rooms contain more than just a bed.

Adding bedroom furniture such as our Jay Velvet Blanket Box at the end of the bed provides storage for your guests’ belongings. It can also double up as a bench, which makes putting on socks and shoes much more comfortable. Bedside tables are also a necessity in our opinion – adding reading lamps will make it feel more homely and cosy.

Finishing touches for guest bedrooms

A beautiful room is one thing. A room where guests actually sleep well takes a few extra touches.

Sleeping somewhere unfamiliar often means lighter, more restless sleep. You can help by thinking beyond decor. Blackout curtains or blinds make a real difference, particularly if the room catches early morning light. A bedside lamp with a warm glow lets guests wind down without harsh overhead lighting. Temperature matters too; lightweight bedding and a fan help if the room runs warm.

Small details show you’ve thought about their comfort: a spare phone charger, fresh towels and a few toiletries. Fresh flowers and sleep-friendly plants add a finishing touch. Lavender releases a calming scent, while snake plants can help filter your air and release oxygen at night.

At the end of the day, the best guest rooms are the ones where people actually sleep well. Unfamiliar beds, different sounds, too much light in the morning: these small things add up. A little thought goes a long way, and your guests will notice the difference.