10 guest bedroom ideas for a welcoming retreat

1. Lighten up

Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your guest room with the right lighting. There are plenty of indoor lighting options to choose from, like LED strips, wall lights, table lamps, and stylish floor lamps. For a contemporary, hotel-inspired vibe, LED strips are perfect - try attaching them along the base of the bed or the top of the wall to create that five-star feel.

Before your guests arrive, do a quick check to make sure all the bulbs are working. Spare rooms often go unused, so it’s easy to overlook a dead bulb. To make things extra convenient, add a bedside lamp or wall light by the bed, so your guests won’t need to cross the room to switch off the lights before settling in. A dimmer switch is a great addition too, giving them full control over the room’s ambience. Whether they prefer bright lighting or a softer glow, they can easily adjust it to suit their needs.

2. Give your walls a paint refresh

A fresh lick of paint can make a world of difference. If your spare room has doubled as a storage area for a while, it’s likely the walls are bearing the marks of time - scratches and scuffs galore! Revitalise your walls with a fresh coat of colour. Our GoodHome Ultra Cover paint makes it easier than ever to breathe new life into your room. With its fantastic formula, it boasts a high opacity, covering most surfaces in just one coat - perfect for your interiors!

Explore a palette of soothing hues for your guest room, from calming blues to serene greens. And if your walls need a little prep work before the fun begins, check out our paint preparation guide to ensure a smooth finish. For even more inspiration, don’t miss our bedroom colour ideas.

3. Decorate with bold wallpaper

Take your room from drab to fab in a matter of moments with our glorious selection of wallpaper. You could create a feature wall by covering just the one wall with wallpaper and painting the other three walls in a complementary shade.

The beauty of a guest room is that you can unleash your creativity and be more adventurous with your décor. Since you won’t be sleeping in the room yourself, there’s less risk of growing tired of the style. This is your chance to experiment with that daring pattern or design you’ve always admired but hesitated to try. For added inspiration, explore our bedroom wallpaper ideas and let your imagination run wild!

4. Create a thoughtful welcome basket

Make your guests feel extra special with a thoughtful welcome basket or hamper. Fill it with essentials like a spare phone charger, travel-size toiletries, a few snacks, and even a fresh bunch of flowers! This not only gives your guests a few treats for their stay but also shows you've thought of the little things that make a difference. Include a small handwritten note to add a personal touch, and you’ll create a warm welcome that’ll make them feel right at home.

5. Ensure your guests have plenty of storage space

When you have extra guests, clutter can accumulate quickly with luggage and additional clothing. Ensure your visitors have ample storage in their room with GoodHome Atomia modular storage. With Atomia, you can tailor your storage solutions to fit the space perfectly- no more compromising on style!

Consider adding a freestanding clothes rail for guests to hang their coats or outfits they want to keep crease-free (and don’t forget to leave some hangers!). A freestanding towel rail is another thoughtful touch, providing a place for guests to hang and dry their towels while helping to keep the bathroom tidy.

6. Pick your flooring

No matter what direction you want to take your room, we have the perfect flooring to match. From solid wood to vinyl, herringbone to parquet effect, the options are endless. At B&Q, we offer a wide selection of flooring choices, ensuring you find exactly what you need!

Our d-c-fix floor tiles and vinyl flooring are ideal for light-use areas, such as spare rooms, utility rooms, or cloakrooms. With a variety of designs available, ranging from geometric tiles to classic wood, you can easily find a style that suits your décor. These options are incredibly easy to lay, allowing you to refresh the flooring in your guest bedroom with minimal disruption to your daily life.

For that added touch of comfort, don’t forget to lay down a soft rug. It not only enhances the cosiness of the space but also adds warmth underfoot - perfect for creating a welcoming atmosphere for your guests!

7. Clear the clutter

Spare rooms often become makeshift storage spaces for all the things we don’t use regularly - think summer clothes, coats, and extra bedding piling up in the corners. When guests are on the way, you’ll want a quick solution for stashing away that unwanted clutter.

Vacuum storage bags are a brilliant way to neatly store clothing and bedding. Just pack your items into the bags, use your vacuum cleaner to suck out the air, and then tuck them away. You’ll be amazed at how much smaller your items become, making it easy to store them in the airing cupboard, under the bed, or in the loft.

Plastic storage boxes are another excellent option for keeping your belongings out of sight when hosting guests. Our boxes come in various sizes and are designed to be nestable and stackable, allowing you to maximise your space and keep your home tidy.

8. Layer cosy cushions and blankets

Layering cushions and blankets is a simple yet effective way to make your guest room feel like a snug retreat. Add a few soft, plump cushions to the bed in complementary colours or textures, like velvet or faux fur, for an inviting look. Drape a chunky knit or fleece throw over the foot of the bed, giving guests the option to cosy up with an extra layer. These touches not only add warmth but also create a welcoming space that your visitors will love sinking into after a long day.

9. Create a mini refreshment station

Bring a touch of hotel glamour to your guest room with a refreshment station. Arrange a tray with essentials like a kettle, tea bags, instant coffee, and bottled water, plus a few snacks like biscuits or fresh fruit. This little setup adds a thoughtful, luxurious touch that will make your guests feel truly pampered.

10. Don't forget the finishing touches

The right accessories and finishing touches can make your guests feel truly cared for. Adding a bin and a mirror will enhance the homely feel of your spare room, allowing guests to get ready comfortably and efficiently. If space allows, consider placing a desk and chair in the corner - this gives your visitors an alternative spot to sit other than the bed.

For those with hard flooring, a soft rug can work wonders, keeping bare feet warm and cosy. And to bring a touch of nature indoors, why not add a house plant or a vase filled with fresh flowers? A scented candle or a reed diffuser adds a lovely aromatic touch as well. These little details not only brighten the room but also create a welcoming atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.