It’s that time of year again, when our minds turn to planning for the holidays. With family and friends coming to stay over the Christmas period, it’s a good time to consider any updates that may be needed for your guest bedroom – to make their stay as comfy as possible. Here we’ll take a look at the tips and suggestion we’ve gathered over the years from experts, customers and clients.

Bedroom Storage

Generally the guest bedroom isn’t the largest room in the house, so useful storage space is a premium. Luckily most guests are only staying for a couple of days so you don’t need to provide a row of wardrobes – a hanging rail and couple of drawers or shelves should be sufficient.

We have a range of clever, compact storage solutions available. For hanging clothes we recommend the Wall Mounted Wooden Clothes Rail (H178 x W50 x D45cm) or the stylish tall and Skinny Lockers (H183cm x W35cm x D46cm) – they are perfect for hanging half a dozen items or so. The tall locker also accommodates up to 4 shelves, so it also makes a great bathroom cabinet.
There is also a short version of the locker which can be used as a bedside table that provides useful extra storage space. These lockers are available to order in blush pink, white, slate grey, mustard yellow, olive green or navy blue. Keeping the room organised and restful looking will help your guests feel relaxed.

In need of more storage? Then take a look at our cupboards and chests of drawers in oak or walnut. The Black Lotus collection includes a wide range of options from tall-boys to bedside units to end-of-bed units. If floor space is limited you may prefer to look at our under bed drawers – a great way for storing extra bedding or clothes without appearing to use up any more space.

Fresh Bedding

New, fresh cotton bedding is a great way to update your bedroom scheme. The choice you make will depend in large part upon the colour scheme and style of bedroom you have, but be assured, fresh, pure cotton sheets always feel luxurious. Our 600 thread count bedding is a real treat and is available in white, so it goes with everything! If you’re looking for texture and detail, but in a classic white colour try our white ruffle edge bedding or white linen bedding.

If you prefer colourful bedding we have lots of choices available – patterned or plain. We currently have a number of patterned ranges on special offer – including the Cornflower Blue floral bedding, Midnight Blue Blossom Bedding and Sashiko Designed printed duvet sets in navy. These sets are both great value and sophisticated, they particularly suit bedrooms with blue or neutral colour schemes. That some are nearly half price just adds to the appeal!

At this time of year you may want to choose bedding that feels cosy and warm as soon as you get into bed. Brushed cotton is the ideal choice and happily it’s also currently on sale. Cream brushed cotton fitted sheets, flat sheets and pillowcases are available, along with duvet sets in blue plaid or a red stripe (very festive!) brushed cotton. I had to get some as soon as it arrived and can testify that it’s incredibly soft and cosy. Complete the theme with a cosy blanket – the Cloud Grey fluffy throws are a good value option, while our cosy cotton blankets – including the scribble patterned throws shown here – are another great way of adding comfort and warmth to your bedroom. Layering your bedding is a great idea for a guest bedroom as some guests may feel the cold whole others easily over-heat. It’s easy to add or remove layers as desired, we suggest a lower weight/tog duvet with a bedspread over the top, finished with a cosy throw.

Towels & Toiletries

For that boutique hotel feel place a stack of fresh towels on the bed in your guest bedroom. Soft cotton towels are always appreciated. You can’t go wrong with any of our towels – chosen for softness, absorbency and style. For classic fluffy, terry weave towels try our textured towels in white, espresso or putty, alternatively the ultra soft fringed towels and organic terry towels are luxury options. If you prefer a light-weight hammam style towel try our cotton pique towels, spa towels or the classic striped hammam towel.

If you really want to pamper your guests a scented candle or room diffuser on the bedside table is a lovely finishing touch. Also a jar or vase containing a few travel size toiletries will be considered very thoughtful. Take a look at our bath and well-being collection for inspiration. One of our rustic storage baskets with a couple of rolled towels and meraki toiletries inside will be sure to impress.

Futon Sofa Beds

Don’t have the space for a dedicated guest bedroom? Or maybe you are having more guests than a spare bedroom can accommodate? Then you may want to take a look at our oak and walnut futon sofa beds, or the Kyoto day-bed. These  are a great way to add an extra bed when you want the flexibility to choose between an occasional bed and extra seating.

The Cuba is made in one size – to fit a double futon mattress – in oak or walnut. The Cuba has the same sprung beech slats as our beds which makes it a wonderfully comfortable sofa bed. Conversion from sofa to bed is simplicity itself and takes less than 10 seconds. The Panama futon sofa bed is a comfy, elegant sofa that folds out in one move to a good height bed. Conversion is simple, pull out from the front and the frame unfolds.

The Kyoto daybed is a new addition to our collection, it function both as a sophisticated daybed – perfect for lounging – and as a useful single bed when required. The Kyoto daybed is available in a range of hardwood timbers and included a futon mattress. The Kyoto can also be pushed up against the wall and, with the addition of some large and comfy cushions, it can be used as an extra sofa.

Hopefully here you’ve found lots of ideas to help you create a welcoming guest bedroom, for further ideas check out our Pinterest board – The Perfect Guest Bedroom.