Is your guest room also an office or cramped storage space? Do you shove your guests in a basement room with little more than a pull-out couch and an old pillow? If so, it's time to update your space and give your guests a room they can call their own. They will enjoy their time with you more, and the room itself can help make a great impression about your entire home.
Transform that extra, unused room into an oasis to rival any boutique Bed and Breakfast with small luxuries and thoughtful touches that will really make your guests feel welcome. Here are 12 great guest room ideas just for you:
Bean Bag Sofa
1. Leave a sewing kit in a drawer. Any lost buttons or torn hems can be easily and quickly mended.
2. Always put out fresh, luxury sheets. Opt for a higher thread count of cotton to give your guests the comfort of softness.
3. Use a fresh quilt or duvet cover. If you can't wash your duvet or quilt, freshen it by spraying it with diluted lavender water and allowing it to air dry on a bright and breezy day.
4. Put out nice, plush towels. Always leave your guests enough towels to get them through their visit and let them keep them either in their room or make space for them on your towel rack. Purchase enough of these towels in advance so there is a set for each individual who visits at the same time.
5. Make them feel like locals with maps and guidebooks for your area. Either have a set of maps and guides on hand for returning guests or simply pop over to the library to pick up a few books on the local layout.
6. Get a luggage rack. A luggage rack or even an extra chair for the room is a nice touch, that lets your guests feel a little less like they're living out of a suitcase.
7. Put out fresh flowers on the bedside table and make sure there is sufficient water for them to live through the duration of the visit. If the purchase of real flowers is an expense you'd rather not pay, then buy a silk flower arrangement and keep them in an attractive vase. Don't let them collect dust over time.
8. Give your guests a bit of entertainment. Either put a small television in the corner (with a pair of headphones in case jet-lagged visitors are having trouble sleeping) or a little stereo with a listing of popular local radio stations.
9. A terry cloth robe and fresh slippers are an unexpected treat that lets guests feel comfortable as they make their way to the shower or downstairs for coffee.
10. Always leave out extra blankets in case your guests get cold at night or prefer sleeping a little toastier.
11. Put a small coffee maker or tea kettle on a table in the corner. Include a tray with mugs, spoons and an assortment of coffees, herbal teas, sugar and creamers. Keep the carrying tray clean after spills.
12. Make your guests feel at home with extra closet hangers, lots of dresser space, a spare telephone and a laundry basket for their dirty clothes.