Guest Room Decorating Tips For The Covid Era

Guest rooms can be some of the most overlooked spaces in the home, but they’re essential. Nearly two years into the pandemic, many of us are looking forward to having friends and family stay with us for the first time in a long time. So, it’s essential to make guests feel as welcome as possible by giving them well-designed spaces to sleep and relax. Whether you are giving your guest room a minor refresh or doing more intensive renovations, here are eight tips to keep in mind. 

five-star guest room in a los angeles mansion

When it comes to the guest room, adding things like duvets to the bed add a five-star touch. (Hilton & Hyland)

Make The Bed Look Like It Belongs In A Five Star Hotel

If you’re decorating a guest room, the bed should be a major focal point. Need some inspiration? Think of a five-star hotel and go all out. Start with high thread count sheets and then add a fluffy comforter or duvet. Fold a blanket on the top or foot of the bed. Don’t forget to add throw pillows, as seen here in this jaw-dropping traditional estate in Los Angeles. 

pendant lighting and rustic nightstands in a colorado home

Pendent lighting can be used to create a clean, uncluttered space for guests. (Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate)

Install Pendant Lighting

Lighting is a great way to accessorize a bedroom. So, why not go with a statement light such as a pendant as seen in this chic townhouse in Avon, Colorado? These pendant lights add a contemporary touch to this already stylish bedroom. Better yet, because there are no lamps on the nightstands, it creates a less cluttered atmosphere in the room.

santa barbara bedroom with windows and small sitting area

Adding a sitting area can elevate the living experience for guests. (Village Properties)

Create A Sitting Area

Creating a sitting area in a guest room elevates the experience of staying at someone’s home. It gives guests a place to relax or catch up on email. Sitting areas don’t have to be anything grand. A simple couch and table can be enough, as seen in the guest room in this sun-drenched Santa Barbara home. If the space is larger, you may want to use two chairs or a love seat instead. 

Santa monica bedroom with white decor and window seat

If you’re renovating your guest room, installing a window seat can be a beautiful addition that can potentially add value to a property. (Hilton & Hyland)

Install A Window Seat

If you’re renovating your guest room, installing a window seat can be a beautiful addition that can potentially add value to a property. The guest room in this fabulous home in Santa Monica is an excellent example of this, and it’s truly a treat in this light-flooded space. Window seats are an ideal spot for guests to enjoy a view or simply to sit and read.

guest room in los angeles with area rug

Area rugs make the space more comfortable, especially with wood floors, and add color and texture to a room. (Hilton & Hyland)

Add A Rug

No bedroom is complete without a rug, especially a guest room. They not only make the space more comfortable, especially if you have wood flooring, but they add color and texture. We see this in the guest room at this stunning home in the Hollywood Hills

If you’re not super into color, opting for a highly textured rug can also work. Consider going with a sheepskin or faux sheepskin rug, bordered jute, or perhaps even a knit rug.

ornamental painted wallpaper in a bel air mansion

Wallpaper has been a significant trend in recent years, for both bedrooms and other rooms in the house. (Hilton & Hyland)

Use Wallpaper

Wallpaper has been a significant trend in recent years. Fortunately, it is not going away any time soon. Guest rooms are an ideal place to experiment with wallpaper, and you can get creative with different types of wallcovering and take design risks.

The guest room in this Bel Air home on Perugia Way is a perfect example of this. The entire estate is boldly designed, and the guest room is no exception. The pink tree print wallpaper gives the space a European, traditional flair that compliments the rest of the furniture and accessory choices.

guest bedroom at a california ranch with two beds

When it comes to some guest rooms, sometimes two beds is better than one. (Village Properties)

Don’t Forget That Two Beds Can Be Better Than One

If your guest room is being used for young children, teenagers or if the home is being rented out as a vacation property, you may want to consider adding two twin or full-sized beds (depending on the size of the room) instead of just having one large bed. It’s a far more practical choice, as seen in this stunning ranch in Goleta, California. It’s also more fun for the kiddos.

minimalist white guest bedroom with fig tree

A large fig tree adds a natural touch to this clean white guest bedroom in Los Angeles. (Hilton & Hyland)

Add Some Plants

Bring the outside in and consider putting a large potted plant in the corner of the room, as seen in the guest room at this La Tour condominium in Los Angeles. You can also put some greenery on a window sill or keep trendy plants such as succulents on a nightstand. 

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Author

I am a writer, design expert, host of the podcast Bougie Adjacent, and comedic performer. I am absolutely fascinated by all aspects of décor and design. It once took me six months to choose a soap dispenser and I can’t even remember what it looked like. I like bright prints, southern exposure and any location you can call a “village or town.” There are currently over 100 episodes of House Hunters on my DVR.

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