18 Guest Room Decorating Ideas for a Cozy Stay

If you’re short on space, a multifunctional piece can make your guest room work twice as hard. This solid wood vanity serves as a desk, nightstand, and makeup station thanks to its flip-up mirror, adjustable LED lighting, and surprisingly roomy storage. Style it with a pretty candle or marble tray for jewelry, and tuck a cushioned stool underneath for added comfort.

A soft nightlight can make a guest room feel calmer and easier to navigate after dark. Whether you choose the black, gold, or silver style, this candle-inspired lantern gives off a gentle glow and doubles as decor. Place it on the nightstand for a subtle bedside light, or tuck it on a shelf to create a cozy moment that warms up the whole space.

A floating headboard is an easy way to change the entire feel of your guest room without buying a new bed frame. With its cozy, curved silhouette, this wall-mounted upholstered design adds instant warmth and texture while hanging neatly on the wall. Try pairing it with striped linen bedding to add pattern, or layer in different textured pillows to play up the comfortable look.

A luxurious duvet with matching shams, like this one, will help your guests settle in for a wonderful night’s rest—and it also makes your guest room look more put together. Layer a throw at the foot of the bed to add texture and create a more inviting, hotel-like setup.

A table lamp on the nightstand will give your space a warm glow at night, and provide extra reading light, too. We like this modern selection because it doesn’t take up much space. Pair it with a small tray or coaster to keep bedside essentials neatly corralled.

As temperatures begin to drop, a cozy blanket like this one adds a pretty, functional layer to the bed. Fold it in thirds and drape it across the end of the bed for a clean, polished look.

Throw pillows in a pretty color offers decorative appeal to your guest room. We love this textured option that comes in plenty of different hues for mixing and matching. Style it with one solid and one patterned pillow to build a layered, designer-style arrangement.

Some people prefer to curl up in a chair to read at night–and this sleek swivel chair is a space-saving option that’s comfy, too. Add a small side table and a throw blanket to turn it into a cozy reading corner.

A cozy rug will combat the morning chill if you have wooden floors, and choosing one with texture elevates the look and feel of your guest room. Make sure the rug extends a few inches beyond both sides of the bed so the layout feels balanced. (You can check out our rug size guide to help you find the perfect fit.)

A thoughtful touch, such as this jewelry holder, will help ensure that guests don’t lose their things. Plus, it adds visual interest to a nightstand or dresser. Place it next to a small catchall dish so guests have a spot for tiny items like rings or hair ties.

A decorative basket dresses up a room, and it’s the perfect place to store books, an extra blanket, or any extra linens your guest might need. Fill it with a rolled throw and a magazine or two to create a hotel-style welcome.

Fresh blooms add instant life to a room. This minimalist flower vase, which comes in a variety of lovely colors, will blend well with almost any room decor. Use just one or two stems for a simple arrangement that won’t clutter a nightstand.

Keep your guests’ luggage off the floor and more accessible by arranging this hotel-like folding luggage rack in the corner of your guest room. Set it near an outlet so guests can easily unpack and charge devices at the same time.

If your guest room has an en suite bathroom, give it a spa-like feel with this organic bathtub tray. Guests will appreciate having a place to put their glass of wine or tea while enjoying a nighttime soak. Place a small candle or bath salt packet nearby to make the setup feel extra pampering.

Having a well-stocked array of things for guests to use in the bathroom, from cotton balls to tissues, is an extra welcoming touch. This matching collection is a pretty way to organize these essentials. Display the canisters on a small tray to keep the counter tidy and cohesive.

Before your guest turns in, set a beautiful carafe with water on their nightstand. We love this gorgeous handmade mouth-blown glass option (it even doubles as decor.) Pair it with a small coaster or linen cocktail napkins to make the setup feel pretty and intentional.

Serve your guests’ morning coffee or tea on a pretty tray in the morning—it’s like room service, but even more thoughtful. Style it with a bud vase or a cloth napkin so it feels like a special morning moment.

Give your guest room an inviting scent with a pretty candle in a seasonal scent. We love this coconut wax candle with notes of amber resin, sandalwood, cedar, and vanilla orchid. Set it on a tray with a match striker for a charming, ready-to-light look.