13 Ways to Set Up a Guest Bedroom on a Reasonable Budget

Posted by Matthew Ressler on

With the average daily rate for a hotel room reaching $145 in 2022 and forecasted to rise to $155 in 2024, the cost of travel accommodations is becoming a significant concern for many. In light of these steadily increasing hotel prices, hosting family and friends in your own home can be a valuable and cost-effective alternative. 

Fortunately, setting up a space for your guests doesn’t have to strain your budget. With a few smart choices and some creative thinking, you can transform an ordinary space into a cozy retreat for your visitors. Whether you're working with a small room or repurposing an existing area, these guest bedroom ideas will allow you to achieve a balance of comfort, functionality, and aesthetics without spending a fortune. 

What Does a Guest Bedroom Need?

A well-designed guest room should offer more than just a place to sleep; it should be a haven where your guests can relax, feel comfortable, and enjoy their stay. Whether you’re wondering how to organize a small room for your guests like a home office or you’re looking to fill a larger space with functional and stylish decor, here are some essentials to consider when setting up your guest bedroom.

1. A Bed

The centerpiece of any guest bedroom is, undoubtedly, the bed. It's important to choose the right guest bed size that fits the space and provides comfort for your guests. 

If you're working with a smaller room or expect mostly solo travelers, a twin or full-size bed is a great fit. It’s cozy enough for one and saves space. For a roomier feel or when hosting couples, a queen-size bed is your best bet. It offers plenty of space for two, making it a versatile choice for most guest rooms. If you have the luxury of a larger space, a king-size bed can add a touch of grandeur and indulgence to your guest bedroom, providing ample room for a truly relaxing experience. 

You don't need to invest in an expensive mattress; there are many budget-friendly options that offer comfort and support. CordaRoy's offers both hybrid and classic memory foam mattresses, which are great options for guest beds. 

Our hybrid mattresses combine the support of traditional springs with the comfort of memory foam, while our classic memory foam mattresses provide a plush, contouring feel. Adding a mattress topper can also enhance your guest’s sleeping experience, offering an extra layer of softness and support. 

2. A Dresser

Storage is key in a guest bedroom, and a dresser can serve multiple purposes. It provides your guests with a place to unpack and store their belongings, keeping the room organized and clutter-free. When choosing a dresser, consider the size of the room and the amount of storage needed. A dresser also offers a surface to place a mirror, decorative items, or a small television.

3. A Nightstand or Side Table

A nightstand or bedside table is an essential addition to any guest bedroom. It offers a convenient spot for guests to place their phone, book, glasses, or a glass of water. To make your guests feel even more at home, consider placing a small card on the table with the Wi-Fi network name and password. This simple gesture can make a big difference in the comfort and connectivity of your guest’s stay.

4. A Mirror

A mirror is a practical addition to any guest bedroom. Not only does it serve a functional purpose, allowing guests to get ready with ease, but it also helps to make a small room feel larger and more open. Consider a full-length mirror if space allows, or a smaller one that can be hung on the wall or placed atop the dresser. This addition is particularly appreciated by guests who are attending events or meetings during their stay.

5. Space for Luggage

Guests often arrive with luggage, and providing a designated space for their bags can add a lot of convenience to their stay. A simple luggage rack or a small bench at the foot of the bed can be perfect for this purpose. These options keep the luggage off the floor, making the room look tidy and making it easier for guests to access their belongings. If space is limited, consider a foldable luggage rack that can be stored away when not in use.

6. Closet Space or Hooks

Having a place to hang clothes is essential in a guest bedroom. If your space doesn’t have a built-in closet, consider adding a small wardrobe or a freestanding clothes rack. Wall hooks are also a great space-saving solution for hanging coats, bags, or bathrobes. Providing hangers and a few empty shelves or drawers will help your guests keep their clothing and other items organized during their stay.

7. High Quality Bedding

The quality of your guest room bedding can greatly impact the comfort of your guest's stay. Invest in high-quality sheets, pillows, and blankets to ensure your guests have a restful night's sleep. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and consider having extra pillows and blankets available. The bedding should not only be comfortable but also complement the overall aesthetic of the room, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

8. Window Treatments

Choosing the right window treatments is an essential part of creating a comfortable guest bedroom. Blackout curtains are an excellent choice, as they not only enhance the room's decor but also provide practical benefits. 

These curtains block out external light, ensuring your guests can enjoy uninterrupted sleep, even during the brightest mornings or on long summer days. Blackout curtains also offer additional insulation, helping to keep the room at a comfortable temperature year-round.

9. A Phone Charger

In today's digital age, providing a phone charger in your guest bedroom is a thoughtful gesture that will be greatly appreciated by your guests. Consider equipping the room with a universal charger that includes various cable types to accommodate different devices. Placing the charger on the nightstand or near a power outlet ensures convenience. 

10. Adequate Lighting

Good lighting is important in a guest bedroom. Overhead lighting is essential for general illumination, but it’s also important to have softer lighting options. 

Bedside lamps are perfect for providing a focused, gentle light, ideal for reading or relaxing without overwhelming the room. For added versatility, consider installing a dimmer switch on the main light. This allows guests to adjust brightness levels to their preference, whether they're getting ready for bed or need to get up in the middle of the night. 

11. Paint the Room with Warm and Inviting Colors

Color has the power to transform a space, and when it comes to your guest bedroom, choosing the right hues is key to creating a welcoming retreat for your guests. Warm colors can create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere, making your guests feel right at home. When selecting paint for the room, consider hues that radiate warmth and coziness: 

  • Caramel Brown: A rich, welcoming tone that brings warmth and depth.
  • Soft Peach: Offers a gentle, inviting glow to the room.
  • Sunny Yellow: A bright and cheerful color that infuses the room with energy.
  • Spiced Orange: Adds a vibrant, cozy feel, reminiscent of autumn warmth.
  • Warm Taupe: A subtle and neutral choice that creates a cozy, understated elegance

12. Basic Toiletries

Providing basic toiletries in your guest bedroom is a thoughtful way to make your guests feel more at home. Arrange a small basket with essentials such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and perhaps some lotion. These items are particularly helpful for guests who may have forgotten to pack their own. 

You could also include a couple of plush towels and a hairdryer to add an extra touch of hospitality. If you don’t have room for a toiletry basket in the bedroom, consider putting it in your guest bathroom. 

13. Personal Touches

Adding personal touches to the guest bedroom can transform it from a functional space to one that is warm and welcoming. Consider including small decor items, artworks, or fresh flowers to give the room a cozy and lived-in feel. These elements should reflect a sense of style without overwhelming the space. A few well-chosen books or reading material, a decorative vase, or a soft throw blanket can significantly enhance the room's ambiance

Making a Temporary Guest Room 

Not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated guest room, but that doesn't mean you can't create a comfortable space for your guests. If you have limited space or don't host guests often, consider versatile furniture like CordaRoy's bean bags. Our convertible bean bag chairs can transform from a cozy chair into a bed, making them perfect for temporary guest accommodations.

For smaller spaces or single guests, the Full-size option is ideal. It easily converts into a bed that’s large enough for one adult to sleep comfortably, yet it’s compact enough as a chair to not take up too much space in your living room or home office.

If you're likely to host couples or want to provide a more spacious sleeping option, the Queen-size CordaRoy’s bean bag is a great choice. As a chair, it offers ample seating space, and when converted, it provides a generously sized bed that can comfortably accommodate two adults.

For those who have a bit more space and want to offer the ultimate in guest comfort, the King-size is the way to go. It's perfect for creating a luxurious sleeping area for your guests, and when it's not being used as a bed, it serves as a large, inviting chair that can enhance the coziness of any room.

These convertible bean bags are not only functional but also stylish, adding a modern touch to your home. They are available in various colors and materials, ensuring that they blend seamlessly with your existing decor. By choosing a CordaRoy's convertible bean bag, you provide your guests with a comfortable sleeping space while also creating a cozy seating area for them during the day. 


Sources: 

Color Psychology: Choosing Home Color Schemes | True Value

Forecast average daily rate of hotels in the United States from 2022 to 2024 | Statista 

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