If you’re anything like me, your spare bedroom is currently serving as glorified storage unit, laundry-folding area, and occasional at-home yoga studio. But with the holidays upon us and the overnight guests soon rolling into town, a transformation is needed post haste. If this is you, don’t fret! Our editors rounded up their picks for a quickie guest room transformation to make even the sofa bed feel a little special.
P.S. All of our picks are available from Wayfair, for those last-minute, okay-if-we-stay-the-night? guests (we’ve all been there).
For the Bed
Above: A duvet makes quick work of the bed: This Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Duvet Cover is Morgan’s favorite (shown here in the silvery “Pewter” colorway); from $148.
Above: For a hotel-like feel, it’s all in the sheets. Margot’s pick? This Linoto Sheet Set, sourced from some of the finest mills in Italy and Belgium and available in 10 colorways. Your guests will thank you. From $292. (For more on Linoto, see Linen Sheets, Towels, and More, Cut and Sewn to a T.)
For the Nightstand
Above: “A tray with a candle, water glass, and a small vase with a flower or a bunch of herbs is a nice way to make guests feel welcomed,” says Francesca. The Kalmar Home Acacia Wood Oval Serving Tray could also serve as a delightful breakfast in bed tray for the truly above and beyond host; $59.99.,
Above: A carafe by the bedside saves guests from shuffling out in their slippers for a glass of water. Margot likes the Verdant Elegance Glass Carafe Set, $43.
Above: Any guest would be grateful for a bedside lamp with built-in phone charger, lest they forget their own. The Two-in-One Bedside Lamp with Wireless Charger is $31.99.
For Easy Storage
Above: The Hawkins New York Seagrass Basket ($38) is Fan’s go-to for guest-room storage. Use one to keep spare blankets within easy reach—like this Simple Knitted Throw: “such a cheery color, and a welcome sight after a day of travel,” she says.
Above: An oft-missed detail that guests appreciate: wall hooks for hanging bath towels (plus coat and scarf). Julie likes these Albis Solid Wood Wall Hooks, a Muuto lookalike; $119 for a set of five.
For Extra Credit
Above: A simple yet supremely homey touch: a robe for the dash between the guest bedroom and the shared WC. (Just be sure your guest doesn’t abscond with it.) Annie likes the Hawkins New York Simple Cotton Waffle Bathrobe, available in a wide array of colors and two sizes; $128.
And for the bath? Stock it with a set of thick, easily washable towels, neat little soap dish, and a toothbrush holder from a favorite Japanese brand.
For more on readying the spare room, might we suggest:
- 10 Easy Pieces: Grown-Up Guest Beds
- Expert Advice: 6 Tips for Making the Spare Room Guest-Ready, with Tricia Rose
- Hang an Eye Mask by the Bed, and 8 More (Hard-Won) Tips for Hosting Overnight Guests
