Put Together a Perfect Guest Room

One of the great pleasures of having a home is to be able to provide a room for your special guest who are going to stay with you! Having guest over is the best! Having a great place where they can stay makes you and them feel even better. It's great to welcome them by preparing their room to make it comfortable. When you start to plan your guest room, think about what you'd expect to find in a great upscale hotel and try to make your room measure up to that standard. Your budget may not have enough in it to let you create a getaway oasis, but you can clear the decks, arrange what's necessary, and provide a quiet place to relax. A guest room is, foremost, a home away from home. No matter what your style, you'll want to create that special haven. But such spaces don't have to be off limits either. You can use that "extra" room as your sanctuary, too. Or make practical uses when the welcome sign is not hanging on the door.

The most important aspect of your guest room will be the bed that you provide for your guest. You will want to get the best bed your money can buy! Don't give your guest the oldest, most saggy mattress you have. If you can't afford a new or good used bed, think about getting a quality air mattress. They're really quite comfortable and can be placed on top of a box spring, over a sofa bed mattress, or on the floor.

The next important aspect for your guest room bed is the bedding! Beyond clean bedding, think about adding wonderful bed linens and comfort items. Things that are great are a featherbed mattress topper, a choice of pillows, a cozy down comforter, extra blankets, and freshly ironed pillowcases. Always have an extra set of bed and bath linens available for your guests. Sleeping is critical, so outfit the bed with care. Also, you can never have too many pillows!

After that you will want to supply a place to set down a suitcase that your guests are bringing. Clear a space to put a luggage rack or a small table or bench to set down a suitcase. No one likes to have to stoop over to the floor to pull out a clean pair of socks. Even a chair is better than nothing!

Next, clear the Decks so to speak. You should resist the temptation to put your beautiful collection of knick knacks on the dresser or fill the closet with out-of-season clothes. In a guest room, less is more--more space, more comfortable, and more welcoming. Get rid of anything that you would not find in the room of a fine hotel. Keep only the most useful items in the room, like a clock and calendar.

Here are some other things that you should think about in regards to your guest room. Give your guest some comfortable places to Sit. Some people absolutely do not sit on a bed! And your guests shouldn't have to. Place an upholstered armchair or side chair in the room with a table and lamp close by. Good lighting is essential! It always great to provide light to read by! It's always nice to have a light control near the bed, so your guest won't have to stumble around in the dark, just to turn a light on. If nothing else, provide a good reading light near a chair or over the bed. Another fixture or lamp near the desk would be great. A small night light is helpful and a lighted magnifying make-up mirror is a real luxury!

Give you guest some hanging clothes storage. Clear at least a foot or two of pole space in the closet. Or purchase an inexpensive over-the-door hook that can accommodate some hanging clothes. Don't forget a supply of 6 or 8 hangers. A simple hook on the wall or behind a closet door can hold a robe, coat, or a purse. Give your guest drawer space as well. Both you and your guest will feel better with odds and ends out of sight. A lighted clock next to the bed is a great thing. An alarm clock or clock/radio is even better. Provide paper and pens or pencils, scissors, tape, tissue, and a hair dryer and have all the bases covered. If you don't have an extra iron and ironing board to offer, be sure to tell your guest where they can find yours.

Bathroom items are a must! These rank high with guests. Start with plush towels, a bathrobe and slippers. Create a spa atmosphere with aromatherapy items like herbal bath grains, soaps and shampoos in scents such as lavender, rosemary, etc. If you don't have an attached bath, create a guest basket filled with these items wrapped in artfully folded towels that guests can carry to the shared bathroom down the hall. Extras could include a hair dryer, shower cap, lip balm, moisture lotion, mouthwash, emery board, aspirin and mini sewing kit.

Another great thing to think about is providing privacy for your guest! Choose window coverings that not only add to the character of the room, but provide privacy and light control, as well. If you must keep it simple, a nice blind can offer works great. You can always add a beautiful valance or side panels later.

Lastly, don't forget munchies! Fill a bowl with in-season fresh fruit for late-night snack attacks. Give your guest a small refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker!

There are many places where you can buy your entire essential guest room items. There are many great websites online that provide excellent guest room items from a new bed, to a dresser, to a microwave or coffee maker. There are also local stores you can go too to find your guest room items. Don't forget to check online or in the newspapers for great deals as well!

One of the great pleasures of having a home is to be able to provide a room for your special guest who are going to stay with you! Having guest over is the best! Having a great place where they can stay makes you and them feel even better. Provide your guest with all the best things you can and it will make your guest room experience a wonderful thing for them!