Top 10 Guest Room Essentials

I believe your guests should *almost* feel like they are at home when staying overnight…or at least staying in a place they would be okay with calling home.  I’ve stayed in many hotel rooms, Airbnbs, guest rooms at friends’ & families’ homes and have been inspired by what I found in both good and bad ways – what I would want to incorporate in my own guest room and what I definitely wouldn’t want!  As an enneagram type 1, I am always walking into spaces and evaluating what works well and what can be improved upon, so I think my list covers a multitude of any needs or wants your guests might have! 

Granted, is this guest room perfect?  Would I love to make changes in design and rearrange some of the built-in elements of my home? Absolutely.  But let me tell you (as a recovering perfectionist) that it doesn’t need to be perfect to invite guests over – people who stay with you prooobably came to see you and not how perfect your guest room is; so when you are putting together your guest room, please know that you can do this on any budget because life is too short to not have a sleepover with your best friends.

1. Mattress

Does this seem obvious??  But can we talk about how uncomfortable air mattresses are?  Obviously, they can be used, but I’d say it’s my last resort.  I’ve stayed places with an air mattress and vowed to never stay overnight again because I was so cold and uncomfortable.  An alternative to a regular mattress or an air mattress?  Look at portable/camping mattresses!  They are a stitch more comfortable than an air mattress, but more affordable and space-saving than a regular mattress!

2. Bedside Table

It’s fun to have cute things on the bedside table, but your guests need space to put their essentials – their phone, a glass of water, or any other nighttime needs!  This also means having an open outlet near your bedside table so your guest can plug in your phone or other electronics!  **extra touch:  have an iphone + android charger in the drawer of your bedside table if they forgot to bring theirs!

3. Lamp

Who wants to get out of bed and turn off a light with a wall switch in a room they don’t know??  Bruised shins here we come!  A lamp brings ease and a feeling of coziness!

4. Hook

For both towels + clothing!  Guests don’t want to take your towel spot in the bathroom and if you’re a germaphobe like me, you like the assurance of knowing that no one else is using/touching your towel!  This is especially important if it’s a shared bathroom!  Plus, having a hook means you don’t end up with wet, stinky towels on your comforter!

5. Mirror

Yep, you might have a mirror in the bathroom, but if your guest is sharing with you or other guests, they don’t want to take up space with their toiletries or take up more time in the bathroom than is needed!  Besides, after a shower the mirror is foggy so it makes it awfully difficult to do your hair and makeup!

6. Wifi Name + Password

No one wants to use their data while on vacation!  Being able to use the internet without worry of going over their data plan makes people feel welcome and at home.  Guests might feel uncomfortable asking for this info, so having it written out in their bedroom alleviates the need for a question they may not really want to ask.

7. Extra Pillows

Everyone has different sleeping habits, which may include multiple pillows!  Some people prefer soft, feathery pillows, while others prefer harder, more sturdy pillows.  I like to keep a small variety of options so my guest can be sure to have a good night’s rest! I store an extra in a basket in the room and then a few more in the guest room closet.

8. Extra Blankets

Everybody’s body temperatures are different – Stosch typically runs hot, while I typically run cold!  It can be so so so difficult to get to sleep if you are cold and have no way of warming up! I keep one in the same basket as the extra pillow in the bedroom and then a few more in the guest room closet.

9. Fan

2 reasons: keep cool + white noise.  Not only can it be difficult to sleep in a new bed, but it can be even more difficult when there are unfamiliar noises, as well!  The white noise of a fan helps drown those out for a better night’s rest!

10. Space to Set their Suitcase

This just means not filling up all of the floor space OR, even better, having a bench in the room!  I love being able to set my suitcase up a bit off of the floor so I don’t have to bend down so much every time I want to get something out!  

***Bonus Items!

I like to think of these things as taking your guest room to whole new level!  I don’t feel like these are necessary, but do make your guest’s stay more comfortable!

• closet space to hang their clothes
• slippers (I keep some specifically for my mom since she’s the one who comes the most!)
• a tray full of local goodies or your guest’s favorites!
• bottled water or your guest’s favorite drink
• a chair so they can lounge (your introverted guests will thank you)
• phone charger
• extra drawer space (especially if they will be staying for a length of time
• a real plant!