6 guest bedroom mistakes you should never make (and how to avoid them)

A guest bedroom presents a slightly different challenge when it comes to interior design. When we design spaces in our own homes, our key focus is usually on creating an environment that works for us and our families.

But when a room is designed to host others, things get trickier as you are designing with multiple people and multiple usages in mind. And these spaces can often come to be neglected, used for storage or an extra bedroom that you aren't all that proud of.

But like any other room in your home, perhaps even more so a guest bedroom deserves thoughtful consideration. However, also like in any other room, there are mistakes to be made, so we spoke with designers on how to avoid them to design a guest bedroom that every visitor will enjoy.

6 mistakes to avoid in your guest bedroom

From using the space as an overflow wardrobe or clutter cupboard to overlooking thoughtful bed linen choices and proper lighting, we highlight the most common mistakes to avoid when designing a guest bedroom.

1. Unthoughtful lighting choices

Lighting is a crucial element in any room, and the guest bedroom is no exception. Thoughtful bedroom lighting design goes a long way and can really help your guests sleep well when away from home

Overhead lights often flood the room with harsh brightness, which may not be ideal for every activity or time of day. If your guests wish to wind down with a few chapters of a book before sleeping, overhead lights can hinder good sleep.

Providing two bedside lamps or installing reading lights above the headboard is the perfect antidote to this. If the room has a desk, a lamp is a must and if you can fit an armchair into the space, a floor lamp would illuminate the area and give your guests a good range of choices to spotlight different areas to their taste.

As interior designer Murude Katipoglu reminds us, ‘Many people overlook the importance of lighting, but layering different types of light, including bedside reading lamps, can elevate the space and add a sense of luxury. Lighting not only improves a guest bedroom’s ambiance but also enhances functionality.'

2. Keeping the room void of personality

A guest bedroom should feel just as inviting as the rest of your home. Maintaining a consistent style with your other spaces, while embracing elements of your personal taste, will ensure the guest room feels intentional and welcoming and not like an afterthought hidden away behind a closed door.

Interior designer Sarah Vaile gives us her top tip on personalizing your guest bedroom space. She explains, ‘The biggest mistake is to not give this room any personality! So often we go too neutral in the hope of pleasing everyone. Guests love an experience and are ok staying in a room that may not be to their taste but one that is well done and that they can appreciate during their stay.'

So if your style leans toward the bold and vibrant, you might want to consider dialing it back just a little to not overwhelm guests but at the same time, try not to fall into the trap of making the room so neutral that it could be a budget hotel room.

When it comes to decorating your guest bedroom selected accessories, such as art, cushions, or decorative pieces can add a wonderful splash of character without overwhelming the space or giving the impression that the room is just a dumping ground for unwanted trinkets.

3. Ignoring practical storage solutions

Whether your guests are staying for a single night or several weeks, ensuring their storage needs are met is a top priority. Nobody wants to trip over a suitcase or sift through its contents every morning to find an outfit. ‘Clever storage solutions are often forgotten, but it's crucial to provide space for guests to store suitcases or large bags, helping them feel organized and settled,' explains Murude Katipoglu.

When it comes to bedroom storage a wardrobe is ideal but not every guest room has the space to accommodate one. In such cases, a combination of a chest of drawers and nightstands with pull-out drawers can offer practical alternatives.

If space is particularly limited, consider installing coat hooks or wall-mounted hangers and clever bedroom organizers. At the very least, provide a fold-away luggage rack to keep suitcases off the floor.

For small guest bedrooms, multifunctional furniture can be a game-changer. A divan bed with built-in storage, for instance, provides a compact space or clothes or other belongings. and vertical storage solutions can really maximize storage in a small room.

Last but not least, don’t overlook the essentials when equipping storage spaces. A well-designed closet or cupboard is only useful if it’s properly stocked, so ensure there are enough hangers to make the space functional.

4. Not using multifunctional furniture

More often than not, the guest bedrooms are the smallest rooms in the house. However, since guests may stay for extended periods, choosing well-considered bedroom furniture is a wise approach.

If space allows, including pieces like an armchair or desk ensures your guests have a few more choices, providing a place to relax or work beyond the bed.

A desk, in particular, is a versatile addition as it can double as a dressing table or workspace as needed. If space is tight, a desk/dressing table can be cleverly integrated into an existing built-in wardrobe and you could even opt for a fold-down table if you want to be really savvy with a small space.

5. Filling the room with clutter

Striking the right balance in a guest room between adding personality and thoughtful touches without over-cluttering can be challenging.

You'll want to make a small bedroom feel bigger, not cramped and cluttered. Whilst it’s tempting to treat a room that’s rarely used as extra storage, it's worth remembering that no guest wants to feel like they’re staying in a glorified cupboard or sharing space with half the laundry.

Interior designer Amy Pigliacampo says, ‘One of the biggest mistakes people make when designing a guest room is filling it with too much of their own stuff. Nothing makes a guest feel more awkward than feeling like they’re encroaching on your personal space. A guest room should feel like a retreat.'

Avoid overloading the room with personal items like family photos or sentimental trinkets. These can make guests feel like they’re intruding on a personal space, rather than enjoying a retreat designed with their comfort in mind.

6. Forgetting the finishing touches

While there’s no need to offer a full hotel-style service with twice-daily room checks, a few finishing touches can go a long way. Research the best bedding materials and invest in the best you can afford. Provide a variety of pillows and layer blankets so your guests can customize their comfort.

Amy Pigliacampo gives us her thoughts on giving your guests the best experience possible. She says, ‘Think about what makes you love staying in a great hotel: plush linens, perfect pillows, a functional desk, space to unpack, places to charge your phone, or even toiletries you might have forgotten. If you bring in those thoughtful, boutique hotel vibes, your guests will feel totally at ease and maybe even a little spoiled, in the best way!

If the room has a dedicated guest bathroom, make sure it’s stocked with essentials such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, and perhaps even a few travel-sized toiletries.

And don’t forget the practical essentials. Somewhere to charge your electronics and a full-length mirror are the little touches we often forget, and they can really make all the difference!

For a really extra-special touch, a guest welcoming box is a delightful touch. A basket of snacks and bottled water, paired with a small kettle and an assortment of tea and coffee and even a few scented candles can make guests feel pampered and cared for.

A practical tip when designing your guest bedroom is to consider how you would want to relax as a guest in someone else’s home. Reframing your design choices with this perspective can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure the room is well-prepared and welcoming for your visitors.

Take a moment to step into the room and imagine yourself as the guest. Think about what you would need if you were staying there for a few days. Small, inexpensive touches can make a significant impact.