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Writer's pictureLaura Redd

Designing the perfect guest room

I recently had a client ask me to design the perfect guest room. They have lots of friends and family coming to visit and the perfect place for them to stay was top on the list.

Guest room with linen headboard and footboard, plush blankets and rug

I thought it would be a great idea to explore the options and bring the news to you. I started with a great bed. When a guest comes, the bed is second on the list of most important things. First are the people they are coming to see!


Let’s start with the obvious. Make sure you investigate a great mattress and box spring. What kind of mattress do you like? I love a semi-soft pillow top, not too hard and not to soft. Just right! Add a great mattress pad and you’re set. If you do not do a pillow top on the mattress itself, think about adding a pillow top mattress cover for that wonderful cushy feel.

Guest room with plush blue rug and a cozy chair

Next come the sheets, covers and a duvet. Bedding is all about layers. We decorate in layers, and we build a bed in layers. Everybody has their favorite sheet count. I personally love 300-400 count sheets, not a fan of over 800. How about you?


Then add a soft blanket in a woven material or a plush. This is where the feel test comes into play. Head to your favorite home décor store and touch all the wonderful fabrics and blankets! Pick the one you would want on your own bed.


Now add the duvet. I love a wonderful soft, not too heavy duvet. Duvet fillers are determined by the weight. Unless you live in North Dakota or the Arctic Circle, think about a level one duvet to get started. You will be shocked at how warm they really are!

Beautiful guest bedroom with a bed covered in neutral bedding with a warm wooden headboard and footboard.

As for pillows, there are so many choices! Feathers, filler or memory foam. Here I have to say, I mix it up so no matter what your guests are looking for they will have a great night’s sleep.


Now that the bed is made, there are just a couple of things to finish. Nightstands with storage and a charging station for the phone and well, everything else we need to charge these days. Be sure to check out the height of the nightstand compared to the mattress. The mattress and the nightstand need to be just about the same height, and think about if you want closed storage or shelves. I love shelves because I can show off amazing books.

Guest room with soothing colors and plush neutral bedding. Artwork over the bed is large with abstract beach.

For lamps and lighting, overhead lighting should always have a dimmer, creating a soft feel to the room. Then lamps for the nightstands. They should be 29-31 inches tall, and maybe even a three-way switch, to give options on lighting.


A guest room is all about giving comfort to whoever is visiting, and creating a great space. There’s nothing better than knowing your guests are sleeping well and have their own little sanctuary while visiting.

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