Guest Bedroom Essentials

Whether you'd like to make the most out of a spare room, or simply find you need to create a welcoming space for friends and family to relax in whenever they stay over, a guest bedroom can be a lovely addition to any home. But unlike a normal bedroom, a guest bedroom needs to be two things: comfortable and practical. Not only do you need make a cosy environment for your visitors to rest their heads, you'll also need to ensure you can get the most out of the space when they're not around. Below, you'll find our top guest bedroom essentials. Discover everything you could ever need, from furniture and throws to those extra special finishing touches.

Furnishing your guest bedroom Before you think about turning your guest bedroom into a hygge haven, you'll need to pick up a few main pieces of furniture.

First up, a bed. Your guests will definitely need somewhere to sleep, but opt for a bed that can serve more than one purpose. If you're short on space, consider a guest bed. At Time4Sleep we have a whole range, and many double up as a sofa during the day and feature an underbed to allow two people to sleep at night. If you could benefit from some extra storage space, select a storage bed. You can choose a design that suits you, from lift-up ottoman beds to upholstered beds with spacious drawers. Once you've chosen a bed, think about what else your guests will need. If you don't have built-in wardrobes, add a small chest of drawers and consider a portable hanging rail. Most hanging rails can be easily deconstructed, and you can fill the drawers with your spare duvets and towels, for example, when they're not needed for your guests' clothes. A bedside table is also great to have, and there's plenty to choose from. If you're keeping things classic, choose a simple wooden design or opt for an on-trend copper table for a modern touch. When it comes to furnishing a guest bedroom, stay minimal to avoid overcrowding. Don't forget about the smaller things though, like a bedside lamp and full-length mirror. While relatively inexpensive, they can completely transform your guests' experience. Creating a cosy environment It's easy to feel out of place in someone else's home, but thoughtful finishing touches can help guests feel as welcome as possible. Fresh bedding, new towels and toiletries are definite must-haves, but don't forget to consider adding the following: Extra pillows and blankets Everyone sleeps differently, so make sure your guests have the chance to add more pillows or snuggle up with soft blankets if they'd like. You can store extra pillows and blankets in a cupboard or drawers - just remember to tell your guests about them or place a nice note as a reminder on their bed. Pitcher and glasses Guests don't want to feel like they're pestering you, so make sure they have everything they could possibly need in their room. Adding glasses and a pitcher of water in the room will help guests stay hydrated, and they won't need to wander downstairs in the middle of the night to get a drink. Reading material Encourage your guests to put down their phones and switch off on an evening by placing a few books or magazines around the room. You could pick a few of your favourites to recommend, or choose a selection from different genres. Light a candle Candles are perfect for unwinding, helping to create a relaxing ambience in any room. Well-known soothing scents include lavender, chamomile and jasmine - light, fresh and gentle, they won't overwhelm your guests either. Slippers Everyone misses certain home comforts when they're away, and slippers are certainly a luxury guests will appreciate throughout their stay. Pick up an affordable pair for each visitor- if they regularly spend nights at your home, you can store them for future use. If not, soft slippers make a tasteful and thoughtful gift! For that hotel-like experience, place your guests' slippers in a small wicker basket on top of the bed or by the bedside table. Soft rug Nothing feels better than getting out of bed on a morning and placing your feet onto a soft fuzzy rug - particularly if you have wooden flooring elsewhere. When it comes to choosing a style, you can keep things simple or get creative -a rug can easily become a feature piece in any room and it's a fantastic way to add some colour. Their favourite things As a finishing touch, pick up a small crate or basket and fill it with a mix of key essentials and your guest's favourite things. Add some healthy snacks, a few treats, a drink or two and purchase some travel-sized minis of items they might forget, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and hair ties. It's a small gesture, but we're sure they'll appreciate it. Before you start purchasing any guest bedroom essentials, you'll need to think about the overall look and feel of the space. If you like to keep things simple and clean, see how to create a minimalist guest bedroom here. Or if you prefer a classic style, see how to create a vintage guest bedroom here. Images: ©iStock.com/JZhuk, ©iStock.com/imaginima, ©iStock.com/in4mal.