With the holiday season on the horizon, our thoughts have inevitably turned to hosting and entertaining. From dining room design updates to guest room refreshes, there are many rooms that could use a little design love at the end of each year.

Speaking of the latter, if your guest room has become a cobweb collector or been repurposed as your makeshift home office, don’t fret. It doesn’t take much time, effort, or money to create a welcoming space in a pinch (we promise!).

From fresh linens to a coat of paint, our designers share simple and aesthetically-pleasing guest room decor ideas to make your visitors feel right at home. 

1. Guest room decor updates: Refresh the bedding

We all know the frustration of a disruptive night of sleep due to scratchy sheets, feeling too hot or too cold, or trying to find the perfect place on a rock-hard mattress. Prepare the bed with fresh, luxe linens sure to give your guests a sweet slumber. Go the extra mile with a duvet paired alongside a lighter throw blanket on the end of the bed to allow guests to rest in their preferred temperature at night, and stash extra blankets in the closet for even more coziness. Pro tip: if you’re concerned about makeup stains on light sheets, offer makeup remover wipes on the bathroom counter or nightstand. 

2. Guest room decor updates: Stack a few favorite books

If your guest is a bookworm, stack a few books or current magazines on the nightstand. Pass on your favorite novels so they have something to read before bed or when they need quiet alone time. These unexpected details will make your guests feel extra special and welcomed, but be prepared that such thoughtfulness might encourage them to immediately book their next stay at your lovely casa.

3. Guest room decor updates: Invest in new drapes

Since we’re not the ones sleeping in our guest rooms, it’s easy to forget about proper curtains or window treatments. But installing blinds or hanging curtains is arguably the most important detail when ensuring a good night’s sleep for your guests. Drapes offer not only a sense of privacy, but give the option for blocking more light for those night owls who prefer to sleep in.  

4. Guest room decor updates: Add fresh blooms

Bring an element of the outdoors in with fresh-cut flowers. A vase of blooms is a thoughtful touch that instantly livens a space. Whether you clip them from your garden or pick up a bunch from your local florist or grocery store, anything goes. It doesn’t have to be a big fancy bouquet — a few pretty stems will do. 

5. Guest room decor updates: Consider a paint job

Looking to give your guest room an entirely new look and feel? Look no further than a coat of fresh paint. Opt for a fun new color like pink, green, or blue to create a cozy, enveloping atmosphere, or stick to a coat of crisp white for a fresh, serene feel. Pro tip: go with the same color on the walls, ceiling, and trim for a moody, saturated look.

6. Guest room decor updates: Add a favorite candle

Create a sense of calm in the space with a strategically-placed candle or two. Because who doesn’t love that warm, flickering glow? Opt for a lighter-scented candle, perhaps something in citrus or lavender, as some guests may be more sensitive to strong fragrances. Be sure to place a book of matches nearby so they can light it on their own when they please. 

7. Guest room decor updates: Upgrade the headboard

A simple headboard swap is another easy, low-lift way to give a guest room a brand-new look and feel in one fell swoop. Go with a bold upholstered number from The Inside for a bonafide design moment, or consider something neutral or wood for a more understated, natural look.

8. Guest room decor updates: Swap the lighting

From wall sconces and pendant lights to simple table lamps, putting thought into your guest room lighting will add design flair and ambiance — a win-win. Keep it light and simply upgrade your ceiling fixture or bedside lamps for a fresh look and feel without breaking the bank.

9. Guest room decor updates: Refresh the throw pillows

Speaking of cost-effective, there’s no better way to breathe new life into a room while staying on-budget than simply swapping out the throw pillows. Adding a textural lumbar or introducing a new pattern, like florals or plaid, can make a bedroom feel brand-new (without having to buy any new furniture).

10. Guest room decor updates: Hang some artwork

Have some old artwork collecting dust on your storage room floor? Give it a second lease on life in your guest room. We love the idea of creating a collected, vintage-inspired gallery wall for a little personality, or simply hanging one oversized piece above the bed. Artwork goes a long way when making a space feel complete!

11. Guest room decor updates: Add functionality

A small end-of-bed bench or duo ottoman set can go a long way in a guest room, especially if it’s on the small side. This small detail not only adds style points, it gives your guests a place to stash their bag or suitcase, sit while putting on shoes, and the like.

Need a little more inspiration to bring your dream guest room to life? Our designers are standing by. Get started on your serene guest sanctuary with our Havenly style quiz.