7 Things You Should Never Have in Your Guest Room – lets take a look.
Creating a comfortable and inviting guest room is an essential part of being a great host.
The goal is to offer a space where visitors feel welcome, relaxed, and at ease. However, it’s easy to make mistakes that can unintentionally hinder your guests’ comfort. Whether it’s the wrong kind of furniture, lack of privacy, or unpleasant smells, certain aspects of the room can have a negative impact on their experience. To help you craft the perfect guest room, here are 7 things you should never have in your guest room, along with expert tips on how to avoid these common pitfalls.
1. Clutter and Overcrowded Furniture
A cluttered guest room can make the space feel smaller and less relaxing. Overcrowding with unnecessary furniture or excessive decor takes away from the calming atmosphere you want to create.
Why it’s a problem: Too much furniture or decor makes the room feel disorganized, overwhelming, and uncomfortable. It also reduces the available space for your guests to move freely.
Expert Tip: Keep your furniture minimal, focusing only on the essentials—bed, nightstands, and maybe a chair. According to interior design expert Jennifer Adams, clean lines and open spaces can make a room feel larger and more welcoming. She recommends using multi-functional furniture like an ottoman that doubles as storage or a compact writing desk.
Solution: Stick to simple, neutral decor and clear surfaces. If you want a decorative touch, opt for a few subtle pieces—such as a vase of fresh flowers or a framed piece of artwork. Keep the space tidy to allow your guests to feel relaxed and have room to unwind.
2. Uncomfortable or Outdated Bedding
A comfortable bed is the centerpiece of any guest room. If the mattress is sagging or the bedding feels rough or outdated, your guests will likely struggle to get a good night’s sleep.
Why it’s a problem: Low-quality or worn-out bedding leads to discomfort and can make your guests feel unwelcome. A poor night’s sleep is a surefire way to leave a bad impression.
Expert Tip: According to bedding specialists like Brooklinen, investing in quality sheets is one of the easiest ways to elevate the comfort of your guest room. Go for 100% cotton sheets with a thread count of 300-500 for the perfect balance of softness and breathability. Add extra pillows with different firmness levels to accommodate various sleep preferences.
Solution: Choose high-quality, soft sheets and plush pillows. You don’t need to overspend—many bedding brands offer affordable luxury without sacrificing comfort. And make sure to freshen up the linens before each guest’s arrival for that extra touch of hospitality.
3. Excessive Personal Items or Decor
While it’s important to decorate your guest room to make it feel welcoming, too many personal items—like family photos, heirlooms, or personal mementos—can make guests feel like they’re intruding in your private space.
Why it’s a problem: A room full of personal photos or bold decor might make your guest feel uncomfortable or disconnected from the space. You want the guest room to feel like their own haven, not an extension of your personal life.
Expert Tip: Design consultant Emily Henderson suggests opting for neutral decor that can appeal to a wider range of tastes. Soft hues and minimalist art pieces allow your guest to feel at home without feeling like they’re staying in someone else’s room. “Subtle artwork and calming tones make the room feel universal,” says Henderson.
Solution: Keep the decor simple and neutral, such as abstract art, soft throws, or nature-inspired designs. A few decorative touches are fine, but avoid overwhelming the room with personal items. Your guests will feel more at ease in a space that isn’t too “you.”
4. Harsh or Inadequate Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important elements in a guest room. Too much or too little lighting can create a stressful atmosphere or make it difficult for your guests to navigate the space comfortably.
Why it’s a problem: Overly bright lights can be jarring, especially at night, while dim lighting can make the room feel cold or unwelcoming. It’s important to find the right balance to create a cozy and functional space.
Expert Tip: Lighting designer Jonathan Adler suggests using a mix of lighting sources to create layers of light, such as bedside lamps, overhead fixtures, and accent lighting. He recommends adjustable dimmer switches for overhead lights, giving your guests full control of the room’s ambiance.
Solution: Provide multiple light sources with different levels of brightness. Bedside lamps with soft, warm bulbs are ideal for reading or unwinding. Consider a central ceiling light with a dimmer, and perhaps some soft accent lighting, like a small lamp or wall sconce. This will create a cozy, adjustable atmosphere.
5. No Privacy
Privacy is essential for your guest’s comfort. A guest room should be a personal retreat, and anything that compromises their privacy—like thin window coverings or an open-plan layout—can make them feel uneasy.
Why it’s a problem: Without sufficient privacy, your guest might feel like they are constantly being watched or exposed, which could prevent them from fully relaxing.
Expert Tip: Home organization expert Marie Kondo advises that guests should feel free to retreat and recharge in their own space. Ensure that your guest room has window treatments that block out light and prying eyes. “The space should feel private and serene, allowing guests to unwind in peace,” she says.
Solution: Install thick curtains, blinds, or shades to offer your guests full control over their privacy. Ensure the room’s layout gives your guest ample space to store personal items and retreat into the room without feeling watched.
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6. Unpleasant or Strong Odors – Things You Should Never Have in Your Guest Room
A clean, fresh-smelling room is crucial for creating a welcoming environment. Lingering odors, whether musty, food-related, or otherwise, can immediately turn a guest off.
Why it’s a problem: Bad smells can make your guest feel uncomfortable or even question the cleanliness of the room. Strong artificial fragrances can also irritate guests with sensitivities.
Expert Tip: Scent expert Christina Pardy recommends using essential oils or a natural diffuser to create a subtle, calming aroma in the room. Lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus scents are universally relaxing without being overpowering.
Solution: Ensure the room is thoroughly cleaned before your guest arrives and ventilate the space by opening the windows. If you use air fresheners, opt for natural scents. A gently scented candle or diffuser can add a pleasant touch, but be sure not to overdo it.
7. No Access to Basic Amenities
Guests should have easy access to the essentials they need during their stay, such as extra towels, toiletries, and charging stations. Not providing these basic amenities can make your guests feel inconvenienced and uncomfortable.
Why it’s a problem: When guests don’t have access to simple things like clean towels, toiletries, or a place to charge their devices, they might feel like their needs aren’t being met.
Expert Tip: Hospitality expert Andrew McCawley suggests providing a small welcome kit with travel-size toiletries, extra blankets, and a place to hang clothes. He also recommends setting up a charging station near the bedside or providing an extra power strip for convenience.
Solution: Make sure your guest room includes essential amenities like fresh towels, a clean set of toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap), and a power outlet for charging electronics. You might also want to include a small basket with extra supplies like toothpaste, a toothbrush, or a cozy throw blanket for added comfort.
So we have talked about the things you should not have in your guest room but what about those you SHOULD? Take a look at my post on guest room essentials to make sure you have them all ticked off your list.
Concluding thoughts on things you should never have in your guest room,
By following these 7 things you should never have in your guest room, you can create a welcoming, relaxing environment that ensures your guests feel comfortable and appreciated. Keep the space clean and uncluttered, choose high-quality bedding, and make sure the room has the right balance of lighting and privacy. With expert tips and thoughtful touches, you’ll be able to create a guest room that exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression.
Remember, a guest room should be a peaceful retreat where your visitors can unwind, recharge, and feel at home. With a little attention to detail and a focus on comfort, you can ensure your guests have a memorable stay every time.