Welcome to our guest bedroom tour! The goal of our guest room’s design is to create a cozy retreat for guests that feels warm and welcoming.
The downstairs guest room isn’t super big, but it has a nice-sized closet, beautiful plaster walls, and natural wood molding. Considering we have not purchased anything new for the space, I think the room has come together nicely over the years. It’s equipped with the amenities our guests need to feel at home when visiting.
Here’s a breakdown of all the decor, furniture, and life hacks we used in the space to create a luxurious yet functional retreat for our guests.
Our home technically has two extra rooms upstairs that don’t count in appraisal due to the stair situation, so be sure to check out the tour of the bonus guest room upstairs too.
Guest Bedroom Before & After
When we purchased our house, we inherited a lot of furniture from the original owners. Interestingly, some of my favorite pieces came from the guest bedroom—hard to believe when you see the before pictures!
Kent Coffey mid-Century Storage bed
We kept the Kent Coffey full-sized bed original to the room, but we moved the matching dressers and nightstand to our primary bedroom. While the bedroom set is stunning, it wasn’t practical for us since there’s no way my 6’3″ husband and I could comfortably share a full-sized bed. Thankfully, we don’t have many overnight guests, and the full-sized bed works perfectly for the occasional friend or couple staying the night.
I debated upgrading the bed to a larger size but decided it wouldn’t work in this space. A larger bed would eliminate the possibility of having two nightstands, and downsizing to a twin didn’t feel right either. For now, the layout feels just right.
Bedding Details
Lighting Challenges & Solutions
One quirky feature of this room is the lack of ceiling lights. The lamp is controlled by a light switch, which can get confusing if you turn off the lamp directly instead of using the switch. To simplify things, I’ve set up an Alexa hub for guests to control the lights easily. When we eventually redo the electrical in our house, this room’s lighting situation will get an upgrade!
Window Treatments
One of my favorite updates in the guest bedroom was removing the curtains and installing LEVOLOR Trim+Go Cordless White Faux Wood Horizontal Blinds. These window treatments are practical and stylish, adding a clean and modern touch to the room. They are easy to adjust, allowing guests to pull them up or down effortlessly to control the light or enjoy the view.
The real star of the show is what’s outside the window. The blinds open to reveal our rose garden, a charming sight that our cats adore. They spend hours perched nearby, watching the activity outside. On lucky days, you might even catch a glimpse of deer grazing in the field beyond our backyard—a peaceful and picturesque view that adds to the cozy, welcoming feel of this space.
Wall Art & Mirrors
The guest bedroom is made even more inviting by the thoughtful placement of art and mirrors, which add character and make the space feel larger.
As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by two paintings from my Aunt Lindy, perfectly placed near the white dresser. These pieces add a personal touch and a splash of creativity to the room, setting the tone for the cozy retreat we’ve created.
Above the bed hangs a mirror flanked by two delicate rose prints that originally belonged to the original owner, Mrs. Robertson. These prints were previously in the primary bedroom, but they now have a new home here, adding a vintage charm that complements the Kent Coffey bed.
Night Stand Necessities Catch All dishes
To make the guest bedroom as welcoming and functional as possible, I’ve incorporated a few thoughtful details inspired by Kimber’s idea for repurposing vintage glass. The nightstand features a small, ring-sized catch-all tray placed beside the lamp, perfect for guests to store their rings or small accessories at the end of the day.
The white dresser I purchased from a yard sale and used all through my college years. I have set up a catch-all tray for jewelry and keys for guests and a carafe here so I can set guests up with a glass of water on evenings they stay over.
On the white dresser, there’s a larger vintage catch-all tray designed to hold necklaces, earrings, and other personal items. These simple yet elegant additions not only add a touch of charm to the room but also help guests keep their belongings organized during their stay. It’s all about making their experience feel as effortless and cozy as possible!
Antique Writing Desk
This antique writing desk is also original to our home. I wish I knew the history from our previous home owners, but in the Living Room before photos you can see it sitting near where our couch is now. Another mirror hangs above the antique writing desk, serving as a makeshift vanity for guests. While it’s not ideal since you’d have to stand, it’s a thoughtful addition for those needing a quick touch-up.
I also keep a small trash can nearby here for the conveinence of guests.
A (Realistic) Guest Bedroom Closet
In the guest bedroom closet, I’ve maximized space by adding:
- A luggage rack for convenience.
- A basket with a hair dryer and fresh towels.
- Extra blankets and pillows for added comfort.
However, this closet also doubles as my husband’s storage for suits, coats, and nice shirts—because living in an old house means closet space is always limited! There’s even a large fan for guests who prefer extra airflow.
Interestingly, while exploring the guest room closet, I discovered that beneath the carpet lies pine floors, likely throughout both bedrooms and the living room. It’s always tempting to pull up the carpet and refinish those floors someday!
This room might be small, but it’s filled with character and thoughtful details to ensure our guests feel comfortable. While I have plans to improve the lighting and perhaps restore those pine floors in the future, I’m proud of how this space has come together. It’s proof that you can create a welcoming retreat without buying anything new!
