Last Updated on May 11, 2026 by Cliche

It’s always going to feel at least a little bit stressful when you’re staying in someone’s spare room and it’s not really ready for you – you’ll be uncomfortable because there’s nowhere to put your things, perhaps there’s nowhere to charge your phone, maybe the bedding’s not right, and a multitude of other potential issues. And although people probably aren’t going to make the guest room the most impressive in the house, especially if it’s rarely used, there are ways to make it much better and more comfortable. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more. 

What Do People Actually Need?

A lot of guest rooms end up being designed around how things look, but it’s actually better to design them around how things work – the more practical a room is, the better it’s going to be for your guests, after all. 

The fact is that when someone’s staying over, especially if it’s for more than one night, small useful things in the room will really make them feel much more at home. That could be somewhere to put a glass of water, for example, or enough plug sockets nearby, or perhaps some spare blankets in case they’re needed (so they won’t have to ask), and things like that. That’s how you can make the room welcoming and feel so much better for your guests. 

Get The Lighting Right 

Lighting might not seem like it’s all that important, but it can totally change how a room looks and feels, so working on it and making sure you get it right makes a lot of sense. 

If you’ve got overhead lighting and that’s it (which can often be the case in a little used room) then it’s going to feel far too harsh at night, especially if your guest is trying to relax or read a book, for example. Softer lighting is better because it instantly makes the room feel easier to get settled in. That’s why things like bedside wall lights can be a good choice – they make the space look good, but they’re practical at the same time. 

Don’t Overfill The Space 

One other problem is that if your spare room isn’t used a lot, you might end up using it like a storage or junk room – and yes, technically someone could probably sleep in it if there’s a bed there, but they’re not going to be comfortable surrounded by boxes and spare items that haven’t got anywhere else to go. 

If you do need to use the room to store things in, try to add some storage in the form of wardrobes or shelving, for example. That way the floor can be clearer and that’s going to be more comfortable. The best thing would be to not use the space as storage at all, and to use the loft or perhaps a storage unit instead, but that’s not always possible. 

Use Good Bedding 

No one is going to be fussed about the decorative cushions all over the bed, but they are going to be very interested in comfortable bedding that feels good to sleep in, so that’s what you need to focus on, and the extra interior design features can come later if you want. 

You’ll need decent pillows, clean bedding, and perhaps have layers so people can choose how much or how little they’re covered by. That’s going to make a more positive impact than anything else.

Read more home decor articles at ClichéMag.com
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