Decorating a Guest Bedroom
Dec 19, 2005
Author: Joey Lewitin

The guest bedroom is the one room in the house that you aren‚t
decorating for yourself. Therefore when you go to design the
rooms décor, it is important not to get in your own way.
Overdoing the decoration in this room will only serve to
reinforce the fact that your guest is not in their own home, and
as comfortable as they may be with you, they will never be as
comfortable as they would in their own setting. On the other
hand, failing to place those few simple pieces that make a room
feel homey; will leave the guest room feeling cold and empty.

Arguably the most important item in the guest room, the item
that turns it from an extra room into a guest bedroom, is the
bed. The bed does not have to be visible, and this is your first
choice. You can have a regular bed, a fold out couch or futon,
or a semi permanent bed such as a cot or an air bed.

A regular bed will cost you some space, and a full mattress can
be expensive. If you get a small twin sized bed you can throw
some pillows on it, place the long end against a wall, and let
it double as a couch. A sofa bed does this even more
effectively, creating a room that can have a dual purpose.
Futons are also often less expensive then a full mattress. The
least expensive method is a removable bed, such as an air bed or
cot. This can open the room up completely, allowing it to double
as a gym, sitting room, or library. Usually these beds are very
uncomfortable however some of the better quality air mattresses
are being made to higher and higher standards. Be sure to try it
out before you buy, and make sure that you only get one that is
self inflatable.

After you have settled on the bed you have to fill in furniture.
If the room doubles as something else, such as a gym, you will
have to work around that. A traditional guest room will contain
a set of drawers, and a small table. Additionally you can add TV
stands, plant stands, or desks, if you have the room. Think of a
hotel. They provide just enough to make a person feel
comfortable, but they are sure never to clutter the room.

For ambience you can add lamps and different lighting. Lighting
is a decoration on its own that is much understated. A floor or
desk lamp can provide both light and décor. Adding a television
or a radio is also a nice touch if it‚s in the budget. These
items can be used even when the room is unoccupied, as a way to
relax in a secluded setting.

The finishing décor touches should be small. Any artwork placed
in the room should be restrained, don‚t force extreme tastes on
others. Impressionistic prints are often the right touch to
complete the room. Wall clocks or desk clocks are also a nice
way to make a room feel more comfortable.

Decorating a guest room is fairly uncomplicated. You want to
provide just enough so that the person in the room is
comfortable, without overloading them with your decoration. Just
remember to keep it simple, and you should be able to design a
room that will make it hard for you to get your houseguests to
go.



About the author:
Joey Lewitin is an author, artist, and designer of home décor
accessories made from imported stone. Original designs from him
and other artisans can be seen at The real stone decorating store