Whether it’s the holiday season, summer, or any time of year, it’s never the wrong time to prepare your guest bedroom for family and friends. A well-prepared guest bedroom helps your guests feel welcome, comfortable, and right at home.
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When someone comes to stay in my home, I like to make them feel as comfortable as possible. If you enjoy creating a welcoming guest bedroom, I’ve got you covered!
I was sure my house was set up for guests.
I thought I had all the guest bedroom essentials: a guest bedroom with a bathroom nearby, plenty of pillows, clean sheets, and folded towels at the end of the bed.
What more was necessary?
Then I read, that “they” say to spend a night in your own guest bedroom and you’ll quickly see what you’re missing—so I did as I was told.
Well… now I can safely say “they” are right. My guest bedroom was missing plenty.
Let me save you the time and trouble of sleeping out of your cozy bed like I did. All you have to do is print out my list of the essentials, get a cup of coffee, or better yet, get a glass of wine, check off what you already have, then cozy up and shop in the comfort of your own home. I’ve provided all the links to everything below.
Of course, you can still use the list below even if you don’t have a room that’s specifically dedicated to guests.
It doesn’t matter if your guests are sleeping on a bed, a pull-out couch or even an air mattress. You can gather these items together and place them in whatever space your guests will be sleeping. Believe me—it will be appreciated!

Print out your FREE copy of The Ultimate Guest Bedroom Checklist so you can check off each item and make sure your guest bedroom is ready for family and friends.

Guest Bedroom Essentials Checklist
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- Clean sheets and fresh towels

Always provide freshly laundered sheets and clean towels before your guests arrive. It’s a simple touch that helps your guests feel welcome the moment they arrive.
- Clean sheets and fresh towels
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- Comforter with an extra blanket for the end of the bed

I like to keep my house nice and cool at night. Placing an extra blanket at the foot of the bed gives guests an easy way to stay warm if they get chilly during the night.
- Comforter with an extra blanket for the end of the bed
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- 2 pillows per guest

Two pillows per guest help everyone sleep comfortably. Different people prefer different levels of support, so having an extra pillow available is always appreciated.
- 2 pillows per guest
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- Tissues
Keep a box of tissues on the nightstand so guests don’t have to search for one if they need it.
- Tissues
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- Wastebasket

Place a small wastebasket next to the bed or near the nightstand so guests have a convenient place to throw away tissues and other small items.
- Wastebasket
- Nightstand or bedside table

A bedside table gives guests a convenient place to keep their phone, glasses, a glass of water, medications, or anything else they like to have wiithin reach while they sleep.
- Water bottle or bedside carafe

Keep a water bottle or bedside carafe on the nightstand so guests have water within easy reach during the night.
- Power strip
A power strip makes it easy for guests to charge their phone, tablet, smartwatch or other devices without searching for extra outlets.
- Phone charger with a long cord

An extra charging cable is a thoughtful touch in case guests forget theirs or the nearest outlet isn’t close to their bed.
- Lamp for the nightstand

A bedside lamp gives guests a comfortable place to read, work, or unwind before going to sleep, just like they would at home.
- Notepad

Leave a notepad on the nightstand with a pen so guests can jot down directions, reminders, or travel plans.
- Full-length mirror

Many guests are visiting for weddings, graduations, business trips, or other special events. A full-length mirror lets them check their outfit before heading out. If wass space is limited, an over-the-door mirror is a great alternative.
- Luggage rack

A luggage rack gives guests a convenient place to set their suitcase without putting it on the bed or your furniture. If you don’t have one, a sturdy bench, chair or ottoman works just as well. Make sure guests have enough space to fully open their suitcase.
- Blackout curtains

Blackout curtains aren’t essential, but they can make a guest room much more comfortable, especially for guests who are light sleepers, adjusting to a new time zone, or sleeping in after a late night out.
- A few empty drawers and some hangers in the closet

Make sure your guests have a few empty drawers and several hangers available so they can unpack and settle in, especially if they’re staying for more than one night. If you don’t have enough drawer space, a small chest of drawers like this is a great addition to a guest room.
A card with your Wi-Fi password on it
Place the Wi-Fi card on the nightstand or dresser so guests can connect without having to ask for the password.
Download your FREE set of Wi-Fi Cards! Choose your favorite style: Casual or Formal? The choice is yours!
Print your favorite design, fill in your Wi-Fi information, and place it in your guest room before your next visitors arrive.
Click here to download your printable Ultimate Guest Bedroom Essentials Checklist. You can mark it up and be sure to get everything you want and need from the list.
If you have most of these essentials, your guest bedroom will be ready to welcome family and friends in comfort.
Did I miss any of your favorite guest room essentials? I’d love to hear what you include to make your guests feel at home.
Some people leave chocolates, fresh flowers or a handwritten note. Leave a comment below and let me know what special touches you add to your guest room.
P.S. I’d love to connect with you! Follow me on social media for more organizing tips, printables, and ideas.












You’ve gone to such great lengths to advise on whats ‘in’ for a lovely guest bedroom.
I visited my friend in Holland once and she had the best guest bedroom ever. She also had a cute little book and pen by the bed. She asked her guests to leave a little comment about their stay. I thought it was such a lovely idea too!
Joleisa, You’re right! That is such a lovely idea! It’s also a great keepsake. It reminds you who stayed over when, along with a sweet note from them. Kudos to your friend.
-Xoxo Deb
What a great list of ideas! I never would have thought about the Iphone charger but what a great help that would be! And the notebook and pen, brilliant!
Thanks Denise! I love trying to anticipate the needs of my guests. I’d hate getting into bed late at night at a friend’s house and then attempting to go through my emails or whatever and then no charge…..just a bummer. I try and think of things I’d like to have. Some of the things are just so simple to supply. Xoxo – Deb
This is such a considerate list. You’ve thought of everything! And as someone who sleeps with a bunch of pillows, I would always appreciate that second one.
Thanks Meredith, I totally agree! There is something about lots of pillows that makes me feel pampered. And that’s my goal for my guests. And it’s just so simple to have there waiting for them…and IMO makes the bed look so much nicer! Xoxo – Deb
These are other things I’ve added in my guest room:
Coasters on the nightstand
Small clock
White noise machine
Small decorative bin for snacks and water bottles (I pick snacks for the specific guests).
Laundry basket in the closet for dirty clothes
Thanks! Those are such good additions to the list! I think I’ll go and add them to my guest room now. Xoxo – Deb
I love your list! You are the girst person I’ve seen to include wifi password card! I’ve included that one myself. I never thought about extra cords for them to use. My brother-in-law often has to borrow cotds when he visits. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that one! Thank you!!!
Thanks Kelly! I love adding the little extras to make my guests a little more comfortable and not have to feel like a bother borrowing this or that. I hope you downloaded my Wi-Fi cards. Xoxo – Deb