‘Tis the season of hosting and big nights in. And that means dressing (your home) to impress. Don’t leave it till the last minute – start early and tackle it room by room so you’re not left with a whole place to clean and tidy the night before Christmas.
And if you have guests staying over, make sure your spare bedroom or – for some, your lounge – is spick-and-span to give them the best hospitality.
Guest bedrooms might be used only occasionally, yet there’s no reason for not making your guests feel looked after. It’s easier than you think to create a cosy room for rest and relaxation – even if space is at a premium. All you need is a bit of planning + a few clever tricks, courtesy of some great furniture and home accessories.
Don’t know where to start? Fear not – just follow these four simple steps to get your room ready in time for the festive period. You never know, it could just be the little bit of inspiration you need. Warning: Just don’t blame us if your guests feel too at home and don’t ever want to leave…
Step 1 – Start with the bed
A restful night’s sleep begins with the right foundations, and the bed is the perfect place to start. If possible, opt for a double bed which feels luxe for a single guest while still providing enough room for a couple. Our Mirage Bed comes in three sizes including single, double and king size, with the option of under-bed storage to store away extra bedding and blankets.
A bed wouldn’t be complete without a comfy mattress, so your guests can catch those much-needed ZZZs and wake up feeling refreshed. Medium or firm? Our exclusive Deep Sleep Mattress offers the best of both worlds – with “medium” on one side and “firm” on the other. How? The fibre layers at the top of the mattress allows your body to settle into its natural resting position on one side, while the thicker, super-high resilience foam beneath the fibres provides a durable supportive base on the opposite side.
Only have guests occasionally? Then our Trundle Bed or Loop Stacking Bed is the ideal solution. The former features a roll-out bed cleverly stored underneath, while the latter consists of two frames that can be placed side by side to make a king size bed when not stacked together. Made from solid birch, both Trundle and Loop are designed for small spaces and go with futon mattresses available in different comfort levels.
For those who live in a bijou one-bed, the best option is to have a sofa bed – or daybed – that can sit in the lounge offering both comfort and flexibility; try Bella or Napper. And if you prefer something more flexible (and foldable), you can’t go wrong with our portable Go Bed range. From Bed in a Bag to Pop Out and Zip Up Beds, they are perfect for a sleepover or an impromptu afternoon snooze. Handmade by our own craftsmen, they’re space-saving and easy to store; plus, they’re available in different sizes and colour options.
Step 2 – Choose the right bedding
A soft duvet and pillows are what sweet dreams are made of. And nothing says luxury quite like down and feather. A natural filling, down and feather give superb warmth and fluffiness, thanks to their well-insulated quality that traps air efficiently. And because less filling is needed, they make a duvet or pillow super light and cosy. But for those with allergies, a synthetic filling – such as microfibre or hollowfibre polyester – is a better option, which can be washed regularly at high temperatures.
Choosing the right bed linen is equally important, and there’s nothing more comforting than that crisp, clean sheet feeling? According to interior design magazine, Livingetc, “percale cotton is cooler to the touch and is suited to hot sleepers, whilst sateen cotton has a naturally heavier drape, making it ideal for those that feel cold in the night”. Not sure if your guests are hot or cold sleepers? Then adding a natural linen sheet should do the job, as it’s “a natural insulator to trap more heat under a duvet at the same time as being temperature regulating and comfortable to sleep under on its own”.
To dress the bed like a pro for some boutique hotel vibes, plump two pillows on each side of the bed and place them on top of the duvet. Next, get layering. We’re talking sink-in cushions and fluffy blankets in super luxe, textured fabrics – like velvet, faux fur and sheepskin – for that extra toasty feeling.
Step 3 – Add accent furniture
If your guests are staying for more than one night, go the extra mile and make the room as inviting and comfortable as possible. A simple armchair, or side chair, goes a long way – a place where your guests can relax and enjoy a good book or podcast. Compact yet perfectly proportioned, our solid oak Loop Chair is the perfect perch for space savvy slouching. Like the look but want a bit more oomph? Our Ebb Rocking Chair should seal the deal, especially if space is not an issue.
Brr! It’s cold outside and you’re after something more cocooning and snuggly? Our Brumas Chair is the one for you. It feels as good as it looks – with its killer curves and bouclé upholstered seat and back; plus, there is a stool to match. Bliss!
Meanwhile, add a side table for a stylish lamp or a practical surface to keep a hot brew. With its removable tray lid, our Cache Table offers useful storage to tuck away travel knick-knacks. Or if you have a stool, like our Edo, make the most of it and use it as a side table. Clever, eh?
If you’re expecting some design savvy guests, impress them with our Libby Side Table – a smart metal table with matt black on the outside and an enamelled colour on the inside. Alternatively, if you’re after some mid-century vibes, then you won’t want to miss our Dias Table. Designed for small space living, this side table is compact enough to fit into a tight corner. A true space saver with style and elegance.
Step 4 – The finishing touch
Yes, it’s all in the details. Welcome your guests with a nice diffuser or candle on a nightstand. Keep it serene – a calming scent can instantly make the room feel homely and help the guests settle. As well as for reading, a bedside lamp with a soft, warm glow is also ideal for creating just the right ambience. Elevate the room with one of our Kashmir Porcelain Lamps, or our Ball Lamp for a more contemporary look with a pop of colour.
It’s the little things that count. Treat your guests to some lovely toiletries and pop them in a little basket. Small plants – or fauxtanicals with no watering needed – also make a wonderful touch, zhuzhing up the space in no time. And don’t forget to leave fresh clean towels – neatly folded – on the end of the bed before your guests arrive.
Last but not least, your wifi password and a phone charger – if you feel super accommodating – are always handy and guaranteed to earn you the superhost status.
Now, all that’s missing? Something chilled and bubbly to welcome your guests and make it a five-star experience for them.
