Curating a beautiful guest bathroom in your home takes a slightly different approach than other rooms. It's used less frequently than other bedrooms or bathrooms, and it brings different needs and requirements to not only feel functional, but also impress visitors.
While guest bedroom ideas are often easier to get right, the guest bathroom can be a bit trickier. These rooms are often smaller and therefore need a bit of creative design vision to bring them to life. Plus, there are a few extra steps to make them guest-ready.
It feels like a lot to consider, but interior designers say it's easier than you might think. Here are the simple steps and ideas you need to create the most memorable guest bathroom, from layout and storage to color and the all important smaller details that make your visitor's stay feel extra special.
How to Design a Guest Bathroom: 13 Ideas From Interior Designers
Designing and decorating a guest bathroom is quite different from your primary suite. There are added steps that make guests feel welcome and looked after that just wouldn't be a consideration outside of a guest bathroom. Even guest bathroom color choices differ, with bolder, less expected shades recommended by designers.
'When designing a guest bathroom, it’s important to think beyond function and focus on the experience you’re creating for your guests. This is a space where you can be a bit more daring and have fun with design choices,' says interior designer Jennifer Davis. Here's everything to consider.
1. Maximize Space By Removing Runs of Bulky Cabinetry and Prioritizing Flow
A guest bathroom is used infrequently and usually for short periods of time. As such, your guests don't need to store endless supplies or refills, so your layout and hidden storage options should reflect this, as interior designer Rebekah Murphy explains.
'Unlike a primary bathroom, guests won’t bring all of their usual comforts with them, so the space has to anticipate their needs intuitively. Good lighting, clear circulation, and durable materials that still feel elevated are essential,' she says.
'I always advise clients to think about the guest experience from arrival to departure. How easy is it to find everything, and how does the space make them feel?' And being able to reduce the storage compared to a primary bathroom means you can focus more on the flow and layout.
Consider how easy it is to use the guest bathroom. Is it clear where guests can find towels and extra toilet paper rolls, and does it feel spacious or overly crowded? It's these smaller details that you don't think about in other bathrooms that make all the difference.
'When designing a guest bathroom, it’s important to think beyond your own daily routines and consider the experience of someone unfamiliar with the space. Ease of use is key – clear layouts, intuitive lighting, and practical storage for personal items all help guests feel comfortable and confident,' says interior designer Rebecca Hughes.
'A guest bathroom benefits from a more pared-back approach. Unlike a primary bathroom, it doesn’t need to accommodate personal routines or a huge amount of storage, so the focus should be on universally appealing finishes and elements, as well as a layout that feels instinctive,' adds interior designer Laura Hammett.
2. Always Add Some Open Storage
Even though a guest bathroom doesn't need heaps of storage, it still needs some. Your spare guest towels need a place to live, as do cleaning supplies and overflow essentials you require for the room.
'A guest bathroom has different needs than a primary bath. It’s important to plan for space where guests can comfortably set down travel cases and personal items, even if they’re only staying a night or two,' says Jennifer.
'Clear, intuitive bathroom storage is also key, especially for full sets of towels. We typically recommend planning for two complete towel sets per overnight guest so everything feels generous, organized, and effortless. These small considerations go a long way in creating a guest experience that feels intentional and well cared for,' she adds.
A lot of the storage required of a guest bathroom is often better as open and on display, as guests can easily see where items have been left for them, and they feel more as though they have been left to be used, rather than rummaging through someone's cupboards.
'A guest bathroom benefits from clarity and ease. In a primary bath, storage is often tailored to habits; in a guest bath, storage must be obvious and accessible. Hooks instead of towel bars, non-slip flooring, intuitive faucet hardware, and a night light or low-level lighting source all matter,' suggests Rebekah.
You also need to remember that this isn't your guests' personal home, so the way they use the bathroom will differ. For example, they will likely want to take all of their toiletries and clothing for the day with them, so make sure you create space for these to be placed.
For interior designer Allison Lind, this is where benches come in useful. 'If the bathroom isn't ensuite, a bench or built-in spot where they can set a change of clothes enables a private spot to get ready – avoid running into Uncle Rob in a robe as he comes down the hall post shower.'
Simple, unfussy hooks are best in a guest bathroom, and this classic design is the perfect choice. It's elegant, feels luxurious, but is still totally practical.
Open storage in a guest bathroom makes it clear for guests to find what they need. This marble and brass design is perfect for even the smallest of spaces.
This wooden bench is perfect for a guest bedroom. It provides a surface to place clothes as guests shower, while offering additional shelf storage beneath.
3. Design a Layout that Suits the Room and How Guests Will Use It
The bathroom layout is just as important in your guest space as any other. The configuration you choose will depend on the size of your guest bathroom and how long your guests typically stay for.
The first thing to decide is whether or not to include a bath. It feels like a luxury addition, but will it take up too much space, and will it even be used if guests are only staying one or two nights?
Instead, a walk-in shower or a wet room approach might be more appropriate and maximize the available space. Guests will be more impressed by a beautifully design shower than they will a cramped tub situation.
If you do have space or the desire for a bath in a guest bathroom, make sure it is designed intentionally into your space. Below a bathroom window can feel truly luxurious, or for the full hotel experience, why not put a freestanding bath in a bedroom? These layout decisions will help to frame the rest of your design.
4. Make Sure Your Guest Bathroom Has Sufficient Ventilation
There are still some practical things you need to consider in a guest bathroom, and while they might not feel the most glamorous, they do make a huge difference to how comfortable your guests feel.
The biggest consideration most people forget? Ventilation. In your own home, you're probably more than happy to just open a window, whack on the heating, or even use a dehumidifier now and again. But guests won't, so you need to factor this into your guest bathroom design.
'Ventilation is more important than people realize, as guests may feel uncomfortable opening windows,' advises Rebekah, so make sure you plan for this while you are designing. If it's not possible, let guests know that they are welcome to open the windows as and when they need, and show them how if you have older windows.
5. Have Fun with Color, and Try Something Bolder
If you were thinking of filling your guest bathroom with white on white tones, think again. Designers often refer to this space as a confidence zone, so going a bit bolder and braver with color is key. And it will be far more impressive to guests, too.
'A guest bathroom should feel effortlessly welcoming. It’s often a smaller space, but that doesn’t mean it should feel secondary. In fact, I see the guest bathrooms or powder rooms as a chance to wow your guests,' says Laura.
'I love crafting an unexpected jewel box of a room. The key is balance, functionality, and cohesion: beautiful proportions, considered materials, and a sense of calm that allows the room to feel resolved and complete,' she explains.
'I vote for not playing it safe in guest baths,' agrees Allison. 'Give guests an extra special experience. Let's face it, you don't love your favorite hotel because it uses a nice basic white subway tile. Make it a space that feels special to be in by making it anything but ordinary.'
The best colors to decorate a guest bathroom are always a little bolder – think moody hues like chocolate brown or burgundy, richer, warmer neutrals paired with muddy earth tones, and even rich jewel tones that add a regal air to the room.
And white? It's the one color designers say to avoid in a guest bathroom, so take this as your sign to be a bit more experimental. Even if you prefer neutrals, opt for warmer hues and layer with natural textures and warm-toned metals.
6. Add Pattern with Wallpaper
Paint colors aren't the only way to create a more confident design. Textiles, tiles, and wallpaper are all key to a layered, striking look. Bathroom wallpaper in particular can be a luxurious choice, bringing pattern and interest to the walls in abundance.
'I love using wallpaper or specialty paint - it’s one of my favorite ways to elevate a guest bathroom. It adds visual interest and makes the space feel intentional, like it’s been thoughtfully designed rather than treated as an afterthought. That extra layer really helps differentiate it from a basic bathroom,' says interior designer Ethan Charles.
A lot of people assume that a bolder design means a bigger budget, but with the right approach, it can be done more affordably than you might think. After all, most of us don't want to spend a fortune on a space that doesn't see so much use.
'I think most people push a guest bath down on their priorities when it comes to budget and design. But low cost doesn't have to mean bland design,' assures Allison. 'If you don't have the budget for an exciting tile or marble counter, you can still make the room feel special with a funky wallpaper or window treatment.'
Earthy and almost retro in style, this wallpaper is the perfect addition if you want something bold but not overly busy.
For a more classic, romantic look, this illustrated floral design feels classic and calming, perfect for a statement feature with timeless appeal.
For something bold and moody, this bird-themed design is a striking choice. It's bold yet still classical, so you can be sure to love it for years to come.
7. Choose Durable Materials
As much as you want your guest bathroom to feel beautifully designed, it's still important to consider the durability. Everyone has different habits – some people use purple shampoo, which can leave a residue, while others might be a splashy face washer, so these messier habits need to be accommodated for.
'The delicacy of materials is really important to think about when designing a guest bathroom. Let’s be honest, nobody treats your home the way you do, so it’s important to use hard-wearing materials so you’re not constantly worrying about something getting ruined,' suggests Ethan.
Bathroom tiles are always a great choice to blend style and functionality. Make sure the shower is well sealed, and consider tiling a bit higher around the bathroom vanity area for easy cleaning. Even your bathroom textiles should be considered here. Make sure you choose machine-washable designs, and make sure you add a liner to protect your beautiful shower curtain design.
8. Accommodate Plenty of Countertop Space, and Consider a Double Sink
If there's one element that is always overlooked in a guest bathroom, it's the countertop and sink space. In your own home, all of your essentials are neatly stored in a vanity or medicine cabinet, but guests will have all their products stored in toiletry bags, so they will need somewhere to keep them close to hand.
'If space allows, double sinks are helpful for couples or families coming to stay. Storage space is less important than ample counter space – unless guests are staying for the long haul, they're not likely to unpack and put everything in a medicine cabinet, for example. Instead, a nice open counter space where they can set their makeup bag, bath supplies, etc., comes in handy,' Allison advises.
'Luxury comes from quality rather than excess. Well-crafted brassware, generous mirrors, and beautifully finished surfaces immediately elevate the space. Always include a generous amount of vanity space around the sink, as guests often need this for laying out washbags or makeup bags if they don’t fully unpack,' adds Laura.
You can always elevate the space further by adding trays for perfumes to sit on, a little shelf for skin care products, hooks beside the sink to hang toiletry bags from, and toothbrush holders to encourage guests to make themselves feel at home.
A small shelf like this one is a useful addition for guests to store their perfume, beauty products, or skin care essentials during their stay.
Providing a toothbrush holder encourages guests to make themselves at home. This white fluted design with a green edge is a playful addition.
Some products (perfumes included) can be harmful to countertops, so providing a tray prevents damage. This glass design is pretty and easy to clean.
9. Be Smart About Where You Place Fittings
The fittings you introduce and where you introduce them are so important in the comfort and usability of your guest bathroom. It's easy to overlook features with the mindset of minimal use, but some things are more important than you might think.
'One item that people often overlook in a guest bathroom is handheld showerheads. We incorporate one in every bathroom we design, including guest bathrooms. They serve multiple purposes, from everyday use to cleaning, and people often assume a guest bathroom doesn’t need one. In my opinion, it absolutely does. All bathrooms do,' says Ethan.
Things like towel hooks and rails also need to be considered. It's all well and good placing them on that empty bit of wall across the room, but it's inconvenient if your guests can't just grab them easily from their position in the shower.
'Like any part of your house, a guest room says a lot about the kind of person you are—and how the space is set up signals how much you value your guests,' adds interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins. 'Conveniently located outlets for hair dryers, razors, and other tools are true must-haves.'
As Laura explains, it's all about making life easy and comfortable for those staying with you. 'Details that support comfort are often underestimated. The placement of fittings within easy reach, the feel of materials underfoot, and adequate storage for guest toiletries all contribute to how welcoming the room feels. These are subtle elements, but they make a significant difference,' she notes.
10. Flattering Lighting is Key
Bathroom lighting is really important in every scheme, but in a guest bathroom, it's incredibly noticeable when you get it wrong. It's the one space your guests have to get ready for the day, so ensuring you offer flattering illumination is key.
'Thoughtful lighting is also essential, helping to soften the face glow and make it comfortable for both getting ready for the day and unwinding at night,' says Laura. For comfortable lighting throughout the day, layering is key.
'Layered, flattering light ensures the space feels inviting and helps everyone look and feel their best. When done right, a guest bathroom becomes a small but memorable moment of hospitality in your home,' explains Jennifer.
The best way to get your lighting scheme right is to use the guest bathroom for a day to see where the lighting does and doesn't work, and then evaluate how you can fix it, whether it's through bulb temperatures or lighting types.
'Lighting is crucial. A single overhead can be unflattering and impractical. A layered scheme with a sconce at the mirror creates both function and warmth,' adds Rebekah. You can also add cordless lamps to your guest bathroom countertops to not only add extra ambiance, but also to give your guests flexibility to move them as they need.
11. Place Mirrors for Ease of Use and to Bounce Light
Talking of lighting, bathroom mirrors go hand-in-hand with this step. In a guest bathroom, you want to ensure you are providing adequate mirrors for getting ready (that flatter), and as guest bathrooms are usually small and sometimes feature only small windows, elevate the lighting.
A vanity mirror is an essential. Make sure you opt for something of decent size and hang it at a height that works for people of varying heights. You can also get away with going for something more decorative, adding to the wow-factor of your design.
It's always a lovely touch to add either an extending wall mirror or a handheld one, so guests can adjust the height, angle, and closeness of the mirror as they get ready, whether they are applying makeup or having a shave.
Once you've got those elements sorted, you can think about how you can utilize mirrors for better light. 'Tall mirrors can enhance the proportions of a bathroom, making the ceiling feel higher. Likewise, in a narrow space we can trick the eye into thinking the space is wider,’ says Ali Johnson, director at Otta Design.
‘Position a mirror opposite or next to a window to amplify the natural light or place it in the darkest corner of a guest bathroom, behind a light source, to encourage the light’s reach through the space.’
There's something so chic about wooden accessories, and this table mirror will certainly come in useful. The base also doubles as a jewelry dish.
To have surface space, this adjustable wall mirror is another useful addition that you often find at luxury hotels. The perfect getting-ready companion for guests.
There's something so luxurious about a handheld mirror, and this vintage-inspired design is a stunning choice that doubles as a practical piece.
12. Elevate with Finishing Touches
The luxury in a guest bathroom is more than a paint color or a pretty tile. Those finishing touches that you leave for guests, the things that feel reminiscent of a hotel stay, are what will elevate your design.
'Luxury in a guest bath comes from small acts of hospitality expressed through materials and function. A beautifully upholstered or woven stool for placing a bag or clothing and soft, oversized guest towels rolled or stacked visibly,' says Rebekah.
'Luxury is what we aim for in a guest bath,' agrees Jennifer. 'Thoughtful touches like plush, high-quality towels, beautiful soap and lotion dispensers, and a small tray for personal items instantly elevate the experience.'
A candle or diffuser is another touch that gives guests an elevated experience. Use the same scent in the guest bedroom and bathroom, and your guests will always associate the fragrance with your home.
'Scented candles from brands like Le Labo or Diptyque bring a subtle touch of indulgence,' suggests Rebecca. You don't have to choose expensive ones; just ensure the smell is subtle and soothing, such as scents of vanilla and cashmere.
13. Add Thoughtful, Personalized Details that Make a Guest Feel Special
Nothing makes guests feel more special than a personalized experience. And in the guest bathroom, it's about leaving thoughtful tokens for them to enjoy, whether it's a few complimentary products or elevated basics.
'Little details go a long way: a cute vase with fresh flowers or greenery, a fancy hand soap, even a little "I'm so glad you're here" note accompanying a cute bowl filled with your favorite things,' says Allison.
Leaving out miniatures of luxury products, whether it's hand cream, shampoo, and conditioner, or a stack of face towels, is a lovely touch that makes guests feel like they've been thought about. You probably know them well if they are staying at your house, so tailor products to those who are staying.
'These gestures signal thoughtfulness and make guests feel welcomed rather than accommodated. Matching hardware, a well-designed soap dispenser, and a clean, freshly lined waste basket also elevate the space more than people expect,' adds Rebekah.
Offering luxurious soap tells your guests you care about their experience. This soap and lotion set looks so elevated, with the option to add the marble caddy.
Anthropologie always offers the best candle designs, and this one is no different. With a striped design and delicious scent, it's a must-add to your guest bathroom.
All the chicest hosts give their guests hand-written notes to share information on arrival or as a thank you. This personalized set makes it feel more luxurious.
Guest Bathroom FAQs
How Can You Design a Welcoming Guest Bathroom?
The best way to ensure that a guest bathroom feels warm and welcoming is to go for statement fixtures and fittings. 'Make a guest bedroom more personal by upping the design not only in terms of cabinetry, mirrors, and fittings but also wallpaper, rugs, choice of towels, and art,' says Barbara Sallick, co-founder of Waterworks and author of The Perfect Bath.
How Can You Easily Elevate a Guest Bathroom?
If you've got guests coming to stay soon, and you don't have the time or budget for a full makeover, there are a few quick jobs you can do that will instantly elevate your guest bathroom.
A Deep Clean
Before guests arrive, cleaning the bathroom is the first thing to add to your to-do list. Most of us let these little jobs slide when guests haven't stayed for a while, so begin by giving the space a deep clean and familiarize yourself with how to clean grout in floor tiles.
Lana Wear, founder and CEO at HomeWear Designs says, 'Cleanliness is key to making guests feel comfortable. Scrub off water stains, launder linens and bathmats, and wipe down surfaces before your guests arrive.'
Clint Collins, owner of Houston Furniture Rental & Sales adds, 'Much of the grout material we use in our homes is white, which ends up making dirt, mildew, and dust extremely visible. A quick trick we use when staging a home is to mix baking soda (such as Arm & Hammer baking soda, at Walmart) and water and use an older rag to scrub the grout. The baking soda is a mildly abrasive substance that will help break down stains and reduce any odors.'
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
Ginger Curtis, founder and CEO at Urbanology Designs says, 'A quick and easy way to transform a guest bathroom is with a fresh coat of paint. Consider a moody, rich tone like deep blue or dark charcoal for a luxurious feel, or a soft, neutral color to create a serene environment.'
Decorate with House Plants
Lana Wear says, 'Plants are a great way to warm up the space. In a windowless room, faux succulents work well and add a modern touch. If you have natural light, humidity-loving plants like orchids, pothos, or ferns are ideal. For a pop of color, cut flowers in a low vase also do the trick.'
Refresh Small Accessories
Melanie Olson of Melanie Olson Design Group says, 'Bath accessories are a great way to spruce up the space. Updating the tissue holders, towel bars, and rings can really elevate the room. Most outdated guest bathrooms have rusted chrome finishes, with little to no decorative detail. Replacing these with a fresh polished nickel or brass finish can help tie the space together.'
Clint Collins points out that, 'Hand towels can be a strategic tool in a guest bathroom. If you're staging your home, a seasonal color pop (warmer colors for fall and winter, cooler colors for spring and summer) can help attract the eye to a sometimes overlooked room of the home and make it stand out.'
Swap Out Your Guest Shower Curtain
Nothing shows signs of age and wear like an old shower curtain. It's also a feature that can ruin the luxury appeal of your guest bathroom, so swap out a basic design for something more decorative and of higher quality. A linen or cotton design, like The Printed Cotton Slub Shower Curtain Collection from Anthropologie.
How Do You Make a Guest Bathroom More Private?
To make a private guest bathroom or ensuite, it can make sense to carve an area from the bedroom space, building a stud wall between the sleeping and bathing areas. But if the guest bathroom doesn’t have a window, chances are that it could be a dark and uninviting room.
Interior designer Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co recommends using a floor-to-ceiling wall of ribbed glass as a room divider between the bedroom and ensuite to let the light flow through the spaces. ‘It makes a design feature with its alternate panels of horizontal and vertical ribbed glass and black framing, and offers some privacy in the bathroom,’ she explains.
Privacy around the WC is another important consideration. 'It makes sense to make the loo as discreet as possible, perhaps tucked behind the entrance door or hidden behind a full or half-height wall,’ says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms. ‘The screening of a door or wall provides privacy and also ensures that the loo isn’t the focal point of a bathroom design, a position better occupied by a beautiful bath or luxurious shower.’
A guest bathroom thrives when the small details are clearly considered. The color and layout elevate the flow and comfort guests feel as they use it, while guest bathroom essentials, such as pretty soaps or stocking their favorite products, create the personalized experience your guests will remember.
Designer Allison Lind put it perfectly: 'Think about what you love when you visit your favorite hotel or B&B – sometimes it's the smallest things that can make a guest feel special and welcomed.'
