The guest bedroom really comes into its own at this time of year. Over the holidays, it’s likely to come out of hibernation and see more traffic than it has all year. But that also means a few updates might be needed to turn it into the inviting retreat you want for your guests – and there may be some key dated elements that need switching out.
'Guest bedrooms serve a clear purpose: to welcome visitors and offer them comfort, ease, and a sense of being cared for,' explains Nick Cryer, founder of Berkely Place. 'When the design feels outdated, it can undermine that experience, which is why certain decor choices can instantly age the room.'
Even if it's only used by guests, you should design it much like you would your own bedroom. A guest bedroom deserves to be just as design-oriented as the rest of the house. By recognizing what makes a guest bedroom dated (and learning what to do instead), the space will become a thoughtful and welcoming retreat that's ready for visitors.
1. Old, Overused Bedding
According to Meghan Hackett Cassidy, Partner at Village Design Studio, bedding is a leading culprit in making a guest bedroom look and feel dated. 'Textiles age faster than most furnishings, and tired or overly patterned bedding can instantly make the room feel stuck in another era,' she explains.
Instead of using an old bedspread on your guest bed, opt for something fresh and new – like this Organic Cloud Cotton Quilt from Parachute Home, or this Linen Stripe Bedding Bundle from Quince. You might even consider adding a stylish blanket on top of the bed – like this Italian Herringbone Throw from Hudson Grace – as an extra layer of warmth and style. 'Refreshing the coverlet and duvet, whether or not you add custom shams, can immediately modernize and brighten the space,' Meghan adds.
Equally as important as what's on top of the bed is what lies underneath. Rather than dressing your guest room bed with old sheets that you've found in the depths of your linen closet, treat your guests to a comfortable night's sleep with the best bed sheets. Ettitude's Signature Bamboo Sheet Set is my personal favorite, but Brooklinen's Classic Percale Sheet Set is just as comfortable.
2. Dated Window Treatments
Window treatments can have a major impact on the overall atmosphere of a room, they can take up as much visual space as a rug or the bedding. According to interior designer Kim Piroli, 'Old (sometimes dusty) window treatments are quite the offender' in making a guest bedroom feel dated. This includes swags, heavy drapes, and ill-fitting treatments.
While there are some scenarios in which dramatic drapery can be desirable, it's best to keep window coverings in the guest bedroom simple, light, and airy – this way, they won't overwhelm the room's design or your guests upon entry.
Kim recommends replacing the heavier, dated styles with 'simple, solid panels that frame the window nicely and also provide privacy,' she says. Two Pages' Custom Day Night Roman Shade is a stylish choice, but if you prefer a long, sweeping curtain, try Pottery Barn's Emory Linen Curtain in ivory. It'll add some drama without overwhelming the space.
3. Matching Bedroom Sets
There is certainly a convenience and ease that comes with matching bedroom sets. You can buy everything in one place, and you're guaranteed a cohesive look. But here's the thing: matching sets in the guest bedroom are a telltale sign that the space is dated, and it can make the room look clinical and uninviting. Think cheap hotel over boutique B&B.
'Matching sets can look ‘old-school’ and predictable,' interior designer Juliette Byrne explains. Just envision a guest bedroom with a bed frame, nightstands, and dressers all in the same dark cherry wood color. According to Juliette, this over-coordination will 'look heavy in the room and old-fashioned compared to the modern materials that are used now,' she says.
Mixing furniture can result in a much more visually appealing guest bedroom. 'Mixed finishes such as using wood, upholstered items, and metal make a bedroom feel much more put together as though thought and time has gone into curating the space, rather than buying a matching set,' Juliette advises.
4. A Bad Lighting Scheme
Lighting ideas are an important consideration for every room of the house, but when it comes to the guest bedroom, lighting plays a key role in developing a warm and inviting atmosphere. The last thing you want is for your guest to have to deal with the sterile brightness of a large flush mount or the minimal illumination of a singular table lamp.
Designer Gabriel Scott recommends layering lighting to create a comfortable atmosphere in a guest bedroom. 'Where dated guest bedrooms relied on single sources, contemporary design orchestrates light as carefully as any other architectural element,' the designer explains. 'Statement pendants anchor rooms with sculptural presence. Sconces create intimate pools of warmth. Ambient systems layer in flexibility.'
Consider mounting wall sconces (like this chic Lupe Sconce from McGee & Co.) on either side of the guest bed instead of table lamps, and if you do have a central ceiling flush mount, a Tulip Shade can help ease the harshness from that light source. The trick is to include ample but ambient light throughout the space to ensure a comfortable atmosphere.
5. Random Knick-Knacks Everywhere
Because the guest bedroom isn't used all that often, it can sometimes turn into a storage room of sorts – a holding place for random objects, decorations, and small trinkets that you don't want to toss but you don't know where to put. According to Nick Cryer, an excess of knick-knacks can make the guest room feel 'cluttered rather than considered,' he says, and they can even date the room.
Now, there's no problem in using your guest room as a repository for miscellaneous items. In fact, some visitors might even prefer a guest bedroom that feels lived-in over one that's sparsely decorated. What's important is to keep knick-knacks to a minimum, and keep the space curated – this way, guests won't feel as if they're intruding into your space.
According to Nick, 'Instead of aiming for a purely polished hotel feel, the goal is a hotel-like retreat.' By tastefully decorating your guest room with some personal knick-knacks here and there and not overwhelming the room with random objects, you can create a characterful space that's fresh, homey, and welcoming for guests.
Shop the Guest Bedroom Edit
A luggage rack is a thoughtful detail that'll make your guests feel considered during their stay in your home. Not only can it be used to hold suitcases, but you can also style a tray on top of this luggage rack to create a makeshift table.
For their jewelry, keys, wallet, or other little objects, a trinket tray is a thoughtful guest room decor feature. Made from marble and designed with a scalloped rim, this one is a chic choice for a bedside table or dresser in your guest bedroom.
To ensure your guests' comfort throughout the entirety of their stay, it's a good idea to have a dedicated guest room blanket. This way, if your guest gets cold during the night, they don't have to search your house for a spare blanket because this one will already be in their room.
Here's a guest room decor feature that'll make your visitors feel truly cared for – a carafe and glass set. Although it's a small detail, this set will show your guests that you'll go the extra mile to ensure their comfort and satisfaction while they stay at your house.
As someone who always forgets to pack a phone charger, I'd find it most helpful to stay in a guest bedroom with a charging pad on the dresser. Made from genuine marble, this one is ultra sleek, and allows charging for two devices at once. It's a helpful, thoughtful, and stylish touch.
It's always a good idea to keep a fresh set of towels in your guest bedroom for visitors to use during their stay. Consisting of two bath towels and two hand towels, this set is just what your guest bedroom needs. Plus, since these are made from Turkish cotton, they're extra plush and soft.
Now you know just what to do to keep your guest bedroom from looking dated. However, if you want to go the extra mile and turn the room into a 5-star worthy suite, read up on our designer-approved ideas on how to make a guest bedroom look expensive.
