Are you thinking of converting a spare room into a guest room? You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make it a charming escape for your guests. Just imagine an inviting bed and breakfast or classy hotel, and then look for ways to replicate something similar for your guest room on a less expensive scale.

In creating the guest room there are some basic furnishings to consider: 1) a comfortable bed; 2) clothing storage; and 3) seating. In addition you should consider flexible lighting and some accessories to make the space a welcoming retreat.

Guest Bed
For the sake of comfort, invest in a quality mattress. Not only will your guests sleep better, but also a good quality mattress will last for years, saving you money in the long run.

Bed size will be determined by the space in your room. A full or queen size bed is best for single adults or couples. If you have the space, 2 twin beds offer more flexibility for all ages. When space is lacking, consider a sofa bed or fold-down Murphy style bed.

Dress the bed with attractive linens. Feel free to mix colors and textures. If you find this challenging, many department stores provide bed-in-a-bag sets that are reasonably priced in an assortment of styles. Don’t forget to provide your guests with a few spare blankets for comfort. These can be folded at the end of the bed or kept in a closet or drawer.

Clothing Storage

The easiest way to provide clothing storage is with a closet and a dresser. If your room doesn’t have a closet, substitute with a free standing armoire, or at the very least, a small hanging wrack like a coat tree.

An empty dresser with roomy drawers is ideal. The dresser top provides an area for guests to place some of their smaller items, too.

Seating
It’s always nice to have a chair or two in the guest room. This allows your visitors a place to sit down to take off their shoes or to set out their suitcase. The type of seating is a matter of preference. A rocking chair by the window or a comfortable easy chair invites your guests to relax.

Lighting
Don’t overlook the lighting. Choose window treatments that allow the option to block early morning light. Add a dimmer to the main light switch; a reading lamp or two; and a night light. Such options allow your guests to control the lighting that best suits their needs.

Small Touches Count
Other small touches for your guest room might include a writing desk or table with some pretty stationery and writing pens. An alarm clock and an attractive water pitcher placed by the bed. A phone book and a small collection of interesting reading material. You could include maps, tours, and folklore of the area or provide some books or magazines that cater to your guests interests like crossword puzzles or mysteries. A basket filled with sample shampoos and soaps, along with some big fluffy towels will make your guests feel really pampered.

When furnishing your guest room, save money by hunting through your home for pieces you can use in this space. Alternatively, scour the classifieds or yard sales for used items. You never know when someone else’s junk may be the perfect treasure for your room. If you like, breathe new life into your finds with a fresh coat of paint. A RTA (ready-to-build) furniture piece that you assemble yourself is another inexpensive option.

Last, but not least, display your favorite collections or artwork to add character and charm to the room. A few simple pieces and decorative touches and you will have an inviting area for visitors to linger.