Property Buying Agent Reveals Simple Hacks to Elevate a Guest Bedroom
As the lighter evenings roll in and calendars fill with bank holidays, family visits and friends staying over, the guest bedroom comes into its own. With spring and summer marking peak hosting season across the UK, a recent Wren survey highlights a wider issue in many homes.
Although many use their bedroom for storage and rely on it as a dressing space, more than a third say they are forced to keep clothes and belongings in other rooms, including hallways and spare bedrooms, due to limited wardrobe space. As a result, many homeowners find themselves facing the same last-minute scramble when preparing for guests.
Now, Wren Bedrooms are encouraging households to rethink the guest bedroom not as an afterthought, but as an opportunity. With the right design choices, even the smallest spare room can feel clutter free.
A guest bedroom should feel intentional, not improvised—it’s where guests settle in and unwind. It doesn’t need a full renovation to feel like a reset, but it does need smart planning, thoughtful storage, and a design that makes people feel considered the moment they walk in.
Drawing on expert insight from Joanne Dodsworth, Head of Bedrooms at Wren, and property buying agent Robin Edwards from Curetons Property Finders, we share five key ways to transform a guest bedroom ahead of the busy hosting season.
1. Practical storage that helps guests settle in
“Guests quickly look for places to put their belongings, so practical storage is one of the most important parts of a guest bedroom. Somewhere to hang clothes, a few empty drawers, a suitcase spot and a place to sit other than the bed all help visitors feel comfortable straight away. A dressing table or full-length mirror can also make the room feel more complete,” says Robin Edward.
Joanne Dodsworth agrees, “A guest room should make things easy. The best designs give people somewhere obvious to put their things without making the room feel overcrowded. Tailored bedroom furniture is a great solution for hanging space, shelving and drawers without taking up unnecessary room. Internal storage accessories such as shoe racks, trouser rails and drawer dividers can also help guests feel settled.”
“Fitted wardrobes and bedroom furniture tailored to your room provide flexible hanging, shelving and drawer space. Bespoke fitted wardrobes including sliding, walk in or angled options adapt to unique layouts, making practical storage look elegant, while coordinated bedside tables and chests offer handy space for everyday essentials within reach,” says Joanne.
2. The bed sets the standard immediately
“The bed is the focal point of any guest room. Crisp, fresh hotel-style bedding signals care and quality instantly, and creates the feeling that the space has been prepared rather than quickly tidied,” says Robin. “You cannot go wrong with classic plain white bedding for a clean and timeless finish, while a pop of colour through cushions, a blanket or a throw can add warmth and personality without overwhelming the space,” he says.
Joanne agrees, “Guests might not remember the exact paint colour or the accessories on the shelf, but they will remember how the bed looked and how it felt. A comfortable mattress and a bed that feels dressed properly instantly changes the tone of the room. Coordinated bedside cabinets and drawer units that match fitted wardrobes create a seamless look, while a bespoke bedroom design service helps plan layouts around your bed and furnishings so everything feels intentional and cohesive.”
3. Lighting creates a welcoming feel
“Lighting is one of the quickest ways to make a guest bedroom feel welcoming, yet it is often overlooked. Harsh overhead lighting or dim corners can instantly make the space feel uninviting. Guests naturally look for soft lighting, particularly bedside lamps, which help create a relaxing atmosphere in the evening. Good lighting is also important during the day, especially if guests need a bright space for doing their hair or makeup,” says Robin.
“You can also integrate lighting into fitted cabinets to enhance both function and finish. For good ambient lighting, pendant and flush mounted ceiling lights are essential, while accent lighting should be used to highlight key features. It is about creating balance depending on the size of the bedroom. Avoid full length floor lamps in tighter spaces, while in larger rooms it can work well to go bigger with overhead lighting alongside side lamps to create depth,” says Joanne.
4. A calm and clear space is key
“A calm and clear space feels instantly welcoming. If surfaces are overloaded or the room feels like it has become an overflow storage area, guests will notice immediately. Even if the room is clean, visual clutter can make it feel chaotic, smaller, and less comfortable to stay in,” says Robin.
“The most common mistake people make is treating the spare room as storage first and a bedroom second. Fitted wardrobes are the most effective way to hide everyday clutter while maintaining a sleek look, avoiding the need for standalone clothes rails or bulky storage units, which can overwhelm the room,” advises Joanne.
“Bespoke fitted furniture is designed to maximise every corner, meaning storage becomes part of the design rather than an add-on. Over-bed storage and angled wardrobes help utilise awkward spaces to keep surfaces clear, while built-in storage stops visual clutter and makes every piece feel solid, rather than temporary,” says Joanne.
5. Create a sense of privacy for the guests
A guest bedroom should offer a sense of escape, helping visitors feel comfortable and settled from the moment they arrive.
This can be achieved through subtle design choices like zoning the room with rugs or lighting, adding blackout curtains for uninterrupted rest, and using soft furnishings to absorb noise and create a calming effect.
Joanne highlights that even small additions can make a big difference. “It’s about making the space feel self-sufficient,” she explains, “so guests don’t feel like they need to rely on other areas of the home.” By creating a room that feels thoughtfully arranged and slightly removed from the rest of the house, homeowners can give guests a greater sense of privacy and ease.”