Ever walked into a guest bedroom and instantly felt like you’re in a budget motel? Even with good intentions, certain elements can make your guest space feel less than welcoming.
Creating a cozy retreat for visitors doesn’t require a complete renovation or expensive upgrades.
By addressing these common mistakes, you can transform a lackluster space into a stylish sanctuary that will have guests extending their stay.
1. Bare Walls
Staring at blank walls feels like being in a hospital room rather than a welcoming guest space. Empty walls create an unfinished, temporary feeling that screams ‘we didn’t care enough to decorate.’
Hang artwork that complements your color scheme to instantly elevate the space. Framed prints, tapestries, or even a gallery wall of family photos create visual interest and conversation starters. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful touches that make the room feel complete.
2. Plastic Vertical Blinds
Remember those flimsy plastic slats that clack together and never quite close properly? These dated window treatments scream ‘rental property’ and instantly cheapen any room they inhabit.
Swap them out for fabric curtains that puddle slightly on the floor for an instant luxury upgrade. Even inexpensive panels look high-end when hung properly—mount the rod close to the ceiling and extend it beyond the window frame to create the illusion of larger windows.
3. Exposed Electrical Cords
A tangled web of black cords snaking across the floor or dangling from nightstands creates visual chaos. This electronic spaghetti instantly signals a lack of attention to detail.
Tidy up with cord clips, cord covers that match your wall color, or strategically placed furniture. For a more permanent solution, consider having an electrician install additional outlets in convenient locations.
4. Inadequate Lighting
A single overhead light casting harsh shadows makes any room feel like an interrogation chamber. Poor lighting creates an unwelcoming atmosphere and makes everyday tasks difficult for your guests.
Create a layered lighting scheme with a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. A bedside lamp for reading, soft overhead lighting, and perhaps a small accent light in a corner transforms the mood instantly. Bonus points for installing dimmer switches to allow guests to customize their experience.
5. Flimsy Particleboard Furniture
We’ve all seen those wobbly dressers and nightstands that look like they might collapse under the weight of a paperback book. Cheap, unassembled furniture screams “temporary solution” rather than thoughtful guest accommodation. You don’t need to splurge on high-end pieces.
Look for solid wood options at thrift stores or estate sales that can be refinished. Even budget furniture looks more expensive when it’s sturdy and well-maintained. Quality over quantity makes all the difference.
6. Mismatched Bedding Sets
Nothing screams ‘afterthought’ quite like a hodgepodge of sheets, pillowcases, and comforters that clearly weren’t meant to be together. This bedroom fashion faux pas instantly downgrades your space. The fix is simpler than you might think!
Invest in a coordinated bedding set that ties your room’s color scheme together. Even budget-friendly options can look luxurious when they match and complement your overall décor.
7. Outdated Popcorn Ceilings
Looking up to see that bumpy, cottage-cheese texture immediately dates your space to the 1970s. Popcorn ceilings collect dust, look dated, and can even contain asbestos in older homes.
While removal is the ideal solution (hire professionals if asbestos is a concern), a budget-friendly alternative is installing decorative ceiling tiles or beadboard right over the existing texture. For an even simpler fix, draw attention elsewhere with statement lighting or bold wall colors.
8. Worn-Out Pillows
Flat, lumpy pillows that have lost their support make for an uncomfortable night’s sleep and signal neglect. Your guests deserve better than neck pain as a souvenir from their stay! Replace old pillows with new ones in various firmness options.
Consider having at least two pillows per guest, and protect them with quality pillow protectors under decorative shams. Add a few accent pillows for daytime styling, but make sure they can be easily removed at bedtime.
9. Insufficient Storage
Forcing guests to live out of their suitcases makes them feel like transient visitors rather than welcomed friends. A lack of proper storage creates clutter and discomfort during their stay.
Clear out at least one dresser drawer and half a closet with empty hangers for their use. A luggage rack prevents suitcase-on-bed scenarios, while a small tray for jewelry and watches adds a thoughtful touch. These simple additions show you’ve considered their needs beyond just providing a bed.
10. Cheap Synthetic Bedding
Scratchy polyester sheets that trap heat and make sleepers sweat are the hallmark of budget motels, not welcoming homes. Low-quality bedding not only looks cheap but also creates an uncomfortable sleeping experience.
Cotton sheets with a thread count between 300-500 offer the best balance of comfort and durability. Look for natural materials in comforters and blankets too. The tactile experience of sliding between quality sheets creates an instant impression of luxury that synthetic materials simply can’t match.
11. Visible Clutter
Using the guest room as overflow storage for holiday decorations, exercise equipment, or random household items sends a clear message: this space isn’t really for guests.
Clear out personal items completely before visitors arrive. If storage is tight throughout your home, invest in furniture that doubles as storage – like ottomans or beds with drawers underneath. Keep surfaces clear except for intentional decorative items and guest essentials.
12. Threadbare Towels
Faded, fraying towels with loose threads hanging off the edges make guests feel like an afterthought. These bathroom basics speak volumes about your attention to detail.
Designate a set of plush towels specifically for guest use. White hotel-style towels create a spa-like experience and can be bleached between visits. Display them neatly folded on the bed or dresser, or hang them on hooks in the room if the bathroom is shared.
13. Bare Floors
Cold feet first thing in the morning is no way to greet your guests! Bare hardwood or tile floors without any softness underfoot can make a room feel stark and unwelcoming.
Add an area rug that grounds the space and adds warmth, both visually and literally. Choose a size that extends beyond the bed on all sides for maximum impact. Even a budget-friendly option can transform the room’s feel while protecting flooring and reducing noise.
14. Poor-Quality Mattress
Sagging in the middle, springs poking through, or rock-hard surfaces – a subpar mattress guarantees your guests won’t get restful sleep. This cornerstone of comfort shouldn’t be an afterthought.
If a new mattress isn’t in the budget, consider a quality mattress topper as an affordable alternative. Memory foam or pillow-top versions can mask many sins of an aging mattress. Your guests will appreciate the effort to provide a comfortable night’s sleep.
15. Harsh Overhead Lighting
Feeling like you’re under a spotlight isn’t conducive to relaxation. Harsh ceiling fixtures create unflattering shadows and an institutional feel that’s anything but homey.
Replace builder-grade fixtures with something that has style and character. Adding a dimmer switch gives guests control over brightness levels. Supplement with table lamps that cast a warm glow and perhaps string lights for a touch of magic.
16. Generic Décor
Mass-produced wall art featuring generic inspirational quotes or ubiquitous prints lacks personality and feels impersonal. Those “Live, Laugh, Love” signs aren’t fooling anyone!
Choose décor that tells a story or reflects your personal style. Vintage finds, local artwork, or even framed maps of places you’ve visited together create conversation starters. These thoughtful touches demonstrate care and consideration, making guests feel truly welcomed into your home.
17. Missing Window Treatments
Being on display like a department store mannequin is the last thing guests want when changing clothes or sleeping. Privacy concerns aside, bare windows look unfinished and make temperature control difficult.
Layer window treatments for both function and style. Blackout curtains or blinds provide privacy and light control, while sheer panels add softness. Hanging curtains properly—high and wide—makes windows appear larger and rooms feel more finished.
18. Lack of Accessible Outlets
Crawling under furniture or unplugging lamps to charge phones and laptops frustrates modern travelers. In today’s connected world, accessible power is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Place a power strip or charging station on the nightstand for easy access. Consider upgrading to outlets with built-in USB ports if renovating. A simple extension cord routed discreetly can solve many accessibility issues without major construction.
19. Dingy Lampshades
Years of dust collection and yellowing from heat exposure make old lampshades look sad and neglected. These overlooked details significantly date your space and create unflattering light.
Replace dated or discolored shades with fresh, modern options. White or light-colored shades maximize brightness while adding a crisp, clean look. For an instant update, choose drum shades in contemporary fabrics that complement your color scheme.
20. No Bedside Table
Where exactly should guests put their glasses, phone, or water glass? Without a surface near the bed, these essentials end up on the floor—an inconvenient and potentially hazardous situation.
Even a small stool, wall-mounted shelf, or repurposed chair can serve as a nightstand in tight spaces. Ensure there’s room for essentials like a small lamp, charging cable, and water glass. For rooms with multiple guests, provide surfaces on both sides of the bed.