Nine guaranteed ways to create a comfortable guestroom everyone will appreciate
Kids enjoying the end of the day at the lake
If you are like me, you wanted a second home as much for a place to gather people as one to enjoy by yourself. I want to entice my guests – family and friends- to come often and stay for a bit. A comfortable guest room is an essential lure. It is great to have a pretty room, but if it isn’t comfortable and well-equipped, your guests will not enjoy their stay.
First -and probably the most important the mattress should be comfy and appeal to many. You should spend a night sleeping there to make sure your guests will be comfy all night. I found these hybrid mattresses to be a cost-conscious buy that everyone compliments. It arrives in a box and magically come to life when you release them. And I love shopping online to have things delivered to my door for the lake house. Many second homes are not close to shopping areas, so online shopping will make your life much easier. Our home did not come furnished- (they did offer, but I like my mattresses new!) We ordered five queens to be delivered the day we took possession! They were here soon after we got the keys and were unpacked immediately.
Second – sheets that feel cool and soft after a day in the sun. Soft sheets that stay nice wash after wash will make your life much easier. I have tried to make it easy on my guests and me by keeping the sheets for a room by color. I keep two sets so guests can strip and make the beds when they leave, dropping the dirty sheets in the laundry room. I think patterned sheets are so much fun in a second home and, to be honest, can hide a stain or two easier than crisp white sheets.
Third- pillows in 2 firmness. I try to include a firm and a medium pillow in my guest rooms. Many guests are picky and will arrive with their pillows but for everyone else, keep a choice of pillows if you have space. Go ahead and spring for new pillows; nothing- can ruin a visit quicker than cranky people who didn’t sleep well because they had old pillows. I also add pillow covers to extend the life and protect from any mishaps.
Fourth – blankets for everyone. Blankets should be available in a lightweight and heavier ones. I prefer to make the bed with a cotton blanket topped with a light quilt and a comfy duvet folded at the bottom.
Fifth- a bedside lamp. I have many friends and family that like to read before they go to sleep, so a lamp that is tall enough to read by is a nice touch. I also like to use lamps with a USB and standard outlet in the base so guests do not have to crawl around on the floor trying to plug their electronics into an outlet.
A bedside Lamp is essential
Sixth – seating. Add a chair or a bench to give your guests a spot to sit and get dressed. Parents of infants and small children will appreciate a spot to feed or cuddle with a book.
Seventh- a desk. A place to sit and do some work or use as a vanity is something your guests will appreciate. After the great lockdown, many of our family and friends have flexible schedules, and work is so much nicer with a view! A lamp with an outlet comes in handy here. Our guest bathroom is also shared, so the desk can double as a vanity for dressing. I often use one in place of a nightstand.
Eighth - blackout window coverings. The sun rises very early and sets very late in the summer. It is bright and beautiful, reflecting off the lake, but some days we want to sleep past sunrise. I installed these motorized blackout shades in our room. Our bedroom gets the morning light directly, and it is VERY bright with the reflection. I hid them behind a false header. And really, isn’t it fun to control them with your voice?
Ninth -a clock. A clock might be a bit old-fashioned with the electronics we carry, but it is still a nice touch; this one adds the option of white noise, which comes in handy when little ones (or old ones) are trying to sleep while we are playing games downstairs.
Bonus- a few more items they will appreciate. A luggage rack. This is an inexpensive touch that will keep your guests from having to rummage through their luggage on the floor. A full-length mirror- yes, even at the lake or beach, we want to see if we look good! A decluttered closet with spare hangers and a door hook will let your guests know they are welcome to stay a while! Add s soothing scent with a candle and some cute matches. A sign with all the information so they can connect to your Wifi.
What do you think your guests would appreciate in their room when they visit?
You can find the links to all the essentials for your second home here.