Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post I had maybe 1,000 responses when I asked “What do you want as a guest”. And after reading all your responses I feel like I need to apologize to previous guests! I did pretty well but there were some essential things that I missed having in our guest room. Even if you don’t have a dedicated guest room there are things you can do to any space to make it comfortable for your guests to stay over. But some did say to make it slightly uncomfortable so guests don’t stay too long! ha! Or one sweet reader said “just grandkids”! ❤️
I actually have wanted to have my own bed and breakfast so I enjoy playing pretend. The main thing you should walk- away from this blog post knowing is- Guests HATE to have to ask for things. Honestly. NO matter how well they know you. I totally get that. At my parents I can help myself but there are things that would be nice if it was just readily accessible without having to hunt or ask for it. Many of us don’t have a room specifically for guests. I would suggest creating a dedicated space with a door when guests do come. Maybe kicking kids out of their room and the kids come sleep on a mattresses on your bedroom floor. I would suggest cleaning your kids room really well and even put away personal items so guests can use the empty surfaces.
We personally get guest about once a month and they stay for about 4-5 days. So we make our family room upstairs into our guest room. We have it fully stocked (now even more so after reading your tips!) for when guests come. Let’s dig right into the list! I only listed the top 22 items that kept coming up over and over. The suggestions that I thought….YES, that is such a good suggestion!
Thank you for contributing to this list! I shopped Wamart.com for the items I was missing in our guest room! They really have one of the best website’s to shop online. I have been checking their site more and more because of the variety and price point. Their Better Homes and Garden Collection is one of my favorites. I think you will love some of the affordable pieces I found to get your guest room ready and home!
We have a bookcase in our family room that doubles as a guest room. The bookcase had some accessories in it, nothing really special at all. It was not being maximized. So I decided to turn it into our “guest bookcase”. Anyone can do something like this. Doesn’t have to be big. Even a “guest room drawer”. Just a place that you keep all the guest room things in one spot. *We have had that bookcase for a long time. Find similar options at the end of this post.
22 Things your Guests Want in a Guest Room-
#1- Wifi Password- The #1 thing that everyone said a guest room needs is easy access to the Wifi password! I just painted the back of THIS frame that I found at Walmart with chalkboard paint. Then wrote our password on the chalkboard. Easy way to change it up! And also create some art.
#2- Extra blankets and #3- Books – Blankets seem obvious, but having them washed and stacked nicely make them seem more accessible. Books are another guest room must-have. I put a few of my favs and one about the area we live.
#4- Floor Length Mirror – I can’t believe we didn’t have a floor mirror in here! How rude! Not only to check out outfits but it also creates another “get ready” station. I found THIS mirror on Walmarts website. I also found THIS mirror to hang over the door in the bathroom, so affordable and looks so good in person too!
#5- Water and a few easy to grab snacks- Candy jar, healthy snacks and water are a super nice gesture for guests. (I used THESE jars).
#6- Essential items in a basket– Kleenex, toothpaste, socks, eye mask, makeup wipes, Tylenol, lotion. I assembled it all together in a basket I found at Walmart HERE.
#7- Nice sheets – I would look for a thread count of at least 300. I found THESE cute black dot sheets at Walmart to along with the gray blanket HERE. Aren’t they so cute?? I love a patterned sheet and don’t have any. A guest room is the perfect spot to use playful sheets!
We have had the pull-out sofa since we moved in. We actually had to have it sawed in half and put back together in the room. It wouldn’t fit up our stairs! So it stays with the house when we move! I found a similar pull-out sofa HERE. 
#8- Assorted pillow options – We used the pillows that were on the bed too and the main sleeping pillows are THESE. They are Kevin’s favorite pillow. I finally bought one for me as well! They are cool gel and memory foam. Honestly the best pillows. Excited our guests have some too.
#9- Phone Charger (extension cord is a good thing to offer too)– We have a plug built into the desk that is behind the sofa. I made sure to put two phone chargers in it and labeled them with our name, just to avoid confusion.
#10- Hooks to hang bangs and clothes on –THESE I really don’t love a hook on the wall. Call me weird. They often feel cluttered looking at all the bags etc. So I found hooks that go over the door for our guests to use. And added them to the back of Ella’s little Lego closet.
#11- Luggage stand– Sadly I didn’t have this until now! I found THIS fun cane one on Walmarts website too! They really have one of the best website’s to shop online. I have been checking their site more and more because of the variety and price point. Their Better Homes and Garden Collection is one of my favorites.
#12- Laundry basket or extra empty baskets around– I love the idea of just having a couple extra empty baskets for guests to pile their shoes in or anything they want to contain. Love THIS basket I just found!
#13- Sound machine– Another brilliant idea! A sound machine is something I ALWAYS travel with, especially with kids. But after sleeping with one (when we stay over night with kids) I LOVE it! Such a game changer in sleeping in new places. (we have THIS one).
#14- Fan – Another highly recommended item. Everyones body temperature is so different. If you don’t have a ceiling fan you could get a table fan. I really like THIS new ceiling fan! Or THIS retro table fan.
#15- Lamps – Floor lamps, reading lamps are kind of key to a cozy space. I rarely like an overhead light on- we should give our guests that option too!
#16- Candle and flowers or plants – I have a friend who always travels with a little candle to burn in her hotel room or where she stays. I just love that about her. It makes the space smell like home. I have matches in the “guest bookcase” and candle around the room. I personally love to decorate with plants and in this guest room that is all that I really used for the “accessories”.
#17- Robe – Moving onto the bathroom! A robe for guests to borrow while they stay is super thoughtful. I know I like to do my hair and makeup in a robe. So offering a basic robe like THIS is a nice touch.
#18- Towels – this might be one of my top things to have for guests. Nice clean quality towels! I have our bathroom shelves stocked with THESE towels. I have eight total in here and some washcloths. We have separate towels down in our master hall closet. PS- I keep them white by using Oxyclean White Revive.
#19- Plenty of toilet paper and room spray – Can you imagine being on the toilet at a guests and run out of toilet paper?? Worst fear. We have a big basket by our toilet full of toilet paper and a container of room spray. Please do this for your guest!
#20- Plunger in Bathroom – And save them one more step from embarrassment by getting a plunger IN the bathroom. We had one down in our basement! Now that was dumb. I bought two of THESE and spray painted them black. Problem solved. And I will add get a trash can with a LID!!
#21 – Cleaned off surfaces clear from personal items- this is a good tip. I would clean off surfaces and put in a tote-and even try with less after your guests leave! And I would add to clean and declutter any drawer or cupboard or closet that a guest might open in the guest bathroom and guest room.
I hope that gave you some ideas for your guest room! Even in a small house we can have a place to welcome friends and family. Nothing really brings you closer then being under one roof. All of your suggestions really helped me to up my game in the guest room department! And remember- “Let no one ever come to you without leaving HAPPIER!”- Mother Theresa 
I love shopping all brands and have found Walmart.com to have some on trend pieces that are very affordable! Highly recommended shopping their website for your guest room needs! You can also shop for pieces by style HERE making it easy to narrow down all the options. I liked their “industrial” collection. Free shipping on orders over $35 and no membership required!
Click on an image below to shop any of the sources on today’s post-
Looks beautiful! I love your home. What light did you use for the magic light trick in this room, the gold and black light? Where can I find it?
Thanks!
Thanks! Here they are- https://rstyle.me/n/daquupb5qwf mine are actually hunter green! But they do have black!
I also have them linked on the magic light post here- http://nestingwithgrace.com/magic-light-trick-follow-post-video-adding-light-sconce/
Such a timely post with the holidays coming up! Thanks for sharing all these great ideas!
Thank you!!
This is my favorite post EVER! This room is so beautiful and cozy and now super functional. You may have guests that never want to leave. Ha! Thank you for all the tips and for showing the sofa bed out. I’m simply in love with all of it. You can do no wrong. 😁
Ahhhhh I thought you would like it! I remember you asking about this space for more detail. Thanks Clarissa!
I love this! Tour guest room looks so inviting. We are fortunate to have more than one dedicated guest room (empty nesters that we are) and I have most of these things, but I will be making a couple additions. I’m not sure I would wear a robe that is someone else’s or has been worn by previous guests (seems very personal even washed!) but I’m weird. LOL! I would add that I keep a small bottle of “poopourri” in our guest bathroom. Life saver for sure, and it’s available on Amazon! I’m sure your guests will enjoy their space but, more than that, their time with you! Have fun!
P.S. I would LOVE a post on how to use the magic light trick with a table lamp. We have gone round and round about it. If we could secure the battery operated light to the lamp (not sure how to do that neatly), then aren’t the battery operated lights so dim that it’s almost pointless? Would love a detailed post on this, if you need post ideas, that is! 😉
Thank you! And I totally get it about the robe- I guess similar to a towel is what I thought. I love my robe, maybe too much!
And as far as the magic light trick goes I added an update to the magic light blog post! A reader had a great idea- that will solve the issue of using the magic light in a lamp!! Find the post here- http://nestingwithgrace.com/magic-light-trick-follow-post-video-adding-light-sconce/
Our guest room/den is a 10×10 bedroom that is a bit wonky to get furniture in because of the door placement across from our stairs in a hallway. A couple of years ago, a friend showed me her new sleeper sofa and it was exactly what we needed for our guest room. The brand is American Leather (although our sofa is actually upholstered), made is the U.S.A., and the great thing is that it comes apart so it was constructed in the room when it was delivered! It is pricier than others I was looking at but I’m definitely willing to pay more when it is exactly what we need! The sleeper is a wall-hugger style so it doesn’t have the gap between the mattress and the back of the sofa so it has a smaller footprint in the room (the setup of the room didn’t allow for a traditional sleeper because there wasn’t enough room to walk around). My husband or I have slept on the sleeper a few times when the other is sick and it is my son’s favorite place to have sleepovers with friends so it gets used not infrequently.
And I love the list of things that you have here — I’ve got most of them covered but there are a few ideas I’d missed. And YES! to the plunger. So embarrassing to need that and have to go ask while hoping things don’t get more dire in the bathroom. 🙂
Oh that sounds perfect! And I like that you and you husband tested it out! That should be one of the tips!
these are wonderful ideas! thanks!!
I have most of what you suggested. And will had some of what I did not. But, my favorite is #20. Your guest really don’t want any to have to come ask for that.. 😁
ha! Yes! And I personally don’t want to go search for it if there is an issue. Why can’t kids flush?? ha!
Brooke! Such a thoughtful space for guests! I just love it!!! Better than a B&B! Seriously! Love the WiFi password display and miniature toiletries. So good!
Where do you find your turkish towels (from #19)?
The Turkish ones are from here-
https://rstyle.me/n/cydp8eb5qwf
https://rstyle.me/n/cydp57b5qwf
Great post! I have a problem that I am unable to solve…what do guests do with their wet bath towels when it is a shared bathroom? Hooks are never good to hold a large bath towel.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Emma
I love hooks! That is all we have in both bathrooms! I would just label each hook! Even just with numbers!!
We are in the military and live far from family & friends so a cozy and functional guest room is a must for us! This is probably one of if not my favorite post of yours yet! You’re awesome!
Oh yay!!! Thank you so much!! This makes me happy! Yes, I believe anyone can make a space for guests!
Great Post! Been asking my guests recently if there were any items they would have liked to have in the room/bathroom. The full length mirror was just suggested. And your list has given me a few more items to add. Thank you!
Thanks Pat!
I love all of your ideas and posts! We also have a pull out couch. How did you make it more comfortable for your guests? I’ve thought about a mattress topper but wanted to know if there was a better option. I’ve also seen some people put a firm board under the sofa mattress but I haven’t purchased anything yet. I would love to hear what you do! Thank 🙂
yes a mattress topper or we did buy this new mattress too I should have mentioned and it is super soft here- https://rstyle.me/n/dans6bb5qwf
or a reader said she added a mattress topper from amazon and it is awesome! But keep in mind if you add a topper to your mattress the sofa might not close all the way
Love love this post! Esp the robe idea! I love having a tone to wear makes you feel like Your in a hotel! Also may I ask where your sweater and fringe looking pillow in the brown leather chair is from? I just love it so much!!
Thanks so much,
Have a great evening
Patricia
Thank you!! It is older! But I love it so much! It is this one- https://www.sugarbooandco.com/collections/vendors?q=loloi&constraint=throw-pillow
I can’t find it anywhere but there!
This is SUCH a helpful, timely and practical post!! It’s always when you’re visiting someone that you think “Oh, I wish I had…” and then you get home and get busy and forget. Thank you thank you thank you. My future guests thank you too.
oh thank you!!!
Great post!! I only have one question. What time should I arrive???
Great post! I would love to hear more about the bull art. I looked in your “shop my home” – I want to do something similar but am having a hard time finding big frames with simple design. Thanks!
It was from Minted and was limited edition. They do have other great pieces of art too that are similar here- https://rstyle.me/n/dasd5wb5qwf
Great tips!!!! It is weird that I’m going to be sad whenever you and your family decide to move? LOL! I really love your house. It’s so cute, cozy, and just feels really warm.
Awesome! Where is the pink pillow from?
Thanks! Here- https://rstyle.me/n/c4ffiwb5qwf
I love your this post and your attention to detail! My newly married daughter and her husband are coming for Christmas. I am going to try and bring your ideas to life by then, thank you so much!
I do have a couple of questions and I appologize if I’ve missed them somewhere.
Where did you find your black star light?
Where did you find your desk with the usb charging outlets?
I’d also appreicate knowing if you like a certain brand of phone chargers? I really dislike the performance of the really cheap ones but don’t want to spend a ton for the guest room:)
Thanks so much for all of your decor information, I am NOT a shopper so I appreciate it!
Hello! Oh how exciting for you! We go to my mom’s for Christmas!
Star light- https://rstyle.me/n/cueryeb5qwf
Desk- https://rstyle.me/n/cq9ddab5qwf
I like a braided cord (didn’t have that in photo) and lighting fast! Charger- https://rstyle.me/n/davbheb5qwf
For the Ball jars for snacks/goodies on the tray, do you really use the 1/2 gallon size? That’s the size the link goes to, but it seems big. Thank you for all your posts!!
I checked and it is it! It holds a lot of snacks!
Hi Brooke! What is the source for your Good Night…Good Morning Pillow Case? All you do is so very tasteful! Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents.
that came with a bedding set we had from buddy’s bedding! https://beddys.com
Love love it! What label maker do you use?
here- https://rstyle.me/n/c4prrbb5qwf