Did you sleep well? It's the age-old question we ask guests, and how you decorate and furnish your spare bedroom can enormously impact your guests' sleep experience.
For instance, a rock-hard mattress won't suit people who sleep on their side, and a double bed won't suit people who sleep separately. Of course, you can't please everyone, but there are cost-effective ways to please most.
Creating a welcoming spare bedroom begins with thoughtful design choices, from soothing wall colours and well-placed furniture to essential comfort elements.
A quality mattress is the foundation for a good night's rest, complemented by plush pillows and adjustable lighting that lets guests control their environment.
Join us below for some cost-effective spare bedroom ideas.
Soothing paint colours
Forget expensive wallpaper — a tin of paint is your best friend here. Soft blues and greens work wonders for creating that spa-like vibe guests love, while cream tones warm up chilly north-facing rooms. The cost-saving trick? Sample pots let you test colours for pennies.
Pictured: Colour Palette from Color Hex
Zip and link beds
Ever notice how couples never agree on sleeping arrangements? That's where zip-and-link beds shine. Split them apart for friends, zip them together for couples — genius! You'll spend more upfront, but the flexibility is worth every penny (especially when in-laws visit).
Pictured: Giltedge Beds Chatsworth Zip & Link 5FT Kingsize Divan Bed
Quality open coil mattress
Think you need to splash out on pocket springs? Think again! Open coil mattresses are the unsung heroes of spare rooms. They're comfy enough for occasional stays, provide decent support, and are super-affordable — perfect for that rarely used guest room where pure luxury isn't necessary.
Pictured: Giltedge Solo Memory Mattress, Priced £239, available from Bedstar.
Cosy textures
Here's a designer secret -- layers make everything look expensive. Chuck a chunky throw over basic bedding, add a couple of cushions from the sale rail, and nobody will guess you did it on a budget. The key? Machine-washable everything (because guests can be messy) and fabrics that wash well, such as organic cotton.
Cheap and cheerful decor
Want to know what interior designers aren't telling you? Charity shops are goldmines for vintage-look decor. Grab some brass trinkets, pop a few fake plants around (who will water real ones?), and raid the market for quirky artwork. Job done!
Pictured: Scandinavian Bed Frame, minimalist bedroom setting using fake plants and quirky artwork.
Dimmable light switches.
Let's face it: nobody likes harsh lighting when trying to relax. Basic dimmer switches are cheap as chips to install and instantly make your spare room feel fancy. Plus, they're perfect for those midnight bathroom trips (we've all been there).
Wall sockets with USB ports
Forgotten phone chargers are the curse of every guest's stay. But here's the fix -- USB wall sockets. They're not as pricey as you'd think, and they'll make you look like a hosting genius. Pop them near the bed where they're helpful.
Artwork
Are those bare walls missing something? Charity shops and car boot sales are treasure troves for quirky frames—just swap out the contents! Pro tip: Use wallpaper samples for wall art; some shops will give you them for free.
Solid core door upgrade
If your guests can hear every cough and whisper, and vice versa, swapping that flimsy hollow door for a solid core one is a game-changer. Sure, they're heavier on the wallet (and the hinges), but the sound-blocking difference is night and day. Plus, they make the whole room feel more expensive, with a satisfying ‘cluck' on close.
Blackout window treatments
Fancy curtains with hefty price tags? Nope — blackout roller blinds under curtains work well to prevent daylight. They're the secret weapon of spare rooms, blocking out streetlights and the early morning sun that drives guests mad. The trick is measuring correctly to ensure no light-leaking gaps at the sides.
