16 Guest Room Essentials You Really Don’t Want to Forget!

Over the years, I’ve learned that focusing on a handful of simple guest room essentials is the best way to make overnight guests feel comfortable.

If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated guest bedroom, it’s easy to get carried away making sure it looks good. But, at the end of the day, decor is just a nice touch. What truly matters is making sure your guests have everything they need to relax and get a good night’s sleep.

As an Airbnb host and someone who loves welcoming friends and family into her home, I’ve learned exactly what to put in a guest room to make house guests feel at home. So, without further ado, let me share my non-negotiable guest room essentials!

1. A Mirror

Getting ready without a mirror is surprisingly difficult, so don’t put your guests through that if you can help it! A mirror is one of those little things that makes a big difference, especially when your guest is staying for more than one night.

If you have space, a full-length mirror is best, particularly if your guests are in town for a wedding or another event where it’s important to look their best. If you’ve got a small guest bedroom and you’re tight on space, try a full-length mirror that hooks over the back of the door. 

But seriously, even a small mirror is better than none!

2. Easily Accessible Lighting

It’s always nice to be able to turn off the lights from bed, especially in an unfamiliar house. You don’t want your guests stumbling around in the dark, trying to make their way to the bed!

Ideally, set up a bedside table with a lamp on it, and make sure the switch is easy to find. If there isn’t space for a table, add wall sconces or a main light switch within easy reach of the bed.

If your guest room uses smart or voice-activated lighting, leave a note by the bed with some simple instructions, so your guests know how it works. It’s a small touch that will help your overnight guests feel more at home.

3. A Clock

These days, almost everyone has a phone, so there’s not as much need for a clock as there was in the past. However, many of us are still in the habit at looking up at the wall to see what time it is.

If you can, hang a clock in the most obvious place on the wall, so it’s within your guests’ line of sight from the bed. Or, if not, place a small alarm clock on the bedside table.

4. Somewhere to Charge Phones & Other Devices

Your guests will almost certainly need to charge their phones or other devices, so make sure they have easy access to a socket, ideally next to the bed.

If there’s only one socket in your guest room, it’s a good idea to add an extension lead so guests can plug in more than one thing at once. For bonus points, set up a small charging station on the bedside table or dresser, with space for a phone, smartwatch, or tablet.

If you want to be a really good host, you could also provide one or two of the most common phone chargers, a wireless phone charger that works with any phone, or a charged-up battery pack, just in case your guests forget theirs. These thoughtful details will make your guests feel well looked-after.

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5. Towels and Washcloths

This one might seem obvious because it’s one of the most important guest room essentials… make sure you provide fresh towels. As a minimum, give your overnight guests one bath towel and one washcloth each. If your guests are staying for a few days, either give them a few towels each or make sure they know where to find more.

And please, skip the old, rough towels! Go for soft, plush towels that make staying with you feel like a little treat.

6. A Trash Can

One of the easiest guest room essentials to forget, but such a pain for guests to have to do without! Make sure there’s a small trash can somewhere in the room, ideally with a liner for easy clean up. This is especially important if your guest room has a bathroom.

7. Enough Storage

Make sure your overnight guests have enough space to unpack their belongings and settle in. In an ideal world, you’d provide them with a wardrobe or closet with plenty of clothes hangers, but a luggage rack or chest of drawers would be good too.

Thinking beyond clothes, wall hooks are great for hanging up towels and keeping coats and bags off the floor. You could also include an ottoman or large baskets for miscellaneous items like shoes or gifts. If there’s a guest bathroom, add a toothbrush holder and a bit of shelf space for toiletries and makeup.

One of my favorite things to include in guest rooms is a small tray or box that guests can use to store their jewelry, watches, or other trinkets. I usually put these on the bedside table and/or dresser.

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8. Blankets & Extra Bedding

Another guest room must-have that might seem obvious, but that’s worth giving some thought to: comfortable bedding. If you want your overnight guests to have a good night’s sleep, it’s worth going the extra mile here.

Everyone has different preferences for warmth, so try to give your guests a few different options. Instead of a single, super-thick duvet, try layering a lightweight comforter, a quilt, and a couple of blankets. This way, guests can adjust the layers to their liking.

Even if space or budget doesn’t allow for multiple layers, make sure there’s at least one extra blanket available for summer nights when a duvet might feel too warm. 

If you want to put together a comfortable guest room, focus your attention and budget on the bedding.

9. Extra Pillows

Just like bedding, pillows can make or break a guest’s sleep. Try to provide at least two pillows per guest, and give them a variety of pillows so they can adjust the bed to their comfort. If you can, include a mix of firm and soft pillows; some people prefer extra support, while others like something plush. 

10. A Comfortable Chair

This might not be the most essential item on the list, but I always try to include a comfortable chair or some kind of seating in a guest room. It gives house guests somewhere to sit other than the bed, which makes the space feel more like a hotel room and less like a temporary spot to sleep.

A chair is especially useful for older relatives, who might appreciate somewhere to sit while putting on shoes or socks. And, of course, it can do double duty as a handy place to drape clothes or set other things down.

11. Tissues

Tissues are another one of those guest room supplies that are easy to overlook. Particularly if there’s not a guest bathroom, make sure you provide tissues for guests to use.

You could keep it simple and include a small packet of tissues in a welcome basket of guest room essentials. Or you could get a decorative tissue box and keep it and the tissues on a bedside table or other surface. There are so many gorgeous tissue boxes around these days. Here are some of my favorite ones on Amazon.

12. Blackout Curtains

If your budget allows, blackout curtains or blinds are a wonderful addition to a guest room. They help make sure your overnight guests can get a good night’s sleep, especially if they’re sensitive to early morning light or used to sleeping in a darker room at home.

13. A Fan

Depending on the climate or the season, it’s a good idea to provide a fan so your guests can adjust the temperature of the room to their liking.

A ceiling fan works well if you have one (check out these super stylish ceiling fans on Amazon), but a small portable fan is also a great option, especially for warmer nights.

14. Snacks & Drinks

Providing light snacks and drinks is another nice touch that your guests will really appreciate. Stock the room with bottled water and a few easy-to-grab snacks like granola bars, fruit, or chips so they don’t have to ask if they get hungry.

A hot drinks station is another thoughtful addition. An electric kettle with tea, coffee, mugs, and teaspoons neatly displayed on a surface will make your guest room feel cozy and welcoming.

15. Your Wi-Fi Password

One of the guest room essentials your guests will feel most grateful for: the Wi-Fi password! Make it easy for your guests to find by displaying it on a pretty sign or simply writing it on a piece of paper and leaving it on the dresser or bedside table.

Don’t forget to also include any other tech-related instructions they might need, like how to use smart lights or plugs. 

16. Things They Might Have Forgotten

We’ve all been there… You unpack your bag and realize you’ve forgotten your toothbrush! Save your overnight guests the awkwardness of having to ask or make a last-minute trip to the store by putting together a small basket of essential items they might have forgotten.

Include essential toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wipes, deodorant, and sanitary products. You could also add a few extra items to help them get ready. A hair dryer, a clothes steamer, or a cozy pair of slippers are all great ideas.

For the perfect guest room welcome basket, consider adding a few thoughtful touches, like a notepad and a pen, a few books, or some sweet treats.

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That’s All You Need to Create The Perfect Guest Room!

Creating a well-prepared guest room is about thinking of all the things your guests might need during their stay, from comfortable bedding and extra pillows to practical guest room amenities like trash cans and hairdryers.

By including these important guest room essentials, you’re not just giving your guests a place to sleep; you’re giving them somewhere they can relax, unwind, and feel at home. Make sure your guest room setup includes most, if not all, of these things, and you’ll soon have a cozy guest room that people rave about!