Having guests stay over is a treat, but making sure they feel right at home is the key to being a top-notch host. And where do your guests spend most of their time? In bed, hopefully having a blissful night’s sleep!
Creating a comfortable and stylish retreat for your guests all starts with the guest room bed. It’s the centrepiece of the room and the single most important factor in their overnight experience. It doesn’t matter if your guest room is massive or a snug little space; with the right guest room bed ideas, you can transform it from a spare room into a haven they’ll be raving about.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from picking the perfect size and style to dressing the bed like a professional, ensuring your guests get that five-star, hotel-furniture level of comfort right here in Australia.
Choosing the Right Bed Size for Your Guest Room
The size of your guest bed is a balancing act between the comfort of your guests and the space you have available. You want to maximise the sleeping area without making the room feel cramped.
Single and King Single
- Best for: Smaller rooms, single guests, or two younger children.
- A single bed is the smallest standard size (approx. 92×187 cm) and is a great fit for a very compact room.
- A king single (approx. 107×203 cm) gives a bit more length and width, which is a much more comfortable option for an adult or a taller guest, especially in Australia where we appreciate a bit more room!
Double and Queen
- Best for: Most couples, two friends, or a single adult who loves to sprawl out. This is the most popular choice for a multi-purpose guest room.
- A double bed (approx. 138×188 cm) is a fantastic, versatile size. It doesn’t hog floor space but is still roomy enough for two people for a short stay.
- A queen bed (approx. 153×203 cm) is the benchmark for comfort and space for couples and is often the standard in quality hotel furniture. If your room allows it, this size is guaranteed to impress and offer a truly luxurious feel.
King
- Best for: The ultimate luxury guest experience, or a very large guest room.
- A king bed (approx. 183×203 cm) is pure indulgence. It takes up a significant amount of floor space, so make sure you still have room for other essential comfortable guest room furniture, like a bedside table and a luggage rack.
Tip: Always measure your room and map out the bed size with masking tape on the floor before you buy. Remember to leave space for walking around and opening doors/drawers.
Popular Guest Room Bed Styles
The frame you choose sets the tone for the room’s style. Here are a few popular bed styles for guest room that blend aesthetics and practicality.
- Platform Beds: These are a minimalist’s dream. They have a sleek, low profile and don’t require a box spring, making them a more affordable and modern choice. They are excellent for rooms where you want to keep the focus on the bedding and décor.
- Storage Beds (Drawers/Gas-Lift): A godsend for small rooms! These beds have built-in drawers underneath or use a gas-lift mechanism to reveal a huge storage area. This is perfect for keeping extra bedding ideas for guests(like spare blankets) or for storing items when the room is not in use.
- Upholstered Beds: These frames, often covered in fabric or faux leather, instantly add a feeling of luxury and softness. They provide a comfortable backrest if your guests like to sit up and read or watch TV. Choose a neutral colour like grey, beige, or charcoal for timeless elegance.
- Timber/Wooden Beds: A classic choice that never goes out of style. From solid Australian hardwoods to painted timber, a wooden bed can suit almost any décor, from rustic to modern. They are durable and often quite easy to assemble and move.
- Wrought Iron/Metal Beds: These can bring a lovely vintage or industrial charm to a room. They tend to have a lighter visual footprint than chunky timber frames, making a small room feel a bit more open.
Comfortable Bedding Choices for a Restful Stay
A beautiful frame is only half the battle; the real comfort is in the bedding ideas for guests. Think of what makes a hotel bed so appealing—it’s always soft, crisp, and layered.
The Foundation: Mattress and Protectors
- A Good Quality Mattress: You don’t need the most expensive mattress on the market, but don’t skimp on quality. A medium-firm mattress is usually the best all-rounder for different body types. For an added touch, consider a mattress topper for extra plushness.
- Mattress and Pillow Protectors: These are a non-negotiable must-have! They protect your investment from spills and stains, and more importantly, they keep the bed hygienic and allergen-free for your guests.
The Layers: Sheets, Doona, and Pillows
- Sheets: Stick to natural fibres like 100% cotton or linen. They breathe well and feel lovely against the skin. A high thread count (300+) in a percale or sateen weave offers that crisp, hotel-like feel. Whites or light neutrals are easy to wash and always look clean and inviting.
- Pillows: Offer a choice if you can! A mix of two soft and two firmer pillows will cater to most sleeping preferences. Use a quality pillow insert that holds its shape.
- Doona/Quilt: The weight of the doona should suit your local climate. In Australia, a mid-weight cotton or bamboo quilt is great for year-round use, perhaps with an extra wool blanket nearby for the cooler winter nights. The doona cover can be where you inject some pattern or colour, or simply stick to a sophisticated white or cream.
Maximising Guest Room Space with Multi-Functional Beds
For many Aussie homes, the guest room is a dual-purpose space—it might also be a home office, a storage room, or a craft space. This is where multi-functional guest room beds truly shine.
- Sofa Beds/Fold-Out Couches: The classic space-saver. Modern sofa beds have come a long way and can be genuinely comfortable. Choose a high-quality innerspring or memory foam mattress model that’s easy for your guest to set up. During the day, it looks like a chic lounge.
- Daybeds: These offer the look of a sofa but are actually a twin bed. They can be dressed with cushions during the day to act as a seating area, and easily converted to a bed at night. Some even have a trundle underneath for an extra pull-out bed!
- Trundle Beds: A lifesaver for kids’ sleepovers or when you need two separate beds. The second mattress is stored on a rolling frame underneath the main bed and can be easily pulled out and popped up when needed.
- Wall Beds (Murphy Beds): The ultimate space-saver. A Murphy bed folds up vertically into a cabinet or the wall, disappearing completely and freeing up almost the entire room for other uses, like a home office or gym. While a bigger investment, the functionality they offer is unbeatable for small spaces.
Styling Tips for Your Guest Room Bed
A styled bed is a welcoming bed. It’s the visual signal that this space has been prepared just for them.
Layering is Key
A perfectly layered bed feels luxurious. Start with your fitted sheet and flat sheet. Then, add your doona. For an extra touch, drape a lightweight throw blanket or a classic Australian wool blanket across the foot of the bed. This adds texture, colour, and warmth if they need it.
The Pillow Arrangement
Don’t be shy with pillows! For a Queen bed, a simple, elegant arrangement could be:
- Two standard sleeping pillows against the headboard (with crisp pillowcases).
- Two European square pillows (the big ones) in front of the sleeping pillows, using decorative shams.
- A small, decorative accent cushion or two in the very front.
Keep the decorative cushions minimal and easy to move so your guests don’t have to wrestle with 10 pillows just to get into bed!
Headboard as a Focal Point
Your headboard is the anchor of your guest room bed ideas.
- For a simple bed, choose a patterned or textured wallpaper behind the headboard to make it pop.
- Use a statement piece of artwork or a large mirror above the bed to draw the eye.
- Ensure the bedside tables and lamps complement the bed style. Having a small, quality lamp on each side (even for a single guest) offers symmetry and convenience.
Seasonal Considerations for Bedding and Pillows
Being prepared for the ever-changing Australian climate is a mark of a thoughtful host.
Summer (Hot)
- Bedding: Opt for lightweight, breathable materials like pure cotton or linen. These fabrics are known for their cooling properties. A lighter doona (or just a sheet and a blanket) is perfect.
- Pillows: A cotton or bamboo-filled pillow can be cooler than memory foam in the humidity.
- Bonus: Have a small, quiet fan nearby in case the air conditioning isn’t enough for a hot summer night.
Winter (Cold)
- Bedding: Introduce warmth with flannelette sheets or a quality, heavy-weight doona, such as one with a high-loft feather or wool filling.
- Extra Layers: A cosy, quality throw—like a classic wool or a soft, faux fur blanket—should be draped visibly over the bed or chair so your guest knows it’s there for extra warmth.
- Bonus: A small hot water bottle in the wardrobe or a soft, plush rug underfoot will make those chilly early mornings much more bearable.
Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere Around the Bed
A great bed is about more than just sleeping; it’s about the entire experience. Think about how hotel furniture Australia is arranged to make a room feel like a sanctuary.
- Bedside Essentials: Place a carafe of water and a clean glass on the bedside table. A universal phone charger (or a power bank) is a truly thoughtful addition. A small dish or tray for jewellery or keys is also a nice touch.
- Lighting: Beyond the main overhead light, your guests need task lighting. A good bedside lamp for reading and a nightlight (or a dim, low-level lamp) for late-night trips to the toilet are essential.
- Entertainment and Comfort: Provide a few good books or magazines, especially those about local attractions. If the room has a TV, make sure the remote is clearly visible and easy to use.
- The Little Luxuries: Small details make a huge difference. A freshly laundered bath towel set placed neatly at the foot of the bed, a scented candle or diffuser (not too strong!) to make the room smell lovely, and a small, framed photo of a relaxing scene will elevate the space.
- Wardrobe Space: Clear out a section of the wardrobe with a few empty hangers and provide a luggage rack. This simple piece of comfortable guest room furniture allows your guest to easily access their suitcase without having to bend down to the floor—a feature all guests appreciate!
Wrapping Up Your Guest Room Retreat
The secret to great hospitality is anticipating your guests’ needs, and that all starts with a brilliant bed. By focusing on quality over quantity and choosing the right size, style, and luxurious layers, you can create a space that offers that sought-after hotel-quality comfort right here in your home.
Whether you opt for a sleek platform bed or a clever multi-functional sofa bed, remember that comfort and a welcoming atmosphere are your ultimate goals. Your guests will feel valued, relaxed, and will be looking forward to their next visit before they’ve even left.
What’s Next for Your Dream Guest Room?
Ready to upgrade your guest room? Take a quick measure of your room now and decide on the perfect bed size.
Would you like me to find some local Australian suppliers for different styles of quality mattresses or multi-functional bed frames to help you get started?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most comfortable type of mattress for a guest room?
A medium-firm mattress is generally considered the best, as it offers a good balance of support and comfort that suits most people, regardless of their preferred sleeping position. Adding a memory foam or feather mattress topper is an excellent way to boost the luxury feel without buying a high-end, soft mattress which might not suit everyone.
How do I make my guest room feel less like a spare room and more like a retreat?
Focus on the details. Use a layered bed look, provide high-quality sheets (like cotton or linen), and offer a choice of pillows. Add essential comfortable guest room furniture like a bedside lamp, a full-length mirror, and a proper cleared-out space in a wardrobe or dresser. A welcome note and some water and snacks are always appreciated!
Are sofa beds a good idea for a guest room?
Yes, modern sofa beds (also called fold-out couches) are a brilliant multi-functional guest room bed idea, especially for smaller spaces. Look for models with a high-quality, dense foam or innerspring mattress and a smooth, durable folding mechanism. They maximise floor space for when you need the room for other uses.
How many pillows should I put on a guest bed?
For a queen or double bed, aim for four sleeping pillows—two soft and two firm—for your guests to choose from. You can also add one or two decorative cushions or two European shams (the large square pillows) to finish the look, but make sure they are easy to remove at bedtime.
What is the best colour for guest room bedding?
White or light neutral colours like cream or pale grey are the best choice. They create a clean, crisp, and inviting hotel furniture aesthetic, are easy to wash and bleach if needed, and make the room feel bright and airy. You can introduce colour and pattern with a throw blanket or a few accent cushions.
