November 12th 2024

The holiday season is nearly upon us and if you plan to host overnight guests, you’re probably already thinking about what upgrades your guest space could use—and how to keep your loved ones from driving you up the wall.

Now, don’t get us wrong; we love guests who bring the holiday cheer. But we also know the dread of guests getting a little too comfortable in your kitchen or living room while you’re trying to cook or tidy up. Often, this happens because guest rooms are too bare or bland to encourage lingering.

We’re here to change that.

While we can’t promise these looks will keep your your rogue aunt entirely out of your hair this season, we do believe there’s a science to making guest rooms as inviting as possible. The more comfortable they are, the more likely your guests will stay put and out of the way.

And the best part? You don’t need to break the bank. We’ve rounded up five affordable yet stylish guest-room looks from Instagram—all under $300—to help you create a cozy haven your holiday company will actually want to use as a hideaway.

1. Pleated lampshade

Looking for a soft glow that will keep your guests tucked in for the night? We’ve got you. For a formal bedside moment that takes very little energy to pull off, we love this pleated lampshade look from @samanthajoyhome.

“In a formal guest bedroom, this lamp could play a key role in creating a polished yet welcoming atmosphere,” says designer Lisa Welch, of Welch Design Studio. “The shade would produce a soft, diffused light, enhancing the room’s ambiance, promoting relaxation and comfort.”

2. Striped bed linens

Another simple way to elevate your guest room’s appearance is to get some striped bed sheets, like these from @the_webb_house.

“I love striped bed linens because they break up a bedroom space quite nicely and are a nice change from florals,” says designer and cofounder Joyce Huston, of Decorilla. “I think stripes in calm colors also add a layer of maturity to a guest room.”

3. Upholstered modern headboard

Nothing ties a space together quite like an upholstered headboard, especially if you choose one in a funky and fun pattern like this look from @yssinteriordesign.

“Upholstered headboards create a cohesive, inviting bedroom, and this whimsical headboard adds a playful yet refined touch, making it perfect for a formal guest room,” says Welch. “Pair it with vibrant pillows to enhance the room’s inviting atmosphere while maintaining an elegant feel.”

4. Glass tapered chandelier

If you really want to go big in your guest room, consider adding a glass tapered chandelier like this one from Alexander James Interiors.

“A statement chandelier is one of my favorite ways to bring a room together, and I adore how this tapered chandelier works as a centerpiece to enhance that opulent feeling,” says Huston. “Place this chandelier at the foot of the bed or in the center of the room to help guide the eyes through the space and create that relaxed ambiance.”

5. Sheepy ottoman

Need a cozy way to entice your guests to wander back to their quarters mid-afternoon this season? Then you might just like this sheepy ottoman look from @floraandfont. Pair it with a cozy armchair, and you have the perfect reading nook for them to curl up in.

“In a formal guest room environment, the sheepskin ottoman offers an unexpected layer of comfort that softens the room’s overall feel while maintaining an elevated look,” says Welch. “It’s perfect for encouraging guests to sit down, relax, and feel at ease. It also pairs seamlessly with various textiles and furnishings, making it a reliable, go-to piece.”