Tips for Decorating and Staging a Guest Room

For those of you lucky enough to have a spare bedroom for guests, here are some excellent tips for decorating or staging that room.

• Provide a warm, comfortable duvet. It doesn't have to be a specific brand. Be aware that many people are allergic to goose and feather down, so you might want to offer something that won't cause any potential respiratory problems. Make sure the room has a good mirror, in addition to the bathroom mirror. Full length would be ideal.
• Place a reading light on each side of the bed. The kind that narrows the light to a tight area and that has an articulated arm works best so that one person can read in bed without bothering their partner.
• A working alarm clock is a must.
• Good reading books will help fill in the time when there's nothing to do and no place to go. Add a decorative pad of paper and sharpened pencils near the bed.
• A small vase of fresh flowers is a beautiful touch and adds fragrance and color to the room.
• Supply a choice of pillows. Allow guests to choose from a firm pillow, a soft pillow or a hypoallergenic pillow.
• A good working TV. It doesn't have to be real large, but you need to supply one.
• An eye mask, earplugs and blackout curtains are optional.
• Several skirt or pants hangers are a must. A luggage rack is also a nice touch.
• When entering the room, guests appreciate the beauty. But once inside the room, the appreciate the practical touches.
• A plunger under the bathroom sink is a must.
• An iron and ironing board tucked away in the closet will be appreciated.
• A lock on the door goes without saying.
• A CD player with a nice selection of music will be appreciated.
• One or two bathrobes will really say you care, but not as much as a sparkling bathroom and dustfree sleeping area.
• Fill a vintage suitcase or large basket with portable essentials (soap, deodorant, disposable camera, sun hat, sunscreen, bagged healthy treats).
• Supply an assortment of jackets in the closet. A raincoat in rainy climates.

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