You have to make room for the Inn. With Christmas quickly approaching, these are some ways you can transform your spare bedroom into a stylish retreat for holiday guests.










Many of us have been enjoying the opportunity to welcome guests over Christmas after an unusual stay-at home Christmas. 

For a memorable stay, you will need to make spare rooms into an elegant sanctuary for sleep.

‘Finally, our spare rooms can be used as they are meant to — for our guests, rather than as a home office or dumping ground,’ says Hannah Walters, co-founder of online interiors site Charlested. 

“We will go the extra mile this year to make your spare bedrooms feel like home.”

Comfort and joy: Add a throw to create a cosy look and make a spare room more welcoming

A throw can add warmth and comfort to a room.

Sweet dreams

James Thurstan Waterworth of Wiltshire, the designer of The Bradley Hare, suggests that the bed should be the main attraction. 

He states that the bedroom should have a focal point: the bed. This is because it will be where you spend the most time in your sleep.

It is important to choose the right mattress. The mattress is important.

Co-author of the study, Dr Rebecca Robbins is also a bed expert at Savoir.

Try Savoir Nº4 UK Mattress from £4,910 or topper from £2,905 (savoirbeds.com).

A Welsh tapestry print patterned cushion by Gwenno Jones (£30)

A Welsh tapestry print patterned cushion by Gwenno Jones (£30)

Very softly 

You can achieve a cozy environment with soft furniture.

Thurstan waterworth states that a headboard with textured texture adds warmth, softness, and tactility in a bedroom.

Try Studio Trove’s Royére headboard (from £895) or the DIY blog Mano Mano has a tutorial for those wanting to try it at home.

The bed’s bottom is covered with natural, soft throws that allow for guests to feel warm and cozy. Try TOAST’s 100 per cent lambswool blanket (£95).

You can create warmth by adding layers of texture with rugs, curtains and cushions.

‘Lots of cushions made from natural fibres — cottons and linens — will add gentle textures and a soothing quality so you feel like you’re being nurtured,’ says Lady Carole Bamford, co-founder of Daylesford.

The brand’s Quadrant cushion comes in a neutral check (£75) or choose a Welsh tapestry print pattern by maker Gwenno Jones (£30).

Richard Karegeya is one of the Savoy’s butlers who was dedicated to the Royal Suite. He recommends that you use blackout blinds in order to create the ideal environment for restful sleep. 

The online company blinds2go.co.uk have customisable blinds from £10.25.

You want guests to feel comfortable when they step on something warm. Try Pemberton Rug, a vintage-looking tonal pink rug with fringing which can be layered over floorboards or carpets (£165).

Furniture for the fancy

Do not try to match all furniture. Thurstan waterworth states that pairing modern furniture with antique pieces and accessories can create a cozy atmosphere in guest rooms. 

It doesn’t necessarily have to be fully furnished. You can use a double-up chair for clothes storage if there isn’t enough room. 

Try the Giulia Chair in a range of fabrics from ceraudo.com (from £780).

Little luxuries

With thoughtful touches, such as lavender oil for your pillow or a cup with chamomile Tea, you can make your guest feel loved. 

Also worth considering are candles. There’s a beautifully scented Christmas votive trio at Plum & Ashby.

Deborah Fiddy is the founder of Gingerlily nightwear. She suggests that guests make a home for themselves by placing silk pajamas or new silk robes on their pillows. 

Tea lights are what your home really needs 

Warming: The White Company has ribbed glass gold holders, pictured, £6 (thewhitecompany.co.uk)

Warming: The White Company has ribbed glass gold holders, pictured, £6 (thewhitecompany.co.uk)

Tea light is a small metal-cased candle that keeps teapots warm. It was developed as part of Japanese tea ceremonies in the 9th Century.

Tea lights are used in the country to cheer up guests at social events. A bag of 12 maxi tea lights costs £3.50 at Sainsbury’s, while for £9.99 you can buy a pack of eight of the battery-powered version from Lakeland — the safety-first choice.

Attractive holders can be inexpensive, which makes them a great choice for your home. 

Liberty’s has glass holders in 12 colours for £7.20 each while The White Company has ribbed glass gold holders for £6.

These tea light holders with houses-shaped designs are extremely popular this season. At Asda, you can buy a set of three in cream, grey and yellow for £12 while, for the same price, Habitat supplies a larger house in green. 

Not On The High Street offers six styles of Amsterdam canal house at £17.50 each. 

The £50 pair of Vera Wang glass holders with silver bows from Wedgwood would be a gift for newly-weds.

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