Inspiration

A beautifully crafted bed will stand the test of time so it’s a worthy investment. The same goes for the mattress, which will help friends and family to sleep soundly. (If you’re looking to spend a bit less, a luxury mattress topper is a happy middle ground).

Just like with your bedroom, a wardrobe or chest of drawers and a pair of bedside tables will make your guests feel like they’re very much at home. Anything that encourages them to unpack and settle in rather than living out of their suitcase. Even if they’re only stopping for one night. And don’t forget, you can use this storage all year round for giving the clothes that are getting squashed in your own bedroom’s wardrobe a bit of breathing space. 

We love feather and down bedding because it’s a sumptuous combination that looks as lofty as it feels. There’s little better in a bedroom than walking in and seeing a bed that you just can’t wait to dive into. But, if you’ve stopped at a hotel and found the pillows cloud-like in comfort and the duvet like a marshmallow, have a peek at the label to see what they’re using and then hunt down your own.

Whatever filling you choose though, we always recommend going a size up with the duvet (so a king-size duvet on a double bed, and so on). It’ll drape better over the sides that way, and there’s less chance of fighting over the covers. And not only are super-king pillows best for these largest of beds, but they also fit perfectly on single beds too and are a more luxurious option if it’s an adult rather than a child that’ll be sleeping here.

When it comes to the linen, high thread count Egyptian cotton or pure Belgian linen feel both crisp and cool against your skin, but soft and smooth too. And be sure to include a blanket or quilt for extra warmth, as well as a couple of cushions for comfortable reading in bed.

On each bedside table place a little basket or trinket tray filled with considerate bits and bobs like an aromatherapy pillow spray (we love anything from This Works’ sleep collection) or a pouch of garden-grown lavender. A spare phone charger, cotton pads, and a small stash of magazines are nice to have too, especially if you pick magazines that you know will be right up their street.

Don’t you always find it helpful when there’s a mirror in the bedroom? It saves you from having to nip to the bathroom to do your make-up or fix your hair. And if you choose a full-length mirror, it means you can make sure you’re happy with your outfit before heading downstairs.

A fluffy towelling robe on the back of the door is a lovely find. Not only does it means you’ve got an extra layer to hand, but it avoids the awkward sprint from bathroom to bedroom or the annoyance of carting all your clothes into the steamiest spot in the house. Go one step further by putting matching towelling slippers at the foot of the bed and a rich hand cream. Small things that are going to make them feel a bit pampered. 

Rugs are one of those easy additions that make a bedroom feel far more homely. If you can, try putting the bed over one so that when your guests step out of bed in the morning, their feet land on something warm. Or, if you don’t think you have the space for the rug you like, remember that sheepskins are your friend too. They look just as nice on a roomy window ledge to encourage your guests to treat it as an extra seat.

Christmas is a classic time to be struck with middle of the night thirst or to wake up a little thirstier than usual. So fill a carafe or jug with fresh water, and place a few tumblers on the nightstand.

Nip upstairs and turn on the bedside lamps, light any bedroom candles and slip a hot water bottle between the sheets. Simple things to do, but ones that will make the room feel so much more inviting.