Summer is the season for visitors, whether that's family over for a long weekend or friends passing through. These guest bedroom ideas will help you create a spare room that's comfortable, practical and welcoming, from choosing between a guest bed and a sofa bed to the details that make guests feel looked after.

First, decide how the room will be used

A guest bedroom that's occupied every few weekends can be furnished like a hotel room. A spare room that doubles as a home office, playroom or snug most of the year needs to work harder.

Be honest about how often you have overnight guests. If the room is in regular use, a proper bed will give your visitors the best night's sleep. If it's mostly an office or snug, a well-made sofa bed gives you seating for everyday use and a comfortable bed when you need it.

Choosing a guest bed

If space allows, a double bed is the most versatile choice for a guest room, as it works for couples and single guests alike. For smaller spare rooms, a single bed with a smart upholstered headboard can feel as considered as any master bedroom.

A storage bed is invaluable in a guest room. Spare bedding, out-of-season clothes and suitcases can be tucked away under the mattress, leaving the room clear and calm. Our guide to ottoman vs drawer bases explains which suits your space.

When a sofa bed makes more sense

In a study, snug or open-plan living space, a sofa bed lets one room do two jobs. Today's designs are a long way from the thin, creaky fold-outs many of us remember. Choose one with a proper mattress and a mechanism that's easy to open, and your guests will sleep well. Our post on space-saving sofa beds covers the different types.

Upholster your sofa bed in the same fabric family as your curtains or cushions and it will look like part of the room, not a temporary fix. Choose a corner sofa bed for larger rooms, or a compact two-seater for smaller ones.

Every bed and sofa bed we make is handmade in our Manchester factory, so you can match your guest room to the rest of your home in any of more than 170 fabrics. A footstool or occasional chair upholstered to match completes the look.

Details that make guests feel welcome

• Layered bedding such as a duvet and a throw, so guests can adjust to the temperature.
• Two pillows each, ideally one soft and one firm.
• A bedside table and lamp on at least one side, with a nearby socket for charging phones.
• Somewhere to put a suitcase, whether it's a footstool, blanket box or the end of an ottoman.
• A few empty hangers and a clear drawer.
• Blackout curtains or blinds for early summer sunrises.

Guest room essentials

Your questions, answered

What size bed is best for a guest room?

A double is the most flexible choice, as it suits couples and single guests. In a small box room, a single bed or a sofa bed may make better use of the space.

Is a sofa bed comfortable enough for guests?

A well-made sofa bed with a proper mattress can be very comfortable. Choose a quality mechanism and mattress rather than the cheapest option. Explore our fabric sofa beds.

How do I make a small spare room feel bigger?

Choose a bed with a slimmer headboard, use storage beneath the bed, keep the colour palette light and make the most of mirrors and natural light.

Can I match my guest bed to my sofa?

Yes. All our beds, headboards and sofa beds are available in the same wide range of fabrics, so you can coordinate across rooms.

Ready for visitors, handmade in Manchester.