9 Ways to Create a Perfect Guest Room

"High-quality linens are essential," says decorator Amanda Nisbet, who favors Sferra sheets. "They're divinely soft and wear well-people always tell me how great they feel." Arrange a cozy throw near the footboard to add color and texture to the room. "Design a guest room with the same care as you would your own personal bedroom. Above all, your visitors should feel wanted in your home and instantly at ease."

Alpaca throw, Serena & Lily, $148;

Indulge your lucky guest with a beautiful little box of chocolates. "It's a tiny gesture that delights everyone," she says. If you know you'll be having consecutive
weekend visitors, buy several boxes at a time and keep a stash on hand.

Fleur de Sel caramels, Sweet Marguerites, $20/12 pieces;

sweetmargchocolates.com.

"Guests never bother to pack one, so they always appreciate a robe," says Nisbet, who prefers a white cotton wrap. Fold it neatly and display it on the bed to let your guest know it's freshly laundered and at her disposal.

Organic cotton Khadi robe, Coyuchi, $94;

coyuchi.com.

If a close friend is coming, dig up an old picture of the two of you—on a trip, perhaps, or from childhood-pop it in a pretty frame, and put it on the dresser.

Cayman leather studio frame, Graphic Image, from $80/4" x 6";

graphicimage.com.

Place a chic carafe near the bed for middle-of-the-night sips (so there's no need for stumbling around in the dark in an unfamiliar home). Nisbet loves bottles with drinking-glass lids.

Night carafe, DWR, $80;

dwr.com. Recycled-glass night set, Couronne, $20; reformschoolrules.com.

"I can't stand it when I get into bed and it's too dim to read," says Nisbet. "I always provide a lamp and, when possible, a sconce."

Swank wall light, Amanda Nisbet for the Urban Electric Co., $1,750; 843-723-8140 for info.

"Leave a few can't-put-'em-down magazines, from fashion titles to guilty-pleasure tabloids, in the room," says Nisbet. "If there's a book you think a guest may enjoy, include that in the mix."

"As a guest, it's nice to have some private morning time with a cup of coffee instead of having to make an appearance immediately after rising," she says. With a stylish little in-room java machine, it's possible.

Nespresso Pixie espresso maker, Nespresso, $250;

williams-sonoma.com.

Spend a night in your guest room-it's the best way to gauge the comfort level. After this firsthand experience, you may realize that, say, a softer pillow or a sunlight-blocking window shade is what the room needs.