Photo by Yann Deret
The guest bedroom is changing shape. Once a common feature of larger family homes, it’s now a more occasional luxury. When they do exist, guest rooms are often hybrid spaces — doubling as offices, ateliers, or meditation rooms. But for those of us who love design, they remain an overlooked source of creative joy. Not because they’re frequently used, but precisely because they aren’t.
Unlike a primary bedroom, where calming neutrality often rules, a guest room offers the rare freedom to try something different. Think of it as your home’s wildcard, designed not for the everyday but for special moments of immersion. It’s a place where style can stretch its legs, where pattern and mood can be dialed up without compromising daily function.
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In France, l’hospitalité is a kind of soft art. The guest isn’t an afterthought, but a raison d’être for quiet detail. Fans of ritual and tradition, the french take great care in decorating their guest room, filling these spaces with crisp linens, lighting that shifts with the mood, a thoughtful carafe of water on the bedside table, and a little something extra — flowers, books, or a square of dark chocolate if they’re feeling indulgent. It’s all about offering a cocoon that feels intentionally, a home away from home.
Drawing inspiration from recent homes featured in My French Country Home Magazine, we’ve gathered our favourite ideas for styling a guest bedroom — French in spirit, and made to make your visitors feel truly taken care of.
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1. High Quality Bedding
Nothing is more welcoming than a beautifully made bed. In France, bedding is typically crisp cotton percale or softened linen, gently rumpled and quietly inviting. The goal is to create an atmosphere of calm luxury. Start with a good mattress topper and build from there: high thread count sheets, a down duvet and a generous amount of pillows. A textured quilt or bedspread also looks wonderful at the end of the bed (a vintage boutis from Provence works perfectly), but no need to over do it. French bedrooms are never overly fussy — comfort and breathability are key.
2. Being Bold with Patterns
Unlike the main bedroom, which often leans into neutrality for the sake of rest, the guest room gives you permission to be a little bolder. It’s a chance to experiment — with printed wallpaper, a riot of cushions, or an unexpected clash of floral and stripes. The French have a knack for mixing patterns that shouldn’t work, but somehow do. Keep your palette limited and layer tones rather than going full maximalist. A single bold motif — either on the curtains, a headboard, or upholstered chair — can bring the whole space to life.
3. Stylish Storage
Even if your guest is only staying a night or two, a bit of storage goes a long way. A small armoire, a set of drawers, or even a simple row of hooks gives them breathing room and helps keep things organized. Avoid overfilling shelves with decorative items and instead place a few thoughtful trinket trays around the room for small personal items. A luggage rack or bench is also a thoughtful touch, making the room feel ready for their arrival.
4. Ample Seating Areas
If there’s room, a small seating area can make a big difference in your guest bedroom, transforming it from a sleep-only space to personal retreat. A deep armchair with a reading lamp, a velvet bench at the foot of the bed, or even a little table by the window — these invite your guest to linger, relax and make the space their own. In French homes, the guest bedroom often borrows from salon-style thinking: intimate, comfortable and just a little refined.
5. Lighting for Every Mood
Lighting is about mood as much as function. It’s nice to offer more than just an overhead fixture in these spaces. A bedside lamp, a wall sconce, a small reading light — each adds warmth and practicality, making your guest’s stay easy and comfortable. If your room has natural light, consider light-filtering curtains for softness by day and heavier drapes to block out the morning sun. French bedrooms are often feature layered curtains and window shutters, allowing the guest to set their own rhythm.
6. Art for a Lived in Feel
To prevent your guest room feeling like a hotel and not part of your home, consider adding art that speaks to you. Whether it’s an antique illustration, a sketch you picked up at the flea market, or a photograph of a beloved place, art has an instant ability to add character and warmth.
Pro Tip: Instead, opt for one or two standout pieces that reflect your style, or casually layer smaller artworks atop a dresser or shelf for a more relaxed, collected look.
7. Some Welcoming Touches
Finally, the details. These are what your guests will remember: a small pitcher of water and glasses, a stack of books, fresh cut flowers, or a wrapped piece of chocolate on the pillow may feel old-fashioned, but in the best possible way. French hospitality is about care, not perfection. It’s all about the feeling of being thought of.
