Whether you’re preparing the perfect guest bedroom or just want your own bedroom to be an oasis of calm, here’s our list for all the bedroom essentials you need. From furniture and accessories to decor and bedding, this is everything you need for a comfortable, welcoming bedroom for men, women, kids, and guests.
General Bedroom Essentials Checklist
- Bed
- Bed Sheets
- Bedside Table and Lamp
- Candles or Diffusers
- Curtains or Blinds
- Dresser or Drawers
- Full Length Mirror
- Laundry Hamper
- Lounge Chair
- Overhead Lighting
- Rugs or Carpets
- Storage Solutions
- Trashcan
- Wall Decor
- Window Coverings
Bed
As the most important part of your bedroom, be sure to choose your bed, bed frame, and mattress carefully. Look for beds that support you if you have back pain, breathing issues, or more. After all, you’ll be spending plenty of time in it!
Bed Sheets
Bed sheets play an important part in regulating body temperature, so look for materials like linen during the summer and flannel or bamboo for the winter.
Bedside Table and Lamp
If you’re short on space, look for a table and lamp with multiple uses. Find a bedside table with ample storage space, or choose a lamp that also doubles as a phone charger.
Candles or Diffusers
Scents can have a big effect on our moods and memories, so choose a soothing natural scent that brings you calm and peace.
Curtains or Blinds
If you need complete pitch black darkness when you sleep, black out curtains might be necessary. Curtains or blinds are also a must for keeping rooms cool during the day, so look into energy efficient options to make sure you choose the most eco-friendly option.
Desk
If you work from home and your bedroom also doubles as your office, be sure your workspace set up maximizes your productivity. Choose an ergonomic chair, as well as a desk with enough storage space. That way, at the end of the work day, you can put away your laptop and work supplies and have the room revert back to a comfortable bedroom.
Dresser or Drawers
Whether you have a huge closet or not, you’ll probably need at least one set of drawers to store clothing and other items. Measure your room ahead of time to ensure you don’t get a dresser that’s too large or small for the space you have.
Full Length Mirror
Look your best, from head to toe. Don’t forget to have a microfiber cloth handy to keep the mirror clean and streak-free throughout the week.
Laundry Hamper
If you have the space, choose multiple hampers that will allow you to sort your clothes as you discard them, saving you time when laundry day eventually rolls around.
Overhead Lighting
A solid lighting system is key, whether you need it to see your work or simply read in bed. Be sure to also include dusting these overhead lighting fixtures on your weekly cleaning schedule, as dust and grime can build up quickly.
Rugs or Carpets
Rugs and carpets can be more than just decor. They can also protect your floors from damage, as well as reduce noise from footsteps if you are living above others.
Storage Solutions
Whether you go with an ottoman that doubles as a chest or an antique armoire, it’s important to have ample storage space so your room isn’t prone to piles of clutter.
Trashcan
You won't need a big trashcan for your bedroom, though it will still be necessary. A small 2-4 gallon bin should be enough for an average sized bedroom.
Wall Decor
Let your personality shine with the decor you choose to liven up your walls. If you’re renting or don’t want to drill holes, you can also look into minimally invasive ways to hang up frames and posters.
Guest Bedroom Essentials Checklist
- Alarm Clock
- Bed
- Bed Sheets
- Bedside Table and Lamp
- Candles or Diffusers
- Curtains or Blinds
- Dresser or Drawers
- Foldable Crib
- Full Length Mirror
- Hair Dryer
- Laundry Hamper
- Lounge Chair
- Overhead Lighting
- Phone Charger
- Rugs or Carpets
- Slippers
- Storage Baskets
- Towel
- Trashcan
- Wall Decor
Alarm Clock
Even if most people use their phone, an alarm clock is a handy tool for guests, especially if they’re staying in a different time zone and need a regular reminder of the time difference.
Bed
Choose a mattress that is comfortable for whoever sleeps on it, whether they're a side sleeper, stomach sleeper, or anything else. If you choose a bed frame that's higher than normal, be sure to also provide a small set of steps to make getting up there easier.
Bed Sheets
Don’t forget to also provide extra blankets and pillows in case your guest needs a bit more blankets or sheets to feel at home.
Bedside Table and Lamp
Within the bedside table, you can also leave crucial information that would be good to have at close reach, such as the wifi password or television instructions.
Candles or Diffusers
Since you never know if your guests could have allergies or other sensitivities, go with a clean, neutral scent that isn’t too strong or invasive.
Curtains or Blinds
Be sure to offer a heavy duty curtain or thorough window covering or blinds setup, should your guest prefer to block out all sunlight before they wake up.
Dresser or Drawers
Leave out extra hangers as well in case your guest has items that need to be hung up immediately to avoid wrinkles.
Foldable Crib
If your guest is traveling with small children, it would be convenient to have a foldable crip or umbrella bed on hand for babies to sleep in. When not in use, these beds usually fold up easily and don’t take up too much storage space.
Full Length Mirror
Though a mirror may also be available in the bathroom, a full length mirror allows guests to check how they look from head to toe.
Laundry Hamper
Allow guests a space to put their dirty clothes so they don’t need to store them in their suitcase between washes.
Lounge Chair
Whether they use this chair to sit or simply store extra clothes, a chair allows them more space to sit and live besides just the bed.
Overhead Lighting
Make sure the light switches easily accessible to ensure they aren’t fumbling around when it’s too dark to see.
Phone Charger
Be sure to also have universal adapters for your country, as this will be especially useful for guests visiting from different countries.
Rugs or Carpets
A well placed rug will also protect your floor, especially if suitcases are regularly being rolled in and out of the room.
Slippers
Find small ways to make your home as welcoming and cozy as possible. Slippers are a great way to welcome guests, especially during cold winter months.
Storage Baskets
Having small, easily accessible baskets is a great way for guests to store essential items such as keys, wallet, or phones.
Towels
Much like bedsheets, be sure the guest has easy access to extra towels, in all sizes.
Trashcan
Keep the trashcan near the door for easy, no-fuss disposal.
Wall Decor
Guest rooms have to be, of course, welcoming! Decorate the walls with welcoming, interesting images and photos that will make them feel at home.