by: M.Arch. Julio A ArcoPosted on:

How to Create a Farmhouse Bedroom for Guests

Introduction

A farmhouse bedroom for guests is more than just a place to sleep—it’s an opportunity to make your visitors feel truly at home. With its warm textures, timeless decor, and inviting ambiance, farmhouse design strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style. Whether you’re hosting family for the holidays or welcoming friends for a weekend stay, a thoughtfully designed guest bedroom can leave a lasting impression.

I’ll never forget the first time I revamped our guest bedroom into a cozy farmhouse retreat. I added shiplap walls, layered neutral linens, and a rustic wooden headboard to create a space that felt like a tranquil escape. A few personal touches, like a woven basket filled with extra blankets and a vase of fresh flowers, made all the difference. Seeing my guests smile as they walked in reassured me that the effort was worth it.

If you’re ready to transform your guest bedroom into a welcoming farmhouse haven, this guide will take you through the essentials to create a space that feels both stylish and comfortable.

About The Author and Hogarly

The Perfect Design for You

A farmhouse guest bedroom is perfect for homeowners who want to offer a warm and inviting space for visitors. This design style is all about creating a cozy retreat with rustic charm and thoughtful details, ensuring your guests feel at ease from the moment they arrive.

Imagine a guest room with crisp white bedding layered with chunky knit throws, a reclaimed wood bed frame, and soft lighting that casts a warm glow. Add touches like vintage decor, fresh greenery, and a woven rug, and you’ve created a space that’s not only functional but also brimming with farmhouse character.

Picture Gallery

Why These Key Elements Work So Well Together

Farmhouse design is rooted in simplicity, natural materials, and timeless aesthetics, making it the ideal style for a guest bedroom. Here’s why these elements work so well:

  • Neutral Color Palette: Soothing whites, creams, and earthy tones create a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Natural Materials: Wood, metal, and linen bring texture and warmth to the space.
  • Cozy Textiles: Layered bedding, rugs, and curtains enhance comfort and invite guests to unwind.
  • Functional Decor: Nightstands, lamps, and storage solutions balance practicality with style.
  • Personal Touches: Thoughtful details like fresh flowers, books, or a welcome note make guests feel cared for.

How to Create a Farmhouse Bedroom for Guests

1. Start With a Neutral Base

  • Design: Use soft whites, greys, or beiges as the foundation for your guest bedroom’s color palette.
  • Why It Works: Neutral tones create a calming environment, perfect for rest and relaxation.
  • Styling Tips: Add depth with accents like a soft sage green throw or muted blue pillows.

2. Choose a Rustic Bed Frame

  • Design: Opt for a reclaimed wood bed frame, a wrought-iron headboard, or a shiplap-style backdrop.
  • Why It Works: The bed serves as the focal point of the room, and a rustic frame ties in seamlessly with farmhouse decor.
  • Styling Tips: Pair the bed with crisp white sheets and a cozy quilt or duvet.

3. Incorporate Layered Bedding

  • Design: Use a mix of textures, such as linen sheets, a cotton duvet, and knit or faux fur throws.
  • Why It Works: Layered bedding not only looks inviting but also allows guests to customize their comfort.
  • Styling Tips: Stick to neutral colors and subtle patterns for a cohesive look.

4. Add Functional Nightstands

  • Design: Choose rustic wooden nightstands or repurposed furniture pieces for added charm.
  • Why It Works: Nightstands provide a convenient place for guests to store personal items.
  • Styling Tips: Decorate with a small lamp, a stack of books, and a ceramic dish for jewelry.

5. Incorporate Soft Lighting

  • Design: Use table lamps, wall sconces, or string lights to create a warm and welcoming glow.
  • Why It Works: Soft lighting enhances the cozy ambiance and helps guests relax.
  • Styling Tips: Choose fixtures with vintage-inspired finishes like black metal or brushed brass.

6. Add Thoughtful Storage Solutions

  • Design: Include a small dresser, hooks, or a bench with storage to give guests space to unpack.
  • Why It Works: Providing storage ensures your guests feel at home and organized during their stay.
  • Styling Tips: Use woven baskets or fabric bins for a farmhouse-inspired storage option.

7. Decorate With Greenery

  • Design: Incorporate fresh or faux plants, such as eucalyptus, lavender, or succulents.
  • Why It Works: Greenery adds life and color to the room while enhancing its relaxing feel.
  • Styling Tips: Place a small potted plant on the nightstand or hang a simple wreath on the wall.

8. Incorporate Rugs and Curtains

  • Design: Use a woven or jute rug to add warmth underfoot and soft curtains for privacy.
  • Why It Works: Rugs and curtains make the space feel more complete and cozy.
  • Styling Tips: Choose neutral tones or subtle patterns to maintain the farmhouse aesthetic.

9. Add Personal Touches

  • Design: Include thoughtful details like fresh flowers, a carafe of water, or a welcome basket with snacks.
  • Why It Works: These touches show your guests you’ve put thought into their comfort.
  • Styling Tips: Use vintage-inspired items, such as a glass vase or a woven basket, for added charm.

10. Include Artwork and Wall Decor

  • Design: Hang simple, farmhouse-style wall art, such as botanical prints or wooden signs.
  • Why It Works: Artwork adds personality and completes the room’s look.
  • Styling Tips: Opt for muted tones and natural themes to keep the decor cohesive.

How to Style Your Farmhouse Guest Bedroom

  1. Keep It Minimal: Avoid clutter by focusing on a few well-chosen decor items.
  2. Stick to a Palette: Use a consistent color scheme of whites, greys, and muted tones to create a cohesive look.
  3. Layer Textures: Combine soft bedding, rough-hewn wood, and smooth ceramics for depth and interest.
  4. Prioritize Comfort: Ensure the room has everything guests need, from extra blankets to bedside lighting.
  5. Add Seasonal Touches: Swap decor elements like throw pillows or greenery to reflect the current season.

FAQ Section

1. How can I make a small guest bedroom feel cozy?

  • Use light, neutral colors to open up the space, and focus on layered bedding and soft lighting to create warmth.

2. What’s the best way to keep the space functional for guests?

  • Include a luggage rack, nightstands, and storage options to ensure guests can unpack and settle in comfortably.

3. Can I mix modern and rustic elements in a farmhouse guest bedroom?

  • Absolutely! Combine sleek lighting fixtures or modern art with rustic wood furniture for a balanced look.

4. How do I add personality without overwhelming the space?

  • Use small, meaningful decor items like family photos, vintage books, or a framed welcome note.

5. What should I include in the guest bedroom to make it more inviting?

  • Fresh flowers, extra pillows and blankets, and a basket with snacks or toiletries are great additions.

Variations

  • Rustic Farmhouse Guest Bedroom: Focus on distressed wood furniture, vintage quilts, and earthy tones for a traditional look.
  • Modern Farmhouse Guest Bedroom: Incorporate clean lines, minimalist decor, and black metal accents for a contemporary twist.
  • Coastal Farmhouse Guest Bedroom: Use light wood finishes, white bedding, and blue accents for a breezy, seaside feel.
  • Industrial Farmhouse Guest Bedroom: Combine metal bed frames, Edison bulbs, and dark wood for an edgier aesthetic.
  • Boho Farmhouse Guest Bedroom: Add colorful textiles, macramé wall hangings, and eclectic patterns for a relaxed, playful vibe.

How to Showcase It

  • Before-and-After Photos: Highlight the transformation of your guest bedroom into a cozy farmhouse retreat.
  • Seasonal Styling: Show how you’ve updated the room with seasonal decor, like fall pumpkins or spring florals.
  • Thoughtful Touches: Capture the little details, like a vase of fresh flowers or a welcome basket, that make the space special.

Occasions to Feature It

  • Holiday Hosting: Create a festive and inviting space for family or friends staying over during the holidays.
  • Weekend Visitors: Offer a warm, comfortable retreat for casual weekend guests.
  • Housewarming Showcase: Highlight your beautifully designed guest bedroom as part of your home tour.

Conclusion

Designing a farmhouse guest bedroom is all about creating a space that feels warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. By focusing on cozy textiles, natural materials, and thoughtful touches, you can transform your guest room into a retreat that your visitors will love.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing space, these tips will help you create a farmhouse-inspired guest bedroom that’s as functional as it is beautiful. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can ensure your guests feel right at home every time they visit.

Julio Arco

About the Author

M.Arch. Julio Arco is an architect, interior designer, and urban planner with degrees from ITESM, McGill University, and a certificate in Architecture in Urban Context from LDM. Julio has designed interiors for over 1,200 clients and also teaches architecture at ITESM.

His go-to sites for inspiration include Houzz, Apartment Therapy, HGTV, Architectural Digest, and The Spruce.