Getting a guest bed ready should feel easy, not like a last minute scramble. A simple checklist ensures clean, comfortable bedding and a welcoming setup without overthinking. This UK guide covers sheet choices, duvet weights by season, pillows that suit mixed sleep styles, and small touches that help guests sleep well on the first night.
Breathable bases such as bed sheets that stay cool set the tone for the rest of the setup.
Start with fresh, breathable sheets
Use crisp percale cotton sheets. They feel cool and neutral for most guests and hold up well to washing between stays. If you want a silkier handle, sateen is fine in cooler months. Avoid heavy brushed sheets in summer. Wash and dry fully a day or two before guests arrive so everything smells fresh and feels smooth.
Choose a duvet weight for the season
In summer, a 4.5 to 7 tog duvet suits most homes. In spring and autumn, switch to a mid weight around 10.5 tog. In winter, use a higher tog or an all season duvet with both layers attached. Keep an extra blanket at the foot of the bed so guests can add or remove warmth without hunting through cupboards at night.
Offer pillow options
People sleep differently. Place two pillows per person with different profiles if possible, such as one medium and one softer. If you have a contour or adjustable pillow, keep it in the wardrobe with a clean pillowcase and let guests know it is available. Fresh pillow protectors make pillows feel cleaner and help with allergies.
Mattress comfort without a full replacement
If the guest mattress is a touch firm, add a breathable topper to take the edge off pressure points. Latex or ventilated foam adds comfort without trapping heat. Use a deep pocket fitted sheet so everything stays flat. A quiet, waterproof protector keeps the mattress fresh for the next visit without affecting feel.
Temperature and airflow
Open the window for a short period on the day of arrival to refresh the room. Close curtains before dusk to keep warmth in on colder evenings. In summer, a fan helps move air so sheets feel cooler. A small note showing where to adjust heating or where the controller is stored saves awkwardness for guests.
Fresh towels and small touches
Place folded bath and hand towels on the bed, along with a spare pillowcase. Add a carafe of water and a glass on the bedside table. A small reading light and a reachable plug for charging help guests settle. If allergies are a concern, let guests know that bedding is washed with fragrance free detergent.
Quick turnaround after guests leave
Strip the bed the same day, wash sheets and pillow protectors, and air the mattress with the duvet folded back for an hour. Check pillow freshness and rotate between sets if you host often. A clean, aired bed resets the room quickly ready for the next stay.
We shortlist breathable sheets, seasonal duvets, and quiet protectors in our guides to bed sheets, duvets, and mattress protectors. For a softer surface on a firm spare bed, see mattress toppers.
FAQs
What duvet should I keep on a guest bed year round?
An all season duvet with detachable layers is ideal. Use one layer for summer and both for winter. Keep an extra blanket handy so guests can fine tune warmth.
How many pillows should I provide?
Two per person covers most preferences. If you can, offer different heights and a spare pillow in the wardrobe with a clean case.
How soon should I wash bedding after guests leave?
As soon as convenient. Washing and airing promptly keeps the room fresh and makes the next setup faster.
