The One Spot In A Guest Room You Should Avoid Over Decorating

When it comes to preparing a space for friends and family to spend the night, many of us go to great lengths to create a tranquil, visitor-ready guest bedroom. From choosing the perfect wall paint color, selecting the comfiest sheets, or picking out the chicest bedroom decor, we often agonize over the little items we can add to ensure loved ones come away from their visit feeling welcomed and well rested. But the things you should get rid of are just as important — if not more so — than the things you choose to put into it. Among the top things to clear out? Any excess items on surfaces, such as superfluous decor on top of dressers and nightstands.

In fact, Liora Seltzer, a professional organizer and owner of What U Keep, LLC, told The Spruce that keeping surfaces free of clutter is a must when it comes to creating a welcoming space for overnight guests. "A guest feels most comfortable when they have space for their stuff and when the room is more neutral," Seltzer said. So, while a tastefully decorated guest room is always appreciated, the age-old adage that less is more is especially applicable when it comes to decorating on guest room tabletops. But that doesn't mean you need to completely purge the space of any embellishments. You should simply be mindful of what enhances your guest's stay versus what's mostly unnecessary.

It's a given that you shouldn't include clutter such as unsorted mail or laundry on top of dressers and nightstands in your guest bedroom, but if you're uncertain which decorative items should go, start by removing these things from surfaces first.

Ornamental objects that don't serve any purpose other than looking pretty — such as decorative trinkets and knick-knacks — shouldn't take up valuable real estate. While you may love those little porcelain statuettes you found at the flea market, your overnight guests would almost certainly prefer to have the extra space on their nightstand or dresser instead. You should also steer clear of decorating with personal items, such as family photographs. While you don't want your guest room to totally lack personality, your goal should also be to craft a space that feels impartial enough that anyone can relax and feel at home in it — similar to the cozy-yet-neutral vibe one might get in a tastefully decorated hotel room.

When deciding which decorative items to keep on your guest bedroom's surfaces, opt for things that are both pleasing to look at and beneficial to your guests, too. Bedside lighting, such as an adjustable desk lamp, is a great example of something that improves the ambiance and is also useful for bedtime reading or finding wayward objects in the middle of the night. Live houseplants also help a space feel homey and welcoming while clearing the air of indoor pollutants. Or try adding a pretty decorative basket or box that's stocked with toiletries and other necessities for guests, such as travel-size shampoo or body wash. Taking time to toss out unwanted items in your guest room and adding beneficial ones is a great way to make your home more inviting to friends and family.