How to Set Up Guest Bathrooms

Make sure your guests have everything they need.

Prepare in advance for guests. If you anticipate visitors, set up days beforehand if possible in order to ease the stress of having additional people in your household. It is important to clean and have ready the guest bathroom--whether they are staying overnight or a couple of weeks. After doing the overall cleaning and tidying, add a few touches of beauty and comfort. No matter the size of the room, you can create a welcoming and comfortable environment for all.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning supplies
• Art objects
• Fresh, clean towel sets
• Additional hand towels
• Toilet paper rolls
• Tissue boxes
• Small toiletries
• Small basket
• Mirror
• Soaps
• Candles
• Incense
• Matches
• Aromatic fragrances
• Hair dryer
• Vase
• Fresh flowers
• Reading material

Instructions

1. Scrub and clean the tub and shower. Clean the toilet and sink(s). Make sure the shower curtain is clean, too, laundering it if necessary. Ensure the entire space if free of mold and mildew. Replace the shower curtain liner with a new, clear one. Polish the mirror and windows with glass cleaner. If you don't have a mirror in the guest bathroom, provide a hand mirror.

2. Decorate the bathroom with a few artfully placed objects or paintings on the walls. Make sure the lights work and replace any bulbs that are out.

3. Hang fresh hand towels within easy reach of the sink. Place a new toilet paper roll on its holder, and have several rolls available under a sink or in an easy-to-reach, obvious location.

4. Organize sets of towels for expected guests, especially those who will spend the night. Each set can include a full-length shower towel, a hand towel and washcloth. Either leave these in a guest bedroom or, if there's room, in the bathroom itself. Draping them together on towel racks works nicely.

5. Group small basic toiletries together in a small basket to place beside the sink or on a shelf. Items to include are travel toothpaste, toothbrush, mini-mouthwash, hand lotion and a shampoo and conditioner set, such as those found in hotels. Optional items to include are emory boards, disposable razors, a shower cap and dental floss. Though many people carry their own toiletries when traveling, having a few basic extras is a considerate touch.

6. Set out a few candles, incense sticks and holders and boxes of matches. Add canisters of scented items, such as potpourri or air freshener plug-ins and spritzers. This will help keep the bathroom fresh smelling throughout your guests' stay.

7. Place a few glossy covered magazines in a basket or on a rack. Add a vase of freshly picked flowers. Set it where it won't topple or get knocked over easily. This can add scent and beauty to a bathroom environment. You can add other touches, too, such as a bowl of seashells or a container of bath salts.

Tips & Warnings

• Think about what you would like to have when visiting your friends or family. Whatever you might need, guests will likely also need. Cover the basics, but place things such as a hair dryer under the sink for someone who might need it, and add your personal taste decorative items.

• Buy inexpensive bottles of shampoo and conditioner in case a guest forgot to bring their own. You can also keep on hand a few extra toothbrushes, too. Also consider buying a small bottle of aspirin or Tylenol and a bottle of Tums for your guests.

• Do a last check of everything right before guests come, especially if you have children.

• If guests have children, and you don't, place chemical or toxic cleaners and other items out of reach so you avoid potential problems.

References

• Women24.com: Guest bathroom décor tricks
• HandyAmerican.com: Guest Bathroom Renovation - From Start to Finish
• The Inspired Room: Preparing for Guests