Stocking a Guest Bathroom: Essentials for Visitors
Our friends fly in tomorrow morning and we’re excited to host them for a week! I wanted to update this post, as I’ve recently added some essentials to our guest bath. If you’re hosting overnight house guests anytime soon, having a well-stocked bathroom makes all the difference. Whether it’s friends, family or last-minute visitors, I enjoy making our guest bath feel like a cozy boutique hotel… inviting, thoughtful, and fully equipped with everything they might need (and then some). In today’s post, I’m sharing a checklist of my favorite guest bathroom essentials- plus a few easy styling tips to elevate the aesthetic. Click through to see my tips and guest bath… it’s always fun to look through other peoples cabinets, isn’t it?
It’s hard to believe we finished renovating this space over six years ago! It’s still a room I absolutely love- and it feels timeless to me, years later. If you missed any part of our guest bathroom renovation, definitely do some scrolling. I shared so many designer tips during that project. Let’s dive into stocking a bathroom for house guests, shall we? Our company arrives tomorrow morning and I couldn’t be more excited!
Why It’s Worth Prepping Your Guest Bath
Taking a little time to prepare your guest bathroom for company shows hospitality and attention to detail. Since the majority of our family and friends live on the east coast, we really appreciate when they take the time to come visit. Hosting is my love language, and I hope it conveys how much I care about them. A stocked space keeps guests feeling at home and eliminates the need to ask for the basics. It also makes their travel easier, knowing they don’t need to pack as many toiletries. It gives me peace of mind knowing they have everything they need to feel comfortable and cared for!
My Must-Have Guest Bathroom Essentials
Here’s what I always keep on hand when prepping for overnight visitors. I’ve categorized the items into easy sections for you. First up… linens and towels.
Linens and Towels
- Fluffy bath towels (two per guest)
- Hand towels
- Wash cloths
- Bath mat
- Makeup remover towels
- Lightweight robe (optional)
- Slippers (optional)
My recommendation is to choose neutral, plush textiles, and keep extras neatly folded or rolled for easy access. I keep extras in the cabinet and linen closet, but if you’re short on space- a basket is second best! These are the best classic white bath towels for any budget. I’m partial to white towels in a guest bath because guests can easily see they are clean. I also feel they help evoke that spa-like experience.
I know many people are hesitant to invest in white towels, but they’re easy to keep crispy, fluffy, and bright. Here is my trick on how to wash towels back to white with laundry stripping, if yours are beginning to look dull and gray.
Robes are also a nice touch, but because we’re a no-shoes household- slippers are a must in our home. It’s easier to ask guests to remove their shoes when I have those at the ready.
Toiletries and Personal Care
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Hand soap and lotion
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash
- Razor and shaving cream
- Cotton balls, rounds, swabs, and tissues
- Deodorant and feminine hygiene products
- Makeup remover wipes
I like transferring products into matching refillable bottles or decanters- it instantly elevates the look and keeps the aesthetic streamlined. I even decanted mouthwash (extra, I know). I keep paper cups in the cabinet, but it felt like a fun addition, instead of stowing mini bottles for guests. I corral cotton balls, swabs, and tissues in decorative containers for a more designerly look. They’re functional and double as decor!
Hair Care
Aside from shampoo and conditioner, I keep a few extra hair products in our guest bath. A hair dryer is essential, but I also have dry shampoo, combs, hair ties, spray, etc.
Shower and Tub Additions
- A clean, mildew-free shower curtain liner
- Bath salts, bath bombs, shower steamers, or bubble bath (optional)
I think it goes without saying, clean your bathroom before guests arrive… that includes the shower curtain liner! That’s a step many people miss and seeing a dirty or stained liner is enough to give your guests the ick. I don’t know who needs to hear this, but I always recommend a shower curtain that just kisses the floor (like drapery), instead of the traditional short ones. Check out my extra long shower curtain DIY if you’d like.
If you have a spacious bath or separate tub, I think it’s fun to leave out your favorite bath salts, bath bombs, or shower steamers for an optional spa self care evening. I fill our DIY bath caddy tray with a few favorites. Most of our friends who visit are busy parents and always appreciate the break.
Create a Thoughtful Setup
Little touches go a long way in making guests feel welcome and at home. Here are some optional extras to consider…
- Add a small tray or basket with grouped essentials
- Include a note with the Wi-Fi password
- Keep a candle, matches, or room spray nearby
- Put out fresh flowers in a bud vase
- Plug-in a nightlight
- Make sure outlets are accessible for hair tools and chargers
- Keep refills accessible and easy to find (extra toilet paper or tissues in the bathroom vanity)
A small lidded jar for cotton swabs or a labeled canister for bath salts makes the space feel intentional, organized, and clutter-free. The goal is to make your bath functional and beautiful- without over styling.
Bathroom Styling Tips
Styling your guest bathroom doesn’t mean overdoing it. Keep things simple and free up counter space for your guests…
- Use glass, ceramic, or woven containers for storage
- Keep countertops tidy- less clutter in a guest bath
- Add a tiny cordless lamp or nightstand, so guests can easily navigate in the dark
- Make sure drawers aren’t overly stuffed
- Group objects together for an organized look
FAQ
Offer the basics: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, lotion, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and extras- like cotton swabs or a razor.
Use plush towels, decant toiletries into containers, add a candle or fresh flowers, and keep the space tidy and well-lit. Check out this post on how to properly light a bathroom.
Absolutely- it’s thoughtful and practical. Store it in a drawer, bag, or basket that’s easy to find.
No problem! You can still stock shared spaces with guest-specific items in labeled containers or baskets to make them feel welcome.
Related
Looking for more bathroom design related posts? I’m going to share some reader favorites with you below…
- How to Properly Light a Bathroom for Function and Design
- 20 Bathroom Remodeling Tips… Before You Begin Your Renovation
- The Best Classic White Bath Towels for Any Budget (Tested & Approved)
- Why an Exhaust Fan & Light Combo Is the Best Choice for Bathroom Renovations
- How to Wash Towels Back to White with Laundry Stripping
- Classic Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures from Wayfair
- How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Larger
- Bathtub Refinishing Process & Reglazing A Tub White
- 20 Aesthetically Pleasing Tissue Box Covers
- How to Make Subway Tile Look Classic, Not Basic
Hopefully this list will come in handy if you’re stocking a newly renovated bathroom, are moving into a new home, or are preparing for your own house guests. Creating a comfortable, welcoming guest bathroom doesn’t have to be complicated- it’s all about anticipating your guests’ needs and adding thoughtful touches. I love curating these little moments of hospitality, and I hope this checklist helps you do the same. If you have a go-to item you always include for guests, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!