If you’ve got family staying over this Christmas, you’re probably already doing the usual pre-guest rituals: fresh sheets, a frantic tidy, maybe even hiding half your belongings in a wardrobe.

But if you want to go one better and create a bedroom so cosy, calm and polished that your in-laws won’t want to leave after the mince pies are gone (sorry… not sorry), then it might be time to take a boutique-hotel approach to your soft furnishings.

Now, if you’re a novelty-bedding-and-Santa-cushion enthusiast, you should absolutely embrace it. There’s something so fun and nostalgic about going for the full festive look!

But if you’re aiming for a more pared-back, elegant Christmas look this year, one that feels calm, cosy and winter-ready without leaning too literal, here’s how to build that atmosphere through thoughtful design and beautiful textures.

Why Not Just Go For The Santa Print On Everything?

Bold, novelty Christmas pieces absolutely have their place, especially if you’re into maximalist decorating or you want your whole home bursting with festive personality. But if you’d prefer a more elevated, all-winter-long look, building your guest space with timeless, high-quality soft furnishings means you get more longevity out of your décor.

Choosing fabrics and colours that feel warm and festive because of their texture and depth, rather than a pattern, gives you that seasonal cosiness while still working beautifully in January and beyond.

Thoughtful, durable soft furnishings age well, look better for longer and won’t end up shoved in a cupboard eleven months of the year. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to style your home for winter.

Start With The Curtains

If the room feels a bit flat or unfinished, upgrading your curtains is the quickest way to elevate the entire space. In winter, curtains do double duty: they soften the light and help insulate the room, making it feel instantly warmer and more cocooned.

This is where made-to-measure curtains shine. The fullness, drape and exact fit create that high-end, boutique feeling you simply cannot get from an off-the-shelf pair. Go for soft neutrals, warm earthy tones or deeper colours like forest green or charcoal if you want a richer, wintery vibe that still works after Christmas.

Cushions And Throws That Feel Intentional

Hotel bedrooms always nail the layering, and your guest bedroom can do the same with the right cushions and throws. If you’re still loving festive cushions, bring them in! But if you’re going for a more subtle look, aim for a blend of textures rather than a rainbow of colours.

• A velvet cushion for a touch of luxury
• A bouclé or wool-blend cushion for warmth
• A long lumbar cushion to anchor the bed
• A textured throw in a muted shade for softness

Choose A Calm Colour Palette

The secret to creating a festive bedroom that doesn’t look like a garden centre display is choosing colours that feel Christmassy without being literal. Deep greens, warm neutrals, soft gold tones and layered greys carry a winter warmth that works beautifully in December yet still looks stylish in January.

Let your curtains lead the palette, and then let your cushions and throws support it.

Add Small Comforts That Guests Actually Notice

To give your guest room that luxurious, boutique feel for Christmas visitors, add thoughtful, practical touches:

• A cosy throw draped at the end of the bed
• Good-quality pillows that aren’t sad or sagging
• A soft bedside lamp with warm light
• A tray with water glasses
• Somewhere comfortable to put a suitcase

Use Texture to Create Winter Warmth

People often think festive décor means red and shiny. In reality, winter warmth comes from texture. Linen curtains, wool throws, velvet cushions and soft cotton bedding can be layered to make your room feel immediately more inviting. Texture creates a space that feels subtle, cosy and expensive without relying on seasonal clutter.

Make the Room Smell Like Calm, Not Candy Canes

A boutique-hotel bedroom smells clean, warm and soothing. Think amber, cedar, soft vanilla or gentle winter spices rather than the ultra-sweet festive scents. After a full day of indulgence and family Christmas chaos, your guests will appreciate it.

A boutique-style bedroom for your Christmas guests doesn’t need to rely on seasonal gimmicks (unless you want it to!). This softer approach is all about calm colours, tactile fabrics, thoughtful layering, sustainable choices and beautifully finished soft furnishings.

If you want a guest room that feels truly elevated this festive season, buy your made-to-measure curtains and cushions from The Sewing House and create a winter retreat your guests will never want to leave.