Autumn and its colourful gardens, cool evenings, and crisp days make visits from friends and family particularly enjoyable. But when you host, you need a comfortable, warm spare bedroom.

If your space isn't quite there yet, you don't necessarily need to start from scratch when you want to add some spice and snugness. A few practical changes may be all you need.

Start by thinking like a guest

Before you start changing anything, think about what the room will be like for someone arriving during this colder part of the year.

Once they've unpacked their suitcases, they'll need somewhere to keep their luggage. An ottoman bed can provide useful storage beneath the mattress, while a wardrobe or chest of drawers gives guests somewhere to put away their clothes.

Once they've settled in, a bedside table gives them a place for their phone, glasses, book, or drink and keeps their essentials within easy reach.

Make the most of the space you've got

Before you start buying new furniture, measure your spare room, using masking tape to mark out where you want each piece to eventually go. Start with the bed, then plan where the rest of the furniture will fit, remembering to leave a clear route from the door and between all items.

Check that the wardrobe doors and drawers can open fully and that windows, radiators, and plug sockets aren't blocked.

If your floor space is limited, a few strategically placed storage boxes can keep spare bedding and other essentials tucked away without you having to crowd the space.

Make room for bulkier autumn clothing

Autumn clothing takes up more room than summer clothes do, so make sure your guests have enough space for coats, jumpers, jackets, and trousers. A wardrobe with plenty of hanging space means they won't have to leave bulky clothes folded over the back of a chair or packed into their suitcase.

Think about how much space the wardrobe provides, as well as how easy it is to access.

Guests should be able to hang their coats and heavier clothes without struggling to reach the rail or move other garments out of the way.

Create a useful dressing area

A dressing table gives guests a dedicated place to get ready, especially if it has drawers for storing smaller personal belongings and toiletries. Pair it with a dressing table mirror so they can sit down and get ready comfortably, and a dressing table stool completes the setup. These can be tucked underneath the table when they're not being used.

You can also bring mirrored furniture into the room in smaller ways. A mirrored side table gives guests another useful surface, while a mirrored wall clock makes it easy for them to keep track of the time.

Make sure your guests are comfortable at night

A good night's sleep for your guests starts with a comfortable mattress, so it's worth giving the bed as much attention as you give the furnishings for the rest of your spare bedroom.

Choose a high-quality mattress that provides good support, and consider adding a headboard for another level of comfort. This gives your guests somewhere to lean when they sit up to read on those dark autumn evenings that are so perfect for lying in.

Once the mattress and headboard are sorted, turn your attention to the bedding.

Thicker duvets, soft blankets, and cosy bedding, such as brushed cotton sheets, can make the room feel more inviting as temperatures drop. Keep an extra blanket close by in a blanket box, so guests can reach it easily if they need another layer during the night.

Make the room work after dark

Autumn brings shorter days, so your guests will be spending more time in the bedroom after dark. Think about what they'll need in the evening, rather than simply adding decorative pieces. A lamp table can give them a useful surface beside the bed for a book, drink, or lamp, particularly if a bedside table doesn't suit or fit into the room.

During the day, a wall, cheval, or window mirror can help reflect the natural light coming in and make smaller guest bedrooms feel more spacious.

Give guests somewhere to relax

If your guest bedroom has enough space, a sofa can give visitors somewhere to sit and unwind on their own if they choose.

In a smaller room, a 2-seater can provide a comfortable place for them to recharge without taking over the space and, if you've got more room, a 3-seater gives guests space to stretch out.

Sofas with bolsters can make either option more supportive, and a recliner takes comfort a step further for anyone wanting to put their feet up.

A sofa bed is another practical choice if you also need space for an extra guest, giving them somewhere to sit during the day and then sleep in at night.

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