Hello fellow host parents! 💛
Getting ready to welcome an Au Pair into your home? It can be overwhelming to set up your new Au Pair’s room, but it doesn’t have to be. Rooms that you see on instagram are not always affordable or easy to replicate, but you don’t have to go crazy. Below you will find the legal requirments and some helpful tips with links to products you can buy easily on Amazon to help you finish setting things up. Remember, your new Au Pair will live in this room. One of the biggest ways you can set her up for success (and show your appreciation!) is by giving her a cozy, private space that feels like hers. But before you start decorating, let’s make sure the room checks off the required boxes.
This guide walks you through:
- ✅ Legal & Department of State room requirements
- 🏡 Design, layout & organization tips
- 🚫 What NOT to put in the room
- 🛒 Easy shopping recommendations to make setup a breeze
Let’s get started!
🇺🇸 U.S. Department of State Requirements
The Department of State has a few clear guidelines for your Au Pair’s room. These are non-negotiable for compliance and her well-being:
The Room Must:
- Be private (not shared with anyone else)
- Be inside the main home (no garage apartments, sheds, or detached buildings)
- Include a window for natural light and ventilation
- Provide a legal egress (safe way out in case of emergency)
- Be furnished with a bed, dresser or closet, and lighting
- Have a smoke detector in or directly outside the room
- Offer reasonable privacy (solid door, ability to shut/lock if possible)
⚠️ Important: If the room is in a basement, double-check your state’s fire code. Many require a specific size/type of window for legal egress.
🛏️ What to Include in the Room
This is your chance to create a welcoming space—think peaceful, uncluttered, and practical. Your Au Pair will need a place to sleep, relax, FaceTime her family, study, and recharge.
Must-Haves:
- Comfy Bed – A twin or full-size is perfect. Try an upholstered platform bed with a memory foam mattress for comfort and easy setup.
- Dresser or Closet Space – No one wants to live out of a suitcase. A compact dresser works great if closet space is limited.
- Lighting – Add a soft touch lamp with USB ports for bedtime reading and charging devices.
- Desk & Chair – She’ll appreciate a quiet place to write, study, or video chat. This minimalist desk fits even small spaces.
- Mirror – A full-length mirror is a thoughtful touch (and appreciated).
- Laundry Hamper – Choose something lightweight like this foldable laundry basket.
- Power Strip – She’ll likely need a place to charge multiple devices. A surge protector with USB ports is ideal.
💡 Extra Touches That Go a Long Way
These small additions make her feel welcomed and loved:
- A cozy throw blanket and a few decorative pillows
- A plant (real or faux—no judgment here!)
- A simple welcome basket with travel toiletries, snacks, and a handwritten note see our blog post on Welcome baskets here
- A few books or a coffee table guide about your town/state
- Battery-operated candles or string lights for a soft evening glow
🚫 What NOT to Put in the Room
Here are a few things to avoid:
- No bunk beds, cribs, or kids’ furniture—this is an adult’s room
- No old or broken items- not everything needs to be brand new but it should be functional
- No shared spaces—she needs a private retreat
- No visible or hidden cameras—privacy is not optional
- No clutter or storage—don’t treat her room like your holiday closet
- No loud appliances—treadmills, dehumidifiers, or anything disruptive
💬 Final Thoughts from a Host Mom
Creating a great room isn’t about fancy décor—it’s about thoughtfulness, safety, and creating a peaceful retreat she can call her own. A warm welcome starts with a space that says you belong here.
Trust me, a few extra touches and a clean, organized space go a long way in setting the tone for your Au Pair’s entire year with your family.
Let me know what your must-have items are or if you’ve found a setup that works great in your home!
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use or truly believe in for other host families. Thanks for your support!
