How to Host Guests Without a Guest Bedroom

Don't let your studio apartment scare guests away.

If you live somewhere without a designated guest bedroom, you might’ve decided overnight guests are not an option for you. Well, I’m here to change your mind. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure you and your guests feel comfortable, no matter your square footage. Keep reading to see exactly how to pull it off.

Add Privacy With a Room Divider

White Bi-Fold Doors

Add Temporary Privacy With a Room Divider

A temporary room divider is a great option if you live in a studio or one-bedroom apartment. The wall will provide nighttime privacy for a better night’s sleep — something you and your guest will both appreciate. Don’t have a room divider? Get crafty, and make one.

Photo by: In My Own Style

A temporary room divider is a great option if you live in a studio or one-bedroom apartment. The wall will provide nighttime privacy for a better night’s sleep — something you and your guest will both appreciate. Don’t have a room divider? Get crafty, and make one.

Or a Tension Rod + Curtains

Studio Apartment With Curtain Room Divider

Tension Rod and Curtains

Another way to create privacy is by hanging curtains with a tension rod. Depending on your space, this option may work better than a room divider.

Photo by: RoomDividersNow

Another way to create privacy is by hanging curtains with a tension rod. Depending on your space, this option may work better than a classic room divider.

Invest in a Daybed or Sleeper Sofa

If you don’t have a spare bed and aren’t moving anytime soon, consider investing in a nice daybed or sleeper sofa. If that’s out of your price range, shop for a quality air mattress. Need an immediate solution? Hello, sofa.

Always Provide Sheets

Boho-chic bedroom with patterned linens

Boho-Chic Bedroom Features Patterned Pillows and Linens

Patterned pillows and throws play well together thanks to their similar shapes and colors. The resulting design is visually interesting, without being distracting.

Photo by: John Woodcock Photography

John Woodcock Photography

Even if a sofa is all you have to offer, dress it as if it were a bed. Locate a set of your best sheets, and wrap the fitted sheet around the seat cushions. Complete the makeshift bed with a top sheet, comforter and quality pillow.

Convert an End Table Into a Nightstand

Though your guest may be staying in your living room, you want it to feel bedroom-like. One way to achieve this is to convert an end table into a nightstand. Remove your table’s accessories, and fill it with nighttime essentials, instead. For starters, make sure your guests have some source of bedtime light, whether it’s a basic lamp or a small reading light. Top the table with other thoughtful extras, like a candle, ear plugs, an eye mask, a magazine and tissues.

Make a Welcome Basket

Houseguest Welcome Basket

Make a Welcome Basket

Beside your makeshift nightstand, leave a welcome basket filled with things like mini toiletries, bottled water and snacks. Also include a slip of paper with your wifi password.

Photo by: Maddie Butterfield

Beside your makeshift nightstand, leave a welcome basket filled with things like mini toiletries, bottled water and snacks. Also include a slip of paper with your Wi-Fi password.

Offer Neatly Folded Towels

If your welcome basket is large enough, you can include carefully rolled towels in it. If not, stack folded towels beside the basket. The key is providing fresh, quality towels and displaying them neatly. This creates a hotel-esque vibe that will make your guests feel relaxed.

Provide Extra Blankets + A Fan

Modern Living Room With Black Floor Lamp, Gray Sofa, Multicolor Pillow

Chic, Modern Living Room

Light and bright, this corner of the living room includes a basket of blankets conveniently at hand when it gets a little cold. The geometric pattern rug and pair of pillows add color to the space.

Photo by: Regan Baker Design Inc.

Regan Baker Design Inc.

If guests won’t have control of the thermostat, it’s nice to offer other climate control options. Fill a basket with extra blankets, and leave it beside the sofa, daybed or air mattress. If you have a portable fan, leave that, too. Not only does a fan provide comfort for those who like cooler sleeping temps, but it can also provide white noise to drown out unwanted sounds. 

Set Them Up Near a Bathroom

If at all possible, set your guests up near a bathroom. This will provide an added level of comfort, especially for guests who are unfamiliar with your home.

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