Small Space, Big Welcome: How to Host Overnight Guests in a Small Space

You’re thrilled to welcome friends and family into your home this holiday season. There’s just one small issue: you live in a modest home with limited space.

Fret not! Limited space doesn’t have to mean limited hospitality. With a little creativity, you can provide your guests with a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Here are some space-saving options to help make the most of your square footage while ensuring a warm and memorable visit.

1. Declutter Your Space

Before your guests arrive, dedicate some time to declutter and organize your living space. A clutter-free environment not only looks more inviting but also maximizes the available space in your home. Having too many items throughout your home can make the space feel smaller and less inviting. Focus on these areas:

• Clear Out the Clutter: Identify items you no longer need and donate or store them away. This will free up valuable space in your home.
• Get Smart with Storage: Use shelving, under-bed storage, and closet organizers to keep your space organized and ensure your guests have room to unpack their belongings.
• Clear Surfaces: Ensure that tabletops, countertops, and other surfaces are clear of personal items, so your guests have space to place their belongings.
• Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture: Invest in multi-functional furniture that serves various purposes. Look for coffee tables with storage or a sleeper sofa that can transform into a comfortable bed when needed.

2. Creative Sleeping Arrangements for Guests

When it comes to accommodating overnight guests in a small apartment or house, you’ll need to get creative with sleeping arrangements. Your guests’ comfort is top priority, and that doesn’t mean sacrificing space. Here are a few guest bed ideas for small spaces that can help you maximize every square foot of your home:

• Sofa Beds: Sofa beds offer comfortable seating options during the day and easily converts into a bed at night. With full size and queen size options available, you can ensure that your guests have the room they need to get extra comfortable.
• Folding Beds: If you have minimal space, investing in versatile bedroom furniture, such as a folding bed, day bed, or rollaway bed, is a fantastic space saving option for overnight guests. For instance, trundle beds can provide a compact and convenient sleeping area for guests in a small apartment.
• Air Mattresses: Air mattresses are a tried and true choice, and if you pick the right one, they can offer great comfort. Since air mattresses can be easily inflated and deflated, they’re a flexible, space saving solution for hosting guests in small homes.

3. Maximize Your Living Room Space

In a small home, you might not have a guest bedroom to host visitors. The good news is your living room can serve as a multifunctional space, offering both a comfortable sleeping area and a cozy place to relax during the day. Consider these tips:

• Cash in on vertical space: Install shelves and floating cabinets on your walls to store books, decor, and essentials. Doing so keeps the floor clear and maximizes your living space for guests.
• Use folding screens for extra privacy: If possible, use room dividers, curtains, or folding screens to create a sense of privacy for your guests, even in an open living room.This can help delineate their “space” and make them feel more at ease during their stay.
• Keep the living area clean during the day: Set aside a few minutes in the morning to do a quick sweep of the living area. Store sheets, pillows, and suitcases, and clear away any compounding clutter. By maintaining a tidy space throughout the day, you’ll create a more pleasant environment for both yourself and your guests, making everyone’s stay more enjoyable.

4. Small Touches for Big Comfort

It doesn’t matter whether your guests are sleeping on a sofa bed, air mattress, or futon in a tiny guestroom, don’t underestimate the power of small, thoughtful touches. These small details can make a big difference in the comfort of your visitors:

• Provide fresh linens: Offer high quality bedding like fresh sheets, blankets, and pillows to make your guests feel pampered. These small details that make a big difference in their comfort.
• Add welcome toiletries: Create a dedicated toiletries area in your bathroom or living room for guests. Stock it with essentials like fresh towels, a spare toothbrush, toothpaste, and travel-sized shampoo and conditioner. A small basket or shelf works perfectly for this purpose.
• Provide snacks and beverages: Guests may not always feel comfortable digging through your fridge, so offer a selection of snacks and beverages for your guests to enjoy at their convenience. A small basket with granola bars, chips, and water bottles can go a long way in making your guests feel welcome.
• Create a personalized welcome note: Craft a warm message expressing your happiness in hosting them, and leave it on a side table or nightstand. Include any important information — like the Wi-Fi password — to make your guests feel right at home.

Maximize your space for overnight guests with help from Rent-A-Center! Whether you’re looking for affordable guest sleeping solutions for small spaces or sleeper sofas for a hybrid set-up, we’ve got the flexible payment options and free delivery you need to get things done. Browse online or in-store today!