Guests Sharing Sleeping Space
In Your Home's Common Areas

These tips for guests sharing sleeping space in your home can help ensure everyone enjoys the visit.

If a room of one's own isn't in the (house) plans for your overnight guests, you can make the most of a daybed or inflatable bed in the living room, playroom, or multi-purpose room. 

There are many creative ways to make virtually any communal space feel more private with limited expense.

Select Flexible Furniture for the Multi-Purpose Room

To help ensure guests sleeping in a playroom don't feel like they're overnighting in a playroom, balance youthful touches with a subdued palette and elegant (yet sturdy) details. 

A daybed can be used as a couch or overnight crash pad, while a round drop-leaf table can be repositioned against a wall to create more floor space.

Provide Privacy for Guests Sharing Sleeping Space

Provide privacy for your guests sharing a community area for sleeping in your home - or at least the feeling that there is some privacy with a room divider screen between the sleeping area and the central area.

It can make a world of difference in privacy. When guests aren't around, you can use it as a decorative accent. Position the sofa to face a wall or corner instead of directly into the room.

Remind the kids that this room will not be used until your guest rouses herself. (Emphasis on the last part.)

Guest Extras to Consider

These aren't essential appliances to offer, but providing them might get you back in the will.

• Alarm clock/radio

• Coffee maker and cups (for really early risers)

• Hair dryer

• Reading lamp

• Small refrigerator (You know, the kind you used in the dorms. Stock it with a few bottles of water and juice and a snack or two.)

• Travel-size steamer or iron

• Separate TV

More Cozy Extras for Guests Sharing Sleeping Space

More extras: These lovely extra amenities are merely icing on the cake. 

• Basket of food (fruit, cookies, crackers, tea bags, and instant coffee).
  

• A basket, bowl, or so that your guest has a visible place for keys, jewelry, and other essentials.
  

Of course, you could provide these for a guest with a room of her own, too, but I have them here out of guilt for the guests sharing sleeping space.