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Build It on a Budget: Makeshift Guest Room

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Vanessa Londono
Vanessa Londono
This New Yorker returned to her city roots after a long stint in the Lone Star state. Find Vanessa exploring vintage shops, pubs and eateries wherever she goes. Aside from writing, Vanessa is responsible for the bustling community of the AT Marketplace.
published Apr 5, 2017
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Living in New York City comes with a few concessions. You don’t pick people up at the airport and guest rooms are nonexistent. When real estate is at a premium, very seldom do people have square footage to spare for the occasional visitor. Air mattresses and pullout sofas, as uncomfortable as they are, do offer a tolerable solution. Below are some options that offer your guests a hospitable experience for under $1,150. Some of these items do double duty in your everyday decor, making the purchase a sound investment.

Stowaway Guest Bed

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The older I get the less I enjoy a restless night of sleep on a half deflated air bag. The all-natural cotton Stowaway guest bed looks like an ideal alternative. Also called Shikibutons, these mattresses bi-fold and tri-fold roll up for easy storage. Straps sewn on to the cover require less wrestling than a sleeping bag. These mattress pads are three inches thick of cotton free of dyes, perfumes and formaldehyde. Available on Apartment Therapy Marketplace, $515.

Sarried Style Brass Clad Chest

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I’ve never met a vintage trunk I didn’t like. However I am particular fond of this unique brass chest. It has a door and drawers, making it easy to access whatever you throw in it. Keep extra pillows and a few blankets stashed inside that your guest can use. In the morning, they can tidy up so you’re not stumbling over a tangle of linens. The small footprint (32 inches by 18 inches) makes it easy to tuck into a corner. There is some wear and age but the doors and drawers operate properly. Available on Apartment Therapy Marketplace, $475.

Mid-Century Inspired Bruno Floor Lamp

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An overnight guest doesn’t really need much but it’s nice to offer a few accommodations to make their stay more enjoyable. This Bruno floor lamp has two adjustable lights so your guest can use it as a bedside lamp while they read or scroll through Instagram. It’s almost new but has an aged look to it and the half chrome bulbs add to the Mid-Century appeal. Available on Apartment Therapy Marketplace, $150.

If you have extra funds to make your home more welcoming, these items offer a little some extra to your visitors. Just be warned they may never want to leave.

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(Image credit: West Elm)
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