6 Creative Small-Space Sleep Solutions for Guests

Being a city dweller often means two things: Your space is likely to be smaller than the average apartment or condo, and because of your exciting geographical location, friends and family are always eager to visit (and would generally prefer to crash with you rather than pay exorbitant hotel fees).

While trying to host overnight guests in an already cramped apartment may seem impossible, we’ve found some amazing (and some… interesting) small-space sleep solutions that will ensure your one-bedroom or studio is visitor-friendly in no time.

This certainly isn’t the beanbag chair you had growing up, that’s for sure! These cozy cushions easily transform into beds (pick from a youth size, full, queen, or king depending on your needs). Choose from a variety of colors and textures, too. You’re bound to become the coolest aunt or uncle ever in no time!

I still remember the day I moved into my first apartment in New York City, sans bed, and slept on a worn-out air mattress that deflated over the course of the night…let’s just say that waking up in pain, on a hard floor, and in a brand-new city will do a number on you! Ensure that your guests sleep soundly by investing in a top-notch blow-up mattress with rave reviews (you’ll thank yourself later, because let’s face it, the last thing anyone wants to deal with is grumpy visitors). Reviewers say this air mattress inflates quickly and is comfy. Better yet, it fits two adults, so your former college roomies or your extra-tall brother can doze comfortably.

Luxurious and soft, this faux-fur sleeping bag comes with its own pillow and rolls up neatly for easy storage. If sleeping on the floor is the only option, this is a glam solution.

By day, you’ll enjoy reading and watching TV while lounging on this cozy chair; by night, you can flip it down, and there you go: You have an instant bed for that unexpected guest who needs to crash! We all know the importance of selecting furniture that can do double duty, particularly when decorating a small space. If you’re moving to a new place and anticipate having lots of guests stay over, you may want to add this sofa bed to your cart!

If you have a bit more space, this ottoman is another convertible bed option that can fold out in no time. Use it as a window seat (place a matching throw pillow on top for added comfort) or even a coffee table by day. Then, whenever the need arises, simply open it up and a mattress and frame will pop out!

This piece of furniture may look like a storage chest, but in reality, it’s a Murphy bed! This is an ideal option for the apartment dweller who hosts visitors frequently but doesn’t want to go through the process of inflating and deflating a mattress each time. It’s also perfect to stash in a space that’s meant to serve as a den or home office but can do double duty when necessary (set a printer or stack of coffee table books on top of the flat surface when you don’t have visitors to get extra use out of the piece).