Hosting overnight guests comfortably in a one bedroom apartment
October 12, 2018 3:42 PM Subscribe
My partner and I are considering a one bedroom apartment for our next place. It’s almost 700 sq ft. If it was just myself, I wouldn’t think twice about hosting guests, but with my partner staying there, it feels more complicated. It’s just the living room and bedroom. When my mom comes, I’ll kick my partner and myself out most likely to the couch so she’ll have the bedroom. But with other guests, or if a couple comes to stay, what’s the best way to configure that?
The living room gets a lot of sun, so maybe we could invest in black out curtains? I thought about a pull out sofa but I hear those are always uncomfortable or really expensive. I have a nice air mattress but I want my guests to feel cozy too.
Is there anything we can add to make a one bedroom living room stay comfortable? A partition when they come? Shelves just for them? Or should we just try to find a two bedroom?? Rent is a bit expensive and I don’t anticipate a billion guests over the year, but at least 5 friends and a couple family members in one year. It feels more “adult” to have a two bedroom with a guest bedroom but ugh these days and with this rent prices, might not happen.
Have you been a guest to a one bedroom apartment and have some tips to share?
The living room gets a lot of sun, so maybe we could invest in black out curtains? I thought about a pull out sofa but I hear those are always uncomfortable or really expensive. I have a nice air mattress but I want my guests to feel cozy too.
Is there anything we can add to make a one bedroom living room stay comfortable? A partition when they come? Shelves just for them? Or should we just try to find a two bedroom?? Rent is a bit expensive and I don’t anticipate a billion guests over the year, but at least 5 friends and a couple family members in one year. It feels more “adult” to have a two bedroom with a guest bedroom but ugh these days and with this rent prices, might not happen.
Have you been a guest to a one bedroom apartment and have some tips to share?
You could post this to a Couchsurfing forum and see what people have done.
I would definitely split out the living room into multiple "spaces." Use a foldable screen or shelves to make a space that converts between sleeping and entertaining/living room. Make sure the other half of the space--probably a dining area--works for entertaining and socializing even after someone goes to bed in the sleeping area. Put the sleeping area in as corner-y/dark/unused a place as possible. You usually want social spaces to be near doors and windows; plan around that, if possible. If forced to choose, I'd put the bed space by the window to keep it away from the door and social space.
Create a space with those little amenities that tell you it's a place for relaxation and rest, like shelving and a place to hang or shelve clothes. These should probably have doors so they don't give the bedroom vibe during the day. Consider what can go into your bathroom and what can go into a closed wardrobe that doesn't look too bedroom-y. You might think about storing your things during non-guest times in such a way that they're easy to transport to the non-bedroom storage.
Use decorating cues to split out the space, as well as actual physical design. Lighting, color, and floor coverings can all play supporting roles to the shelving or screens that you use to create a separate "space." Find ways to create transitions between the spaces (like the shelf or a curtain) so it's not just dining, dining, BAM sleeping.
A pullout sofa is probably the way to go if you can justify the cost; consider that it will cost much less than renting a bigger apartment. Futons and daybeds are options. There are modern and beautiful Murphy beds that fold into cabinets.
posted by ramenopres at 4:13 PM on October 12, 2018 [2 favorites]
I would definitely split out the living room into multiple "spaces." Use a foldable screen or shelves to make a space that converts between sleeping and entertaining/living room. Make sure the other half of the space--probably a dining area--works for entertaining and socializing even after someone goes to bed in the sleeping area. Put the sleeping area in as corner-y/dark/unused a place as possible. You usually want social spaces to be near doors and windows; plan around that, if possible. If forced to choose, I'd put the bed space by the window to keep it away from the door and social space.
Create a space with those little amenities that tell you it's a place for relaxation and rest, like shelving and a place to hang or shelve clothes. These should probably have doors so they don't give the bedroom vibe during the day. Consider what can go into your bathroom and what can go into a closed wardrobe that doesn't look too bedroom-y. You might think about storing your things during non-guest times in such a way that they're easy to transport to the non-bedroom storage.
Use decorating cues to split out the space, as well as actual physical design. Lighting, color, and floor coverings can all play supporting roles to the shelving or screens that you use to create a separate "space." Find ways to create transitions between the spaces (like the shelf or a curtain) so it's not just dining, dining, BAM sleeping.
A pullout sofa is probably the way to go if you can justify the cost; consider that it will cost much less than renting a bigger apartment. Futons and daybeds are options. There are modern and beautiful Murphy beds that fold into cabinets.
posted by ramenopres at 4:13 PM on October 12, 2018 [2 favorites]
Sofabeds can actually be great! It's easier to find decent ones these days. But be sure to factor in the size of the bed, especially if you plan to host couples -- some sofabeds are rather narrower or shorter than standard mattresses, even if advertised as "full" or "queen," which can be fine for a single smaller guest but may be too cramped for larger guests or couples. Make sure you have nice sheets and a variety of blankets, since your living room may run cooler or hotter than your bedroom.
A nice decorative folding screen could help add privacy (and could live in your bedroom the rest of the time). Some even have hooks on the back, which would allow visitors to hang up a few things. A coffee table that has lots of drawers can function nicely as a nightstand or small dresser, too.
If you have a closet or other form of storage in the living room, consider partitioning some space for guests when they come. If there's no closet space, consider picking up one of those folding wardrobes from IKEA or similiar, or picking up a hotel-style luggage rack, so your guests can easily access the contents of their luggage easily -- you can fold it up to store in a closet or under a bed when no one's visiting.
posted by halation at 4:17 PM on October 12, 2018
A nice decorative folding screen could help add privacy (and could live in your bedroom the rest of the time). Some even have hooks on the back, which would allow visitors to hang up a few things. A coffee table that has lots of drawers can function nicely as a nightstand or small dresser, too.
If you have a closet or other form of storage in the living room, consider partitioning some space for guests when they come. If there's no closet space, consider picking up one of those folding wardrobes from IKEA or similiar, or picking up a hotel-style luggage rack, so your guests can easily access the contents of their luggage easily -- you can fold it up to store in a closet or under a bed when no one's visiting.
posted by halation at 4:17 PM on October 12, 2018
There's this IKEA hack for dividing a studio room, maybe you could separate a sleeping/guest amenities area from the living room that way.
posted by tel3path at 4:45 PM on October 12, 2018
posted by tel3path at 4:45 PM on October 12, 2018
We splurged on a La-Z-Boy sofa bed and sleep very well on it. When we have guests, we give them our bedroom since the cats + litter box are in the living room. We store this IKEA room divider behind the couch when not in use. Then when we have guests, it comes out, and we unfold it at night when it's sleeping time.
Yes to blackout curtains in the living room!
We share our closet w/ guests.
posted by tinydancer at 5:12 PM on October 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
Yes to blackout curtains in the living room!
We share our closet w/ guests.
posted by tinydancer at 5:12 PM on October 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
I know this isn't what you're asking but when we moved into an 800 sq ft apartment we decided to just bank a month's worth of rent each year to pay for people's hotels or AirBnBs. I was so tired of having to pay for the extra bedroom that cost us five times that much per year and was never used (plus it just accumulated stuff), so I think your instincts are right to just get the one bedroom!
If that won't work for you, we've had great luck with this airbed.
posted by stellaluna at 5:15 PM on October 12, 2018 [20 favorites]
If that won't work for you, we've had great luck with this airbed.
posted by stellaluna at 5:15 PM on October 12, 2018 [20 favorites]
Futons are generally more comfortable than sofa beds.
posted by Waiting for Pierce Inverarity at 5:28 PM on October 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Waiting for Pierce Inverarity at 5:28 PM on October 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
> I thought about a pull out sofa but I hear those are always uncomfortable or really expensive
Expensive but really comfortable: this "cabinet" bed by Day and Night Furniture. I found sofa beds are both bad sofas and bad beds, so I upgraded to this and am very pleased with it (as are my houseguests).
posted by The corpse in the library at 5:33 PM on October 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
Expensive but really comfortable: this "cabinet" bed by Day and Night Furniture. I found sofa beds are both bad sofas and bad beds, so I upgraded to this and am very pleased with it (as are my houseguests).
posted by The corpse in the library at 5:33 PM on October 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
I have a 550 square foot appartment with a spacious living room, and I have a friend staying with me at least once a month, and family 2-4 times a year.
Don't overcomplicate this. The answers is warm soft blankets (key word soft) and extra pillows. Also blankets. A candle collection helps too. Point is if the living space is cozy and comfortable your guests will be happy. Since you're in a relationship a pullout couch may not be a bad idea, but if they're uncomfortable I wouldn't waste my money. You can always use an air mattress and give your guests the bed. A 700 square foot apartment should be big enough to stash it out of the way, depending on how it's laid out.
I keep an extra curtain in the closet and bring it out when I have guests. I also make sure my living space has plenty of chairs so we have lounge room during the day.
Good luck.
posted by Amy93 at 5:34 PM on October 12, 2018 [6 favorites]
Don't overcomplicate this. The answers is warm soft blankets (key word soft) and extra pillows. Also blankets. A candle collection helps too. Point is if the living space is cozy and comfortable your guests will be happy. Since you're in a relationship a pullout couch may not be a bad idea, but if they're uncomfortable I wouldn't waste my money. You can always use an air mattress and give your guests the bed. A 700 square foot apartment should be big enough to stash it out of the way, depending on how it's laid out.
I keep an extra curtain in the closet and bring it out when I have guests. I also make sure my living space has plenty of chairs so we have lounge room during the day.
Good luck.
posted by Amy93 at 5:34 PM on October 12, 2018 [6 favorites]
Agreed with Amy93! There's no need for the expense of a two bedroom only for the occasional guest.
I've hosted many friends and family members over the years and I've used a combination of the couch, a good queen air mattress, and my own bed while I sleep on the couch -- even in a studio! It's only a few days, usually, and what's most important is having some nice pillows/blankets/towels, a clean and homey living space, some nice goodies in the kitchen (if they like special tea or coffee or breakfast etc.), and a willing and happy host. When guests are staying in someone else's small home, they typically understand it'll be a shared space and will often happily make do -- the point is the visit and the connection, not deluxe sleeping arrangements.
I do like the idea of setting up a small fund to chip in for a hotel or a apartment rental nearby in cases where you have more sleepers than beds, or an older guest who may be more comfortable in private accommodations.
posted by mochapickle at 6:19 PM on October 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
I've hosted many friends and family members over the years and I've used a combination of the couch, a good queen air mattress, and my own bed while I sleep on the couch -- even in a studio! It's only a few days, usually, and what's most important is having some nice pillows/blankets/towels, a clean and homey living space, some nice goodies in the kitchen (if they like special tea or coffee or breakfast etc.), and a willing and happy host. When guests are staying in someone else's small home, they typically understand it'll be a shared space and will often happily make do -- the point is the visit and the connection, not deluxe sleeping arrangements.
I do like the idea of setting up a small fund to chip in for a hotel or a apartment rental nearby in cases where you have more sleepers than beds, or an older guest who may be more comfortable in private accommodations.
posted by mochapickle at 6:19 PM on October 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
I live in a very large bedroom, no living room. I purchased an opened 2 inch memory foam mattress topper from Amazon for my futon with nice pillows and guests sleep so well in it. I think that was like $100 total?
posted by yueliang at 8:18 PM on October 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by yueliang at 8:18 PM on October 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
I live in a one bedroom 700 square foot apartment where literally the only other rooms are the living room/office and the kitchen (both large). I have a nice metal bed that doubles as a couch (I read on it in the morning and watch birds) and make it COZY and it's good. When I have people visiting the living room becomes "their" room and I mostly do my laptopping stuff in my bedroom. You can sort of see a picture here. The trick is to make it really like a guestroom.
- nightstand
- real head pillows and more than one of them
- reading light
- place for bags/stuff
- curtains
- charging area/extension cord
- as much privacy as you can offer (I hang curtains in both doorways and have a window curtain)
- you stay out
I think it's okay. I let people know there are local options if this is NOT what they want (some people just like their own space, nothing against you) but that they are welcome if this plan is ok with them.
posted by jessamyn at 8:47 PM on October 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
- nightstand
- real head pillows and more than one of them
- reading light
- place for bags/stuff
- curtains
- charging area/extension cord
- as much privacy as you can offer (I hang curtains in both doorways and have a window curtain)
- you stay out
I think it's okay. I let people know there are local options if this is NOT what they want (some people just like their own space, nothing against you) but that they are welcome if this plan is ok with them.
posted by jessamyn at 8:47 PM on October 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
This IKEA sofa bed is pretty awesome if that's what you're looking for.
Since I left the Bay Area I've had a one bedroom for the first time in forever. If a couple comes to visit me - my cousin and his wife - they get the bed and I take the couch. My mom would also get the bed. Any other platonic single guest would get the couch.
posted by bendy at 8:59 PM on October 12, 2018
Since I left the Bay Area I've had a one bedroom for the first time in forever. If a couple comes to visit me - my cousin and his wife - they get the bed and I take the couch. My mom would also get the bed. Any other platonic single guest would get the couch.
posted by bendy at 8:59 PM on October 12, 2018
Our (worlds most comfortable) sofa bed is the Ikea BEDDINGE. It is discontinued, but, as recommended by bendy, the latest version is NYHAMN. Check it out in person if you can. But we have had guests stay for weeks and they all rave about it.
It is a new world in the world of sofa beds.
posted by Tunierikson at 11:39 PM on October 12, 2018
It is a new world in the world of sofa beds.
posted by Tunierikson at 11:39 PM on October 12, 2018
Honestly, guests staying with you for free can sleep on the couch, or, if they are people you would personally defer to, like your mom, can take the bed while you take the couch.
I'm laughing a little hearing people describe 700-800-sq-ft places as miniscule for visitors--my apartment is sub-500 sq ft, with a bedroom almost exactly as wide as a full bed is long, a living room, and a little square kitchen niche maybe four feet across. Good friends and family members can easily stay a few days with no one dying of discomfort. My couch is decent-ish quality (Crate and Barrel, not Ikea). I have a felt basket that can tuck under the coffee table for casual visitor storage; you can also get a small wire basket for the bathroom for them to put their toiletries into. I have cozy blankets and try to provide other pleasant accessories (blackout curtains seem like a great idea). People manage. The ones who prefer greater comfort and privacy pay for a hotel; it's certainly understandable and I don't feel judged. I couldn't imagine keeping an empty room just for guests a few times a year. Even when I was most flush and had a two-bedroom, the other one was a frequently-used office that happened to have a futon in it for visitors.
posted by praemunire at 1:22 AM on October 13, 2018 [1 favorite]
I'm laughing a little hearing people describe 700-800-sq-ft places as miniscule for visitors--my apartment is sub-500 sq ft, with a bedroom almost exactly as wide as a full bed is long, a living room, and a little square kitchen niche maybe four feet across. Good friends and family members can easily stay a few days with no one dying of discomfort. My couch is decent-ish quality (Crate and Barrel, not Ikea). I have a felt basket that can tuck under the coffee table for casual visitor storage; you can also get a small wire basket for the bathroom for them to put their toiletries into. I have cozy blankets and try to provide other pleasant accessories (blackout curtains seem like a great idea). People manage. The ones who prefer greater comfort and privacy pay for a hotel; it's certainly understandable and I don't feel judged. I couldn't imagine keeping an empty room just for guests a few times a year. Even when I was most flush and had a two-bedroom, the other one was a frequently-used office that happened to have a futon in it for visitors.
posted by praemunire at 1:22 AM on October 13, 2018 [1 favorite]
(Oh, you could also get an ottoman or end table that conceals storage. You could use that year-round, either leaving it empty or clearing it out for guests when they come.)
posted by praemunire at 1:26 AM on October 13, 2018
posted by praemunire at 1:26 AM on October 13, 2018
The downside to the lack of a separate guest bedroom is if you are an early bird and your guest is sleeping in, you can't really putter around your living room/kitchen. This happened to me exactly once in 10 years of living with the setup you describe, hosting overnight guests every few months. No one died.
If you want the larger apartment but cost is a problem, and if Airbnb is legal in your area, maybe get the 2 bedroom and list it on days you're not hosting friends/family. Even a couple nights a month should bring in enough cash to cover the price difference.
posted by basalganglia at 9:34 AM on October 13, 2018
If you want the larger apartment but cost is a problem, and if Airbnb is legal in your area, maybe get the 2 bedroom and list it on days you're not hosting friends/family. Even a couple nights a month should bring in enough cash to cover the price difference.
posted by basalganglia at 9:34 AM on October 13, 2018
Honestly, last time I was in this situation and we were driving eachother crazy with the setup, MIL and us decided to rent a 3 bedroom air bnb and relish the space for a couple nights a few blocks away from my place.
Everybody was happier.
My mom stayed just fine, but she's a much more easy going person.
posted by AlexiaSky at 10:12 AM on October 13, 2018
Everybody was happier.
My mom stayed just fine, but she's a much more easy going person.
posted by AlexiaSky at 10:12 AM on October 13, 2018
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posted by yeahlikethat at 4:08 PM on October 12, 2018 [11 favorites]