One of the tried and true ways to make a house guest feel at home is to set up a guest room. If you do not have a guest house or a formal guest bedroom, present your guests with a cozy alternative for sleeping arrangements. Use the following tips to pinpoint areas that can be transformed quickly and efficiently for guests.

Identify the sleep surface. Add an extra layer of cushion to an air mattress or pull out couch by placing a feather bed on top of it. Instead of tossing an old mattress, keep it and use it on the floor for guests. Use bed risers to add height to a bed then store it underneath. Whether it is a traditional bed, sleep sofa, air mattress or cot make sure it is comfortable. Sleep for one night in the area and on the surface where you plan to accommodate house guests.

Make a home office welcoming. Highlight the perks of the room. If you plan to grant your house guests access to the library, home computer and/or phone, let them know when you first welcome them into the room.

Transform a kid’s room. Add protective coverings to the mattress and pillow case. Exchange character sheets for solid color or patterned bedding. Add decorative and fluffy pillows on a twin bed to make it look more like a day bed. Take advantage of a child’s room that has two twin beds and offer it to house guests who would prefer not to share a bed. Gather the toys, games and stuffed animals in the room and relocate them to where your child will be sleeping.

Section off a family room. Use a decorative folding screen to section off the sleeping area for guests and to provide a little more privacy. If this is the normal gathering area for the family, be considerate when choosing the hour to go to sleep at night or congregate in the morning.