Sleeping Arrangements

'Tis the season for overnight guests, sometimes more than even your guest room can handle. If you've got a full house this season (or you're trying to figure out some better sleeper solutions for next year), here are a few ideas to consider.

1) The classic sleeper sofa, but more stylish

The old-fashioned sleeper sofa was ugly and uncomfortable, but your overnight guests don't have to suffer. Henredon's Haven sleeper sofa is elegant and has a queen-size mattress so there's plenty of room to spread out in comfort.

2) The surprising sleeper ottoman

Those clever designers have even hidden a Henredon sleeper bed in an ottoman. For a fold-out twin-size option, there's the Henredon Haven sleeper ottoman (pictured above).

If you need accommodation for two parents and a child, the sleeper sofa-sleeper ottoman combo could fit them all in one room comfortably, while looking great when you don't have guests.

3) The slightly less surprising sleeper chair-and-a-half

There's also a twin bed hidden in the Henredon Haven sleeper chair-and-a-half.

If you don't have room for a sofa, but need sleeping options for two, the chair and ottoman could be paired in a corner for every day use and then expanded into Lucy-and-Ricky-style-side-by-side twin beds when you have guests.

4) A chaise

A chaise can work as a guest bed without any fold-out complications. Take off the throw pillows, add some bed pillows and sheets, and you've got a place to stash a guest for the night.

The Jacqueline chaise from the Acquisitions Upholstery collection has squared-off corners that makes tucking in a sheet a little easier.

But the rounded back of the Sylvia chaise works for an overnight guest, as well. Stack the pillows up against the upholstered back for someone who likes to sleep elevated or take them away to make a little bed.

5) A sectional with chaise

The chaise end of a sectional can make a great overnight spot with a few sheets and bed pillows, as well. The large platform-chaise end of a sectional from the Henredon Leather Select collection is roomy for a sofa sleeping arrangement.

The comfy sectional from the Fireside collection has a chaise option with a Lawson arm. It does double duty as a sleeping option and a sectional that looks a little more traditional than most.

6) Large sofa with single cushion

While a sofa is rarely the perfect option for an overnight guest (especially if that guest is over 6 ft. tall), there are a few things to look for in a sofa that can make an overnight guest more comfortable. Size is obvious. No tiny love seats will do.

I like to look for a large, single cushion. A single cushion keeps your guest from sliding between the cracks while sleeping and it gives a sleeper a more bed-like feeling. Also, stay away from extreme curves in the cushion or curves around the back that limit the space for sleeping.

Here are a few sofas that make me want to get in my pajamas and get ready for a cozy visit to a friend's house.

The Christina Sofa