Bedroom
What Is a Daybed? Everything You Need to Know
Shopping for furniture is exciting, and when you get to see all the possibilities for your space, your imagination can run wild. You’ll likely come across daybeds as you’re shopping. So, what is a daybed and is it right for your home? How does it differ from other sofas?
A daybed is a versatile piece of furniture that can be used for lounging or sleeping. It’s typically the size of a twin bed and is ideal in guest rooms, kids’ rooms or large living areas. A couch by day and a bed by night, a daybed is the ultimate option in multipurpose furniture and can help you create your dream space.
What Is a Daybed Used For?
A daybed is our favorite piece of flexible furniture. During the day, it can be used as a cozy couch with throw pillows; at night, it can turn into an extra bed for guests or impromptu sleepovers for your kids. Daybeds are typically a bit smaller than traditional sofas, so this is an ideal option if you have a small home and need to make the most of your space.
There are various style options, which we’ll cover more below, but a daybed can help you define your space. For example, for large living rooms or playrooms with extra space, a daybed can help fill an empty area of the room. Like we mentioned, it can also be your ideal multipurpose piece if you live in a small home. When guests come to visit, you won’t need to pull out the air mattress!
Keep in mind when shopping for a daybed that you’ll likely see other similar options. Let’s go over them below.
Daybed vs. Futon
A daybed and futon are similar in that they can both be used for seating during the day and extra sleeping space. However, a futon changes from a more traditional couch shape to fold out into a mattress, while a daybed stays in one position.
Daybed vs. Sleeper Sofa
A daybed may seem similar to a sleeper sofa at first, but they’re different pieces entirely. A sleeper sofa has a mattress built into the couch that pulls out when it needs to be used as a bed, as opposed to a daybed which has a mattress or cushion on top.
Daybed vs. Twin Bed
A twin bed is typically the same size as a daybed, just with a different frame. Twins best fit better in children’s rooms and have a more traditional look, as opposed to a daybed which can serve as a couch.
Daybed vs. Trundle Bed
Fun fact: Any bed can be a trundle bed! It’s common to think that trundle beds are only one type of bed, but the truth is, a trundle can be added to any bed frame that has room underneath—including a daybed. Many daybeds come with trundles, or you can opt for adding on a twin trundle later.
Daybed Styles
Let’s get into the fun part—designing your space! There are various daybed styles to choose from, let’s go over them below.
1. Daybed with Trundle
A daybed with a trundle takes the traditional daybed to the next level. This is an ideal piece if you frequently have guests coming to stay and want a flexible piece. The trundle provides twice as much sleep space without taking up any extra room in your home—when your guests leave, you can just slide it away.
2. Outdoor Daybed
An outdoor daybed is the ideal choice if you’re looking to create an outdoor oasis. Whether you love lounging by the pool or spending long afternoons reading in the shade, an outdoor daybed will give you the perfect space to do just that. This provides you with extra lounging space over traditional outdoor furniture, so if you have the room on your patio, we highly recommend getting an outdoor daybed!
3. Upholstered
If you’re looking to create a cozy space or use a daybed as your couch as well, an upholstered style is the way to go. This is a great way to create a more traditional look in your home.
4. Wood
Constructed of FSC®-certified solid wood, we love the sleek silhouette of a mid-century wooden daybed. For modern homes where you want a clean look, opt for a wooden daybed—we recommend making things cozier with plenty of throw blankets and pillows.
Whether you’re looking for a versatile piece of furniture for your guest room or want a unique piece in your living room, we love the look of a daybed. Use it to define your home and create a cozy look that coordinates with the rest of your furniture.
