How to Buy a Daybed

When you choose the right daybed, you can transform any space into a chic, practical spare bedroom. Here’s how to do it!

What Is a Daybed?

This versatile piece of furniture is both a bed and a couch. It has a back and two arms, just like a sofa, but it's also a comfortable bed that takes no work or extra room to set up.

Can a Daybed Be Used as a Regular Bed?

A daybed can absolutely be used every day for nightly sleep. Just make sure to choose a design built for such a purpose. You'll want one that comes with a durable frame and quality mattress, rather than a 'sofa-like' one with seat cushions.

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Material Types and Styles

Daybeds come in all the materials of regular beds, from wood to metal, as well as completely upholstered, like a sofa. When buying bedroom furniture, you can often choose a daybed instead of a regular bed in the same style. Some daybeds look more like sofas than others, so consider what the primary use will be before choosing a style.

Most daybeds are Twin-sized. (Although larger daybeds are available, they will often not function as well when used as a sofa.)

What Size Bed Is a Daybed?

The measurements of a daybed are usually Twin size, 39"x75". While not as common, Full size daybeds, 54" x 75", are also available. If you are looking to replace a daybed mattress, make sure to measure the platform (the 'pocket' of the daybed in where the mattress will go), to confirm your daybed's dimensions.

Daybeds can have open space under the seating area, like a couch on legs, or a trundle bed or drawers underneath the mattress frame.

Q: Are Daybeds Full or Twin?
A: Daybeds are both Twin and Full size, but the more common is Twin.

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Types of Trundles and Drawers

There are two types of trundles used with daybeds. The basic trundle just rolls out from under the bed, and the guest sleeps on it at floor level. Other trundle beds, however, are built so that they can be lifted up from the ground and fastened at the same level as the daybed.

Drawers under a daybed can operate in the same way as a trundle – pulling out on casters –, or they can be a fixed part of the daybed frame.

What Is the Purpose of a Daybed?

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A living room daybed is an ideal solution when you're short on space and want a room to serve double-duty as both an office or den and a guest room. It provides a couch for sitting during the day and transforms easily into a bed at night.

A kid’s daybed is also a good choice for children's rooms and dorm rooms. It's a nice place to lounge with friends during the day, and at night, it's a comfortable bed to sleep in. If your child loves to host sleepovers, look for a daybed with a trundle — a low pull-out bed, usually on casters, that rolls under the daybed when not in use. If you don't need a trundle, consider a daybed with drawers underneath – for extra storage.

12 Daybed Ideas to Keep You Dreamin’ in Style

Dreamy daybed ideas . . . to keep you dreamin’ all day.

1. Daybed Alcove

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Place a daybed against a window – just trust us on this. The lounge-around design paired with outdoor scenery makes for peaceful sitting and napping. Perfect for the daybed guest room.

2. Cozy Aesthetic

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What’s better than a daybed all to yourself on a Saturday morning? A daybed all to yourself on a Saturday morning with a buttery-soft blanket.

3. Bohemian Touch

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Maybe ‘minimalist’ isn’t your thing. If you’re craving a something a little more off-the-beaten-path, go for a steel daybed frame lined with tasseled bedding and throw pillows in interesting patterns.

4. Sweet Bedding

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Fancy bedding, candy colors and a ‘sweet dreams’ throw pillow to tie it all together. Just call this aesthetic, “sugar!”

5. Dark Side

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This daybed room is all about the feels. A dramatic blue upholstery creates mood, and a black throw takes things darker.

6. Hidden Storage

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A daybed for a small space means getting creative, and this design’s got “creativity” written all over it. From overhead shelving to underbed drawers, storage makes the most of every square inch.

7. Low Profile

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When you’re lookin’ to ditch troubles, you’ll need to keep a low profile. Here, a simple silhouette, calm color and cozy add-on throw to match vibe with the carefree lifestyle.

8. Fresh Bedding

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Tucking yourself in at night gets all the sweeter when the bedding is cozy. Plus, the wooden headboard of a daybed brings out a nice contrast with lush throw blankets!

9. Comfort Forecast

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Outdoors, daybeds act as a summer haven. Place in a garden or patio, and curl up with the newest beach read.

10. Perfect Perch

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A daybed ottoman is a thing, apparently, and we’re loving it. Outdoors, it’s the kind of design that’s comfy, luxe and chic enough to draw out even the indoorsiest of indoors types!

11. Easy Vibes

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Simple in silhouette and color, this daybed’s easy style makes its lack of detail forgivable. Try a similar look for a minimalist home.

12. Staycation Material

If the Hamptons are calling but you’re not quite ready to leave home, a fresh daybed aesthetic makes for the best kind of staycation. Use only for lounging (no work allowed)!

Bonus Styling Ideas!

Looking for more inspiration? Here are two bonus daybed ideas – on us!

Daybed Duos: Here’s one for symmetry. Place two identical daybeds in the same room. Place them opposite each other – preferably on either side of the room – for conversational lounging.

Floating Daybed: Love an old-fashioned look? Float a single daybed in the middle of an open space to create a central focal point. In an entryway or foyer, this look mimics the “parlour reception areas” from the 1800s.