The Sunday Mail
THE perfect mix between a bed and a sofa, a daybed offers both storage and convenient sleep space.
A daybed is one of the most multifunctional items you can have in your home.
Infinitely practical, a daybed can be used for various purposes, including extra seating, sleeping and storage. Thanks to their versatility and functionality, they are a timeless furniture piece.
Daybeds are available in multiple styles and shapes, and are customisable to suit personal preferences.
When shopping for a daybed, it helps to know the difference between a daybed and a sleeper sofa, as well as the types and sizes that best fit your home.
Here is everything you need to know to find the right one for you.
What is a daybed?
A daybed is a versatile piece of household furniture that is a hybrid between a sofa and a single twin bed. It serves the purpose of both a bed and a couch. It is typically a cross between a chaise lounge and a bed, consisting of solid wood or metal frames and an upholstered mattress.
Daybeds are traditionally the size of twin beds but can be custom-made to fit other mattress sizes.
Daybeds are ideal for smaller spaces or multi-purpose rooms, such as offices, guest rooms, basements, terraces, patios and kids’ rooms.
One of the distinguishing features of a daybed is that it has a frame on three sides — the headboard, footboard and backboard — that runs the entire length of the bed.
How do daybeds differ from beds and sofas?
The main difference between a daybed and a traditional bed or sofa is its functionality. Beds, for the most part, are solely used for sleeping, while sofas are for wakeful lounging.
Daybeds serve both purposes
Another difference between a daybed and a typical bed is that the former has a frame on three sides, while the latter has only two — the headboard and the footboard.
Compared to traditional sofas, daybeds are typically smaller in size.
They are also different from sofa beds, which still look like traditional couches, except that a folded spring bed is retractable from under the seat cushions.
Types of daybeds
When buying a daybed, considerations include the room’s layout and size, the style or design of the bed, frame and mattress materials and cost.
There are various types of daybeds, including the following standard versions:
* Daybed with storage: Some daybeds have built-in under-bed storage space, including drawers and shelving. You can use this space to store throw pillows, blankets or extra clothes. Some even have shelving behind the frames for extra storage.
* Outdoor daybed: If you love poolside lounging, reading on a terrace or spending long hours outdoors, an outdoor daybed is ideal. It provides extra lounge space compared to traditional outdoor furniture. These daybeds are typically made from waterproof material so that they will not be damaged by the elements.
* Simple or open daybed: Simple daybeds only have a frame with a mattress and the space under the legs is empty, giving an open, airy look. They are ideal if you want a simple, streamlined feel. You can add storage boxes or bins underneath the frame.
* Trundle daybed: There are two types of trundle daybeds. There is a pop-up trundle bed, which has an additional mattress underneath that can be pulled out and adjusted to the same height as the daybed. The other type is a drawer trundle daybed, which has a pull-out drawer under the frame that houses another mattress. The drawer slides out to create extra sleeping space. However, the drawer cannot be lifted to the same height as the daybed, so the second bed stays on the floor, creating a condensed bunk bed look.
Either way, trundles are perfect for guests and sleepovers.
* Upholstered daybed: This daybed is easily customised via the upholstery. Choose an upholstery design and material that complements the room’s style and your sleep comfort preferences.
* Wooden daybeds: These daybeds are made from solid wood and have a sleek, clean look. They easily fit into any design style, from traditional to contemporary to modern. Add throw blankets and plush pillows to soften the appearance of hardwood.
Pros and cons of a daybed
The primary advantage of daybeds is that they are multifunctional. They easily convert from sleeping beds to lounge seating and can also hold additional storage.
The main disadvantage of daybeds is that they have size limitations. Unless you choose a pop-up trundle, the bed is likely no bigger than a twin bed. This makes it suitable only for small spaces and short-term guests. Also, they need to be properly situated against a wall or a corner because they typically have a high back. — bhg.com
