Having an overnight guest? Not enough space for both a sofa and a full size bed in your spare room? It sounds like a daybed is the solution for you. Let’s take a look at this seating/sleeping combo that has a wide array of stylish options and functional features.
What is A Daybed?
Daybeds are wonderfully versatile pieces of furniture that can be used in a bedroom, guest room, office space, or den. They offer beautiful seating as well as a decorative bed or additional sleeping space when needed. You can increase the sleeping space even more with the addition of an optional trundle unit, which can be pulled out from under the daybed when you need an extra bed. A daybed is made up of three major components: frame, mattress support, and optional trundle.
Daybed Frames
The frame consists of three pieces: two side panels and one back panel; which are commonly available in wood, metal, or a wood/metal combination. They are most commonly designed to accommodate a standard twin size mattress, 39 in. x 75 in.
Other daybed options include full/double styles as well as queen mattresses. For kids’ rooms, you can even find daybeds that feature a double trundle.
Daybed Mattress Support: Link Spring or Slats
A link spring is the most common mattress support. It is a metal grid-like structure with springs that substitutes for a box spring. The link spring attaches to the two side panels of the daybed frame to create a strong, stable bed. This is what the twin mattress rests on allowing room below for the optional trundle bed and additional mattress.
A slat system is the other less common mattress support. This system is very similar to many full size bed slat systems where wooden slats are attached to the front and back rails of the bed to support the mattress.
Daybed Trundles
A trundle is usually optional when purchasing a daybed. It’s an extra mattress frame stored beneath the link spring of a daybed, and when needed slides out to provide additional sleeping space. There are two types of daybed trundles, a pop-up trundle or a drawer trundle.
Pop-up trundles are popular because placed side by side, they can transform your twin size daybed into a king size bed. Pop-up trundles are made of metal. They can be left in the lowered position or elevated in the pop-up position to align with the primary daybed mattress.
Drawer trundles or slide-out trundles are typically specific to a bed so the drawer dimensions are just the right fit for the daybed. Drawer trundles hold a twin size mattress, but do not elevate. These styles are popular for kids’ rooms since they’re ideal for sleepovers. Drawer trundles can also be left empty and used as extra storage space.
Popular Daybed Materials
Just like traditional beds, daybeds come in a wide array of materials and finishes. What you choose can depend on your style preference and the room’s decorating theme, as well as any maintenance the material requires. Many people like the traditional look of metal spindles, while others like to accent their rooms with modern upholstered styles.
Take a moment to consider the most common daybed materials and which is right for you:
Choosing A Daybed Style
For every daybed shopper, there is a different opinion of the perfect daybed style. From traditional to contemporary, daybeds offer a range of choices for your individual taste. Here’s a look at the most popular daybed styles, along with the distinct qualities of each:
| Design Style | Common Materials | Characteristics |
| Traditional Daybeds | Metal, wood | Clean lines, minimal ornamentation |
| Modern/Contemporary Daybeds | Metal, upholstery | Sleek lines, tufting, exposed feet |
| Transitional Daybeds | Wood, metal, upholstery | Panel beds, rolled arms |
| Farmhouse/Cottage Daybeds | Wood, wicker | Panel beds, shiplap details |
| Industrial Daybeds | Metal, wood | Pipes, mixed materials, casters |
| Coastal Daybeds | Wood | Whitewashed or weathered look |
| Craftsman/Mission Daybeds | Wood | Stained woods, exposed slats |
| Mid-Century Daybeds | Wood | Minimal design, splayed legs |
| Rustic/Southwestern Daybeds | Wood | Reclaimed/rough hewn wood look |
Daybed Mattress Options
A mattress and bedding complete the look and feel of a daybed, turning it into a versatile piece of furniture. Most daybeds and trundles are made for a standard twin size mattress, 39 in. x 75 in. your favorite or pillow top along with the firmness you like for your daybed .
When you place the mattress in the frame, there will be a slight gap between the mattress and the sides of the bed. This allows you to more easily put bedding on the mattress.
Daybed Bedding Ideas
Finish the look of your daybed and complete your room with the right daybed bedding. From solids and prints to the latest design trends, just like standard bedding, there is a wide array of bedding available for daybeds. Here’s a look at the two most popular bedding options:
Daybed bedding sets consist of a comforter, three shams, and in some cases a bed skirt. This choice makes the daybed look like a bed, so you get a multi-layered look with coordinating bedding and pillows.
While you can use standard twin sheets on a daybed mattress, keep in mind that a standard twin comforter will not fit properly due to the sides and back of the daybed frame. The difference between a daybed comforter and a twin comforter is size. A daybed comforter measures 52″W x 99″L while a twin comforter is 62″W x 86″L.
Daybed covers are an alternative to bedding. The fabric lies directly on top of the mattress, and drops all the way from the mattress top to the floor on the front three sides. The appearance of a daybed with a cover is more of a sofa than a bed. Covers give the daybed a more tailored, modern, sleek look.
You can choose individual pieces or a daybed cover set. Sets usually include shams, pillow cases, and a bed skirt for a finished look. Many daybed cover sets include quilts or comforters with minimal fill.
Ready to choose your perfect daybed? We hope this buyer’s guide helps you navigate through the many daybed ideas available today. While you’re shopping, keep in mind how you will use the daybed most often, how many people it will need to sleep, and what style works in your space. Whether you use it in the guest room or the living room, we think you’ll enjoy your new daybed (and the convenience it offers) for years to come.
Small Bedroom Ideas: Decorating, Design, Storage & More
Outdoor Daybed Ideas: 4 Styling Tips
Shop Smarter: How to Choose the Best Sofa Bed