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The Best Daybeds for Every Style and Space

Add seating, discreet storage, and sleeping space with these stylish picks.

Collage of Thuma The Daybed on a purple background
Photo:

Real Simple / Alli Waataja

A daybed is one of the most functional furniture pieces you can have in your home, especially if you’re tight on space. It doubles as both a couch and a bed, creating a stylish place for unwinding and sleeping or balancing out other furniture.

Alicia Cheung and Eva Bradley, interior designers at and co-owners of Studio Heimat, like to use daybeds to bridge two seating areas in larger rooms: “Where you might put a bench or a tete-a-tete, you can also consider using a daybed if the proportions work better for your space.” 

Daybeds come in a myriad of styles, with some more akin to sofas and others with trundles for sleeping or drawers to contain clutter. To help you find the best option for your space, we looked at all the different options out there, considering type, material, bed size, and assembly to make our final picks. We also consulted Cheung and Bradley for expert tips on shopping for daybeds.

Best Overall

Thuma The Daybed

Thuma The Daybed
PHOTO: Thuma
What Stands Out
  • This daybed has a tool-free assembly process, which makes setup a breeze.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s expensive, and it's not the most designer-friendly option.

While stylish and functional, daybeds are notoriously difficult to assemble. Enter The Daybed from Thuma: Its innovative design boasts a tool-free assembly process that uses Japanese joinery, so you can simply slide everything into place and enjoy your new furniture. Because Thuma is Greenguard Gold Certified (meaning it’s undergone a rigorous certification process to guarantee low emissions), this daybed is also a sustainable pick. 

In addition to its streamlined assembly, this daybed has some other functional aspects. It uses double-strength slats lined with felt that lock into place to reduce noise and prevent mattress slippage and movement, and it has an under-bed height of 9 inches to sneak in extra storage capacity. Since the frame is made from solid repurposed rubberwood, this bed is also durable. It only comes in one size (twin), and the mattress is not included.

The Daybed also stands out for its versatility. Instead of a traditional headboard or rail, Thuma uses a configurable pillow board for added comfort and practicality. For instance, you can remove the pillow board to use your daybed for seating while entertaining, then add it back for a guest who's spending the night. It also comes in three handcrafted wood finishes and pillow board colors to match your new daybed to your space.

Upholstery: Polyester pebbled linen-weave on the pillow board | Frame: Solid rubberwood | Dimensions: 80 by 44 by 35 inches | Bed Size: Twin

Amazon Jurmerry Metal Daybed Frame Twin Size with Steel Slats Platform Furniture
PHOTO: Amazon
What Stands Out
  • With its chic metal frame, this daybed is quite durable and not very imposing.

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn’t have a soft headboard.

The Jurmerry Metal Daybed proves you don't need to spend a fortune to find a stylish and lasting daybed. It has a solid metal frame that not only gives it a sleek look but also makes it far more durable than other inexpensive options made with particle board. The frame comes in two finishes: black or white.

This daybed is in a chaise style and only comes in twin size. While it doesn't have a lot of extra features like a trundle, it provides a foot of under-bed storage to help you stay organized. It includes steel slats that offer great mattress support, and it features a non-slip bed base for comfortable snoozing. The assembly process is also pretty straightforward and doesn't require any tools. 

Since the frame is made from metal, this daybed is easy to keep clean. We also like how the frame is designed with rounded corners, so it won't be as painful to bump into, making it safer for kids. You can't go wrong with this elegant, durable daybed, especially given its budget-friendly price—just remember that you'll have to provide the mattress yourself.

Upholstery: None | Frame: Metal | Dimensions: 78 by 40 by 35 inches | Bed Size: Twin

What Stands Out
  • The frame is made from kiln-dried wood, which is known for its durability.

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn’t offer any customization options.

If you want your daybed to bring some luxury to your space, you can't go wrong with this striking pick from Anthropologie. It has a classic silhouette upholstered in soft velvet, and the removable cushions are filled with down feathers that provide a sinking feeling when you plop down onto it.  It has a depth of 38 inches, which is about the same as a twin bed, but we think it works best for adding extra seating or cozying up an empty nook in your space. 

This daybed has some practical features going for it, as well. It's built with a kiln-dried hardwood frame, which means it's resistant to warping, ensuring you’ll get lots of use from it (even if you live with rowdy kids or pets). It also has wheeled legs, making it easier to maneuver around your home, and it doesn't require assembly.

The one area where this daybed could be improved is that it doesn't offer any customization options. You can't personalize the upholstery fabric or size to your space, so if you have a specific look for your daybed in mind, this isn't the best option. That said, you can add and remove the cushions as needed to add a personal touch, and we think its simple yet elegant style will match lots of decor schemes.

Upholstery: Slub velvet | Frame: Kiln-dried hardwood | Dimensions: 25.5 by 83.5 by 38 inches | Bed Size: Twin

What Stands Out
  • This daybed has a foam-filled frame that provides extra comfort.

What Could Be Improved
  • You need to provide your own mattress.

This stylish daybed comes at a relatively inexpensive price. With its sleek silhouette and tufted accents, it’s easy on the eyes and comes in four muted colors to match your decor. The frame is filled with foam, which adds extra comfort since you can lie comfortably against it and not worry about banging your head. 

Another benefit of this daybed is that it has a trundle tucked discreetly into an upholstered drawer, adding an extra sleeping spot without taking up any extra space. It also has wooden slats, so you don't need to use a box spring for guests, but it doesn't include a mattress. We also like that this daybed has a straightforward assembly process and ships in one box, so it’s easy to bring into your home and set up. 

While this daybed has a lot going for it, it's not the most durable pick. The frame is made from medium-density fiberboard, which is a weaker material that can break and warp over time. If you're looking to furnish a kid's room, a daybed made from solid wood would be a better investment, but we think this still works for a guest room where it won't be used as frequently.  

Upholstery: Linen | Frame: Wood, medium-density fiberboard | Dimensions: 75.5 by 43.5 by 33.5 inches | Bed Size: Twin

Best With Storage

Inclake Daybed Frame

Walmart Inclake Twin Size Daybed Frame
PHOTO: Walmart
What Stands Out
  • It has a soft velvet headboard and pleated details.

What Could Be Improved
  • Assembly is required, which may be tricky for people who live alone or aren’t handy.

You may not expect Walmart to offer such a classy daybed, but make no mistake: The Inclake Daybed makes for a stunning focal point in your living room or nursery. The velvet upholstered headboard oozes luxury, and the pleated details add extra visual appeal. Its cozy fabric and built-in armrests are inviting, and its clean lines give it a modern touch. Plus, because it's upholstered, you don't have to worry about little ones running into your furniture and getting hurt by sharp corners. 

While many daybeds include shelves and cubbies, this one is extra practical because its storage is on wheels. The drawers glide out on hardwood and carpet, so staying organized is a breeze, and they offer plenty of space to stash toys, books, or other belongings. While this daybed includes mattress slats as opposed to box springs for support, the frame is made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particle board, which aren't as durable.

This daybed comes in three fabric colors—beige, blue, and gray—to match your existing decor. Some assembly is required for this daybed, so you may want to have a friend around when it gets delivered. But all tools are included in the package, and you'll feel quite accomplished when your stylish daybed is put together. 

Upholstery: Velvet | Frame: MDF, particle board | Dimensions: 81 by 42.50 by 37 inches | Bed Size: Twin

West Elm Sky Chaise
PHOTO: West Elm
What Stands Out
  • This daybed is just the right size and shape to squeeze into an empty corner without crowding your space.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s too short to use as a guest bed.

Turn that empty corner in your home into a stylish and cozy reading nook with the West Elm Sky Chaise. Unlike most daybeds, this one has a backboard on only one side, allowing it to squeeze perfectly into tight spaces and corners, and giving you room to accessorize it with pillows and blankets. The ultra-low profile design doesn't clutter your space and brings a sleek, modern look to your decor.  

In addition to being chic, this daybed is also remarkably comfortable. The cushions are filled with foam and sinuous springs, which gives them a plush touch and ensures they won't sag over time. We also like how it's completely upholstered, which eliminates any hard corners that can lead to painful run-ins and makes it extra comfortable for relaxing and napping. However, it's just over 30 inches long, so the average adult would feel pretty cramped if they had to sleep on it in a guest space.  

West Elm also gives you lots of options when it comes to upholstery fabrics. You can choose between durable twills, vegan leathers, and performance velvets that resist wear that occurs with regular use. The frame is also made from sturdy, kiln-dried wood, which adds extra durability, so this daybed is built to last, no matter how frequently it's used. 

Upholstery: Customizable | Frame: Kiln-dried solid and engineered wood | Dimensions: 31.5 by 64 by 29 inches

Wayfair Mercer41 Chadlee Upholstered Daybed
PHOTO: Wayfair
What Stands Out
  • This daybed comes in three sizes and has 12 inches of storage under the bed.

What Could Be Improved
  • The frame isn’t made from the most durable material, which can cause the daybed to warp or crack over time.

If you're looking for a daybed that functions more like a bed than a couch, consider the Mercer41 Chadlee Upholstered Daybed. In addition to the standard twin, it comes in full and queen sizes for more room to toss and turn. It also comes in a variety of cozy linen and velvet upholstery options to match your guest room or bedroom. 

This daybed uses wooden slats as opposed to a box spring, which adds more support and prevents your mattress from moving around for uninterrupted sleep. While it doesn't come with a trundle to fit extra guests, it does have 12 inches of under-bed storage for keeping toys or stowing away clutter, boosting its functionality. Assembly is required, but the process is straightforward and doesn't require extra power tools. Still, the manufacturer recommends you have a friend around to help you. 

The frame of this daybed is made with MDF, so it's not the most durable option. For lasting furniture, solid hardwood is ideal, but MDF is more affordable. If you don't mind this daybed wearing down a little faster, it's a way to bring mid-century style and practical sleeping space to your home while sticking to your budget.

Upholstery: Velvet, linen | Frame: MDF and solid wood | Dimensions: 33 by 41.5 by 78 inches for twin, 33 by 56.5 by 78 inches for full, 33 by 62.5 by 83 inches for queen | Bed Size: Twin, full, or queen

What Stands Out
  • You can customize this daybed with 50 different shades, including stain-resistant and high-durability options.

What Could Be Improved
  • This model doesn’t offer any under-bed storage.

With its unbelievably plush cushions and lustrous fabric, the West Elm Shelter Daybed is a must for any living space. The daybed’s symmetrical pillows and smooth lines make an eye-catching addition and the deep seat beckons you to curl up in its comfort. The seat cushion contains high-resiliency foam cores, which ensure it'll stay just as springy as the day they arrived.

Part of what makes this daybed so exquisite is the craftsmanship included in its design. For example, the frame and legs are hand-built with kiln-dried wood, which is one of the most durable materials you can use for furniture. It also includes reinforced joinery, which makes it extra stable. The cushions are reversible, too, for added practicality, and they're made with sinuous springs that provide lasting seat support. While it doesn’t offer under-bed storage, it oozes style and comfort.

The construction of this daybed is one of its highlights, but it's not the only thing that makes it splurge-worthy. West Elm provides you with two key customization options to select your ideal width and upholstery fabric. Its offerings include high-durability and stain-resistant performance velvets, so you don't have to sacrifice style if you live with messy kids or pets. While technically there is assembly required, West Elm's White Glove service will piece your daybed together for you. 

Upholstery: Varies, includes velvet, chenille, linen, and twill | Frame: Kiln-dried solid and engineered wood | Dimensions: 71 by 32 by 28.5 inches or 86 by 39 by 31 inches | Bed Size: Twin

What Stands Out
  • This mid-century-inspired daybed is made with excellent craftsmanship.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s narrow for sleeping but suitable for lounging.

There's something about a leather daybed that just screams luxury. Article's Sven Charme Chaise Lounge is a riff on its popular Sven sofa, complete with tufted accents, clean lines, and lots of mid-century appeal. While this daybed might be a little narrow for sleeping, the super-soft leather and attached bolster pillow invite plenty of lounging. 

Like its other furniture pieces, Article put a lot of quality in this daybed. The cornerblocked frame is made from solid hardwood, which makes it extra sturdy, and high-density foam filling provides lasting plushness to the seat cushion. It also uses Pirelli webbing, a hallmark of high-quality furniture, in its seat support system. Assembly is required, but according to Article, it shouldn't take more than five minutes.

This daybed features full-aniline leather, which is a top-grain leather known for its smooth touch and natural look. As such, scars, creases, and other imperfections can be seen in the upholstery, but that's what gives it character. As you use your daybed, the material will continue to soften and take on a vintage, rustic look. Plus, the leather is easy to keep clean: just give it a wipe every so often to keep it looking pristine. 

Upholstery: Leather | Frame: Solid wood | Dimensions: 25 by 79 by 32 inches

What Stands Out
  • It’s made with soft, comfortable cushions and a solid steel frame.

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn’t have the sleekest design, so it’s not a great pick for small spaces.

The Better Homes & Gardens Willow Sage Outdoor Daybed is a great way to upgrade the seating situation on your porch or patio. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Real Simple’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) To start, its wicker design complements most outdoor seating styles and has a natural vibe to fit your garden. It can stand up to rain and wind thanks to its solid steel frame, and it features a powder coating to prevent rust. However, this patio daybed is on the wider side, so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a sleek piece of furniture that blends into your space. (If the dimensions aren't quite right, there are plenty of other great patio daybed options to consider.)

In addition to being durable, this daybed is also practical. The cushions are made with fade-resistant fabric that stays in tip-top shape in the elements, and it repels stains—no one's going to know about that glass of sangria you knocked over the last time you were relaxing outside. Speaking of which, the cushions are also incredibly comfortable and plush, allowing you to unwind in cloud-like comfort as you chat with guests and enjoy the weather. 

If there's one thing this daybed lacks, it’s customization. It only comes in one color, and while the beige and ivory combination will match practically any decor style, you're out of luck if you were hoping for a different option. Assembly is required, but the good news is that it's a piece of cake and will only take a few minutes of your day. 

Upholstery: Polyester | Frame: Wicker, steel | Dimensions: 54.33 by 57.09 by 29.92 inches

Best Customizable

Joybird Hughes Daybed

Joybird Hughes Daybed
PHOTO: Joybird
What Stands Out
  • This bed frame comes in a great variety of upholstery fabrics, including pet-friendly and stain-resistant options.

What Could Be Improved
  • It can take four weeks to ship.

If you can't find the right daybed for your space no matter how hard you look, the Hughes Daybed from Joybird may finally solve your shopping woes. With its classic, mid-century-inspired silhouette, you'll be hard-pressed to find a space it doesn't look good in. It's offered in an impressive amount of upholstery options, including pet-friendly and stain-resistant fabrics that repel liquids and stand up to even the most rambunctious households. If you find the upholstery options overwhelming, know that Joybird offers a free fabric swatch kit so you can compare multiple options and be confident you're ordering the right one for your space.  

Of course, customized furniture pieces are more expensive and take longer to ship. Joybird offers this daybed in some ready-to-ship fabrics, but if none of those appeal to you, you'll have to wait at least four weeks to receive your new daybed and pay a pretty penny. That said, it's built with kiln-dried wood and sinuous springs, which ensures the frame and cushions will stay good-as-new for years, and its simple design means it can work in all sorts of settings, from sleeping space in a guest room to extra seating while entertaining, so you'll get lots of use from it.  

Upholstery: Customizable | Frame: Rubberwood | Dimensions: 84 by 37 by 25 inches | Bed Size: Twin

What Stands Out
  • This daybed is built with heirloom-quality craftsmanship and brings farmhouse-chic vibes to your space.

What Could Be Improved
  • It only comes in one wood finish option.

The beauty of Pottery Barn's Farmhouse Daybed is that it lets the natural finish of the wood shine through, which can make your space feel warmer and more relaxing. Its simple silhouette doesn't draw too much attention to itself, but it still brings some rustic charm to the room, thanks to the subtle detailing on either side.  

This daybed uses a few types of wood throughout its construction, but the majority of its frame is made from kiln-dried meranti wood, which is known for its durability and resistance to cracking. It also includes slats, so there's no box spring required for this daybed, but if you don't have a twin mattress lying around, you'll need to purchase one separately.

Since this daybed is so minimal, you have practically endless styling options when it comes to decorating it in your space. You can add some chunky throw blankets to play up its farmhouse vibes or add lots of cushions to use it as an ultra-comfy seating alternative to your sofa. Since Pottery Barn's white glove delivery service will take care of assembly for you, you can have it set up and styled in no time.   

Upholstery: None | Frame: Solid meranti wood, sungkai veneers, MDF and engineered wood | Dimensions: 81.5 by 43.5 by 36 inches

What Stands Out
  • The solid wood frame won’t break from jumping and playing, and it includes a trundle for sleepovers.

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn’t offer storage for toys.

This daybed makes for a great addition to a kid's room because it can add extra space for sitting and sleeping in one compact piece of furniture. On playdates, kids can hang out on this daybed like a sofa and then pull out the trundle for snoozing once it's time to hit the sack. The solid wood frame can also stand up to lots of jumping and roughhousing.  

This daybed does require some assembly, but it's pretty easy to follow the instructions. It also has a slat roll foundation, which means you don't need to use a box spring, and it includes a guard rail on one side so your kiddo doesn't accidentally roll out of bed at night.

 The one downside to this daybed is that it doesn't offer any storage space for toys, which may be inconvenient if your family lives in cramped quarters. Still, its sturdy build and multipurpose design make it a good choice for your little one's space, and its traditional look can grow with them as they develop their own tastes and interests.  

Upholstery: None | Frame: Wood | Dimensions: 29.25 by 42.5 by 80.5 inches | Bed Size: Twin

Final Verdict

Because of its easy assembly process, customizable design, and high-quality materials, we choose The Daybed by Thuma as our top pick. If you're looking for a more affordable option, we recommend the Jurmerry Metal Daybed, which has a durable, elegant metal frame and plenty of under-bed storage. 

How to Shop for Daybeds Like a Pro

Type

There are several different types of daybeds out there, and understanding what they are will be most helpful to narrow down your search. The most basic daybed is a chaise, which resembles a sofa or upholstered bench. Typically, they don’t offer extra features like a trundle or storage, but Cheung and Bradley say they're large and wide enough to sleep on, like a bed. A trundle daybed has a pull-out mattress at the floor level of the daybed. Typically, this type of daybed comes in a twin size, and it’s useful for kids’ rooms or if you have guests sleeping over frequently as it offers two spots for snoozing. 

Canopy daybeds are a great pick for outdoor use because they offer shade. Some come with a built-in canopy, while others have four posts to hang fabric from, similar to a canopy bed. You can also certainly use a canopy daybed inside to instill a luxe vibe in a guest or bedroom. Cheung and Bradley describe them as “very dreamy,” and they bring a bohemian feel to your home. 

If you’re looking for a daybed to complete the seating arrangement in your home, Cheung and Bradley recommend a modern daybed. They’re large and wide enough to sleep on and have a bolster pillow towards one end and are very useful when bridging two seating areas together. 

Lastly, storage daybeds come with drawers, cubbies, or both, to contain clutter. They’re popular among parents because you can easily stash toys and games inside to declutter your living room, but they’re also great for small spaces that may be lacking in closets or organizational space. If you have the budget to renovate your space, you may want to consider a built-in daybed, which is built into the millwork of the room, likely to include a nightstand, shelf, and bookshelves, according to Cheung and Bradley. A built-in daybed offers even more space to organize and display your belongings and brings a luxe touch to any room. 

Material

The frame of a daybed can be really anything you’d use in furniture, Cheung and Bradley say. When it comes to an upholstered daybed, they list options like fabrics, leathers, or vinyls. Think carefully about your space and intended use for your daybed—if you live with kids or pets, opt for a piece made with stain-resistant performance fabric. If it’s going outside, look for weatherproof materials. For a luxurious look, consider fabrics like velvet, leather, and boucle. Some retailers like West Elm offer fabric swatches, which are great to take advantage of so you can get a feel for the true color and texture of your daybed before you order it. It also helps you coordinate with other textiles in the room and items, such as your favorite nightstand or dresser. 

Of course, not all daybeds are upholstered. Hard daybeds come in materials like wood and metal or are wallpapered or inset with rattan—the possibilities are endless. Remember that solid kiln-dried wood and metal are the most durable and lasting materials in this space, so if you want a daybed that’ll last, make sure you spring for a good quality one. 

Bed Size

Daybeds usually come in a twin size, but some manufacturers also offer full and queen sizes. Consider both the size of your space and how often you anticipate visitors spending the night. Cheung and Bradley recommend that you use full-sized day beds in guest rooms that serve multiple purposes—for example, guest room, study, and library. They also love using daybeds in kids' rooms, especially if your kiddos are of sleepover age. “Having a trundle daybed is clutch," they say. "Plus, it gives the room a more loungey feel, having the bed look more like a sofa on a regular basis.” If you have a smaller dwelling and are just looking for extra seating, storage, or a place for occasional napping, a twin-size daybed will work just fine. Don't forget to check whether your daybed is sold as a frame only or if it includes a mattress or built-in cushions.

Assembly

Like all other kinds of furniture, most daybeds require assembly, and that process can range from easy-peasy to puzzling. Daybeds with extra components like trundles, headboards, and drawers can be more complicated to put together, so determine if you’re willing to put in that effort. If you’re on the less-handy side of things, look for daybeds with a simple frame or ones that come pre-assembled. 

Questions You Might Ask 

What’s the difference between a Murphy bed and a daybed?

While both daybeds and Murphy beds offer sneaky sleeping arrangements, they’re two entirely different pieces of furniture. Cheung and Bradley explain the difference: “A Murphy bed tucks into a wall, and you pull it down when you want to use it and put it back when you’re done. A daybed is always out and looks like a sofa when not in use as a bed.”

Can a daybed be a primary couch or bed? 

“It could be used that way if you're in a small space,” Cheung and Bradley say, though it may not be as comfortable as a real sofa or bed. Daybeds that are on the smaller side or that have a thin mattress may be harder to sleep on. If you’re looking for one to replace your bed entirely, opt for a larger piece that can support a thick full- or queen-sized mattress. 

How much should you expect to spend on a daybed?

The price range for daybeds varies greatly; you can find ones that are a couple hundred ranging into the tens of thousands. If you’re looking for a luxury daybed, Cheung and Bradley suggest a range of $4,000 to $10,000. In general, it’s safe to estimate spending around $500 to $1,000 for a quality daybed or potentially more if you’re looking for specialty fabrics or add-ons.

Is a daybed better than a futon or sleeper sofa?

Because daybeds are built like an actual bed and use a mattress, they’re typically more comfortable than a futon or sleeper sofa, and they tend to cost less, too.  However, if you prefer to have a guest sleeping arrangement that looks more like an actual couch and can be converted on an as-needed basis, a futon or sleeper sofa may be a more efficient choice for your space.  Daybeds also usually come in a twin size, so if you have multiple people coming over to visit, a sleeper sofa or futon would offer more space.  

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To write this article, she thoroughly researched daybeds and considered factors like type, material, bed size, and assembly to make her final picks. For expert advice on how to shop for daybeds, Jen spoke to Alicia Cheung and Eva Bradley, co-owners, principals, and interior designers at Studio Heimat.

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