The perfect daybed is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s a versatile addition to your home that can serve multiple purposes. Whether you need an extra spot for guests, a cozy reading nook, or a stylish lounge area, a daybed can be the ideal solution. Unlike bulky pull-out couches, daybeds are designed to look elegant while providing comfort and functionality.
In this article, we’ve curated a selection of daybeds that cater to various styles and needs. From designer collaborations to budget-friendly options, these daybeds emphasize both impeccable design and comfort ensuring you can lounge in style for hours.
The elite designer collab: sunset daybed by brigette romanek
The Sunset Daybed by Brigette Romanek is a standout piece from her collaboration with Crate & Barrel. Inspired by the ’70s this daybed features a sinuous cushioned top and sneaky storage shelves below, making it a must-have for bibliophiles. The daybed’s design allows for various lounging and sitting opportunities, making it perfect for both relaxation and work.
Commerce writer Julia Harrison tested the daybed extensively and found it to be incredibly comfortable. “I spent hours upon hours slumped on this daybed writing about the best Amazon sheets,” she says. The construction of the Sunset Daybed provides a sense of shelter for conversations or a great place to rest your head and lift your feet, even at work. It has become a mainstay at Condé Nast HQ, where editors from Vogue, GQ, and Vanity Fair have all enjoyed its comfort.
Modern silhouettes and budget-friendly picks
The Emela Daybed from Lulu and Georgia boasts a modern, low-slung silhouette with softened edges, offering a relaxed yet sophisticated charm. Its exaggerated split wood base gives it a floating effect, while the slightly upturned bench-style cushioning provides a comfortable perch for sitting upright or stretching out. The daybed comes with four rounded cushions that can be arranged along the backrest or stacked for extra support.
For those looking for a more affordable option, the Jaxx Alon Fold-Out Sleeper Daybed is a great choice. This platform daybed flips open into a queen-size soft foam bed, making it perfect for a guest room. The poly-velvet upholstery is soft to the touch, and the golden platform foot detail adds a stylish touch.
Iconic designs and sustainable choices
The Herman Miller Nelson Daybed is an iconic piece designed by American industrial designer George Nelson. Known for his work with Herman Miller, Nelson’s daybed is extremely customizable, allowing you to choose from tapered or hairpin legs, a backrest, and various base materials like ash or walnut. With over 40 upholstery options, this daybed is a timeless addition to any home.
For those prioritizing sustainability, the Sabai Elevate Daybed is an excellent choice. Featuring striped upholstery in hemp blend colorways, this daybed is easy to assemble and made with sustainable materials. The modular design and eco-friendly construction make it a stylish and responsible addition to your home.
Daybeds for specific needs
The Nestig Cove Daybed is perfect for nurseries, offering a bohemian charm with its wood and woven rattan build. This twin-sized frame can serve as a sofa, guest bed, or a place for your little one. An optional trundle addition can double its capacity without taking up more space.
For a midcentury look, the Article Sven Tufted Leather Chaise Lounge mimics the same style and supple leather feel on a smaller scale. The removable bolster pillow provides ample neck support for sprawling out and can be detached for a cleaner appearance. Reviewers agree that the design looks refined and the leather feels more expensive than its price point suggests.
The Crate & Barrel Noa Jungle Trundle Storage Daybed is a versatile alternative to a traditional bed, featuring clean French seams and plush upholstery. With under-bed storage that can double as a spare trundle bed or a hidden enclave for toys and games, this daybed is perfect for evolving with your toddler’s changing tastes.
Additional stylish options
The CB2 Nolan Pattern Daybed offers a vast inventory of upholstery options, with close to 90 choices available. Its well-balanced silhouette and mini bolster pillows fixed at each end make it a stylish addition to any room. The West Elm Amabel Chaise draws the eye with its bold, geometric upholstery, inspired by the playbook of Heidi Caillier.
The House of Leon Milan Daybed features multiple textures, with tactile bouclé softening the look of a sleek stainless steel frame. Its low-slung and clean-lined design with a platform base makes it a stylish addition to any penthouse or midcentury-leaning living room. The West Elm Mid-Century Daybed puts the bed in daybed, fitting a twin size mattress that is hugged by a frame that works as a headboard.
The Arhaus Cameran Daybed features refined chenille and a unique fabric, making it a beautiful statement piece. The West Elm Zixuan Tete-a-Tete Chaise offers a minimalist and cozy design, perfect for prolonged conversations or sipping morning coffee.
How we chose the best daybeds
A good daybed serves as extra seating, but a great daybed is multifunctional, suitable for a guest room, home office, or living room. We chose daybeds that managed versatility while delivering on quality design. We looked through a range of styles to find ones that seemed both modern and accessible, and could blend easily with many design types. We pulled from our favorite furniture stores, considering a range of price points to suit every budget.
We also scanned reviews for each product, ensuring those we hadn’t tested ourselves were beloved by their customers. The materials of each pick stood out to us for their high quality, including solid wood, acacia veneer, walnut, oak, and birch. Quality wood means these are pieces with longevity, so the price point is worth the investment.
What to consider when buying a daybed
When choosing a daybed, consider the materialsupholsterybed sizeseat height and shape. Solid wood and metal offer the most stability, while upholstery options range from textural fabrics like boucle and velvet to flatweaves like twill and linen. Many daybeds offer the same dimensions as a traditional twin mattress, with some models folding out to a full- or queen-sized bed.
The standard seat height for daybeds is around 18 inches, with most models between 16 and 19 inches tall from the floor to the top of the seat cushions. Taller models can be difficult to get into, while lower-to-the-ground seats can put more pressure on the joints as you sit and stand. Most daybeds are rectangular with armrests or a head and footboard on either side, with the primary choice being whether or not you want a back panel.
