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Daybeds add style, versatility, and character to a space. Many daybeds have high backs and sidearms, allowing them to double as a sofa during the day. Renters or homeowners who don’t have the space for guest rooms can put a daybed in their living area to accommodate overnight guests.
Daybeds are typically built from wood or metal, and some have additional features like under-bed storage and caster wheels. From upholstered trundle sets to lounger-style beds, there are various types of daybeds to choose from.
Keep reading for tips on how to choose the best daybed for your home, and explore the curated picks featured below.
- BEST OVERALL: HOMERECOMMEND Metal Daybed Frame
- BEST BUDGET: DHP Victoria Daybed
- BEST WITH TRUNDLE: Zinus Eden Twin Daybed and Trundle Set
- BEST FULL-SIZE: Harper & Bright Designs Full Daybed Frame
- BEST FOR KIDS: Dorel Living Kayden Daybed
- BEST FOR PATIOS: SUNCROWN Outdoor Patio Daybed with Retractable Canopy
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Daybed
While it’s easy to assume that all daybeds offer similar performance, a number of factors affect their functionality. Below are some of the most important features to consider when choosing the best daybed for your living space.
Type
- Traditional daybeds typically feature wood or metal framing and come in a variety of styles. Traditional daybeds may include slats or a link spring, which acts as an alternative to a box spring. Chaise-style daybeds feature upholstery and look similar to a couch or a chaise lounge. Chaise-style daybeds double as a sofa and a potential sleeping area for guests.
- Trundle daybeds come in several styles, including pop-up, rolling, and drawer. Trundle daybeds include an additional mattress underneath so two can sleep comfortably. Pop-up trundles reach the same height as the daybed itself while rolling, and drawer trundle beds slide out and sit closer to the ground. Drawer-style trundles provide extra storage space for those who don’t need the second mattress.
- Daybeds with storage drawers underneath are convenient for small spaces.
- Outdoor daybeds provide a resort-like atmosphere, providing a comfortable place to lounge on the patio.
Material
Most daybeds are upholstered or made from wood or metal. Both wood and metal daybeds are sturdy and easy to maintain; look for models made from high-quality materials like solid wood and alloy steel. Be mindful of the fact that painted wood and steel are more prone to chipping.
Upholstered daybeds can give any space a comfy and elegant look, but they’re more prone to wear and staining and will require careful maintenance.
Outdoor daybeds are made from weather-resistant materials and should include washable, water-resistant cushions.
Size and Weight Capacity
Although most daybeds on the market are meant to accommodate twin-size mattresses, larger full- and queen-size daybeds are also available. The majority of daybeds use standard-size mattresses, but there’s still plenty of variety when it comes to the size of the frame itself. Be sure to check the daybed’s dimensions before making a purchase to ensure it’ll fit in the desired space. The best daybeds for small spaces are no longer than 77 inches.
Daybeds also vary in terms of weight capacity. Smaller daybeds are typically designed for children and have a maximum weight capacity of approximately 200 pounds, while larger and more sturdy daybeds have a maximum capacity of up to 500 pounds. The best daybeds for adults should have a maximum weight capacity of at least 300 pounds.
Included Mattress
While not all daybeds come with a mattress, many do. Daybed mattresses can be made from memory foam or latex foam. Some daybeds have an innerspring design. The list below describes the features of each mattress type.
- Memory foam mattresses are designed to mold to the sleeper’s body in response to heat and pressure. They’re soft and built to ease body aches and soreness.
- Latex foam feels naturally springy, which makes it a perfect option for those who dislike the “body hug” that memory foam mattresses give. Latex mattresses also sleep fairly cool.
- Innerspring mattresses use interior coils to provide support. While innerspring mattresses are comfortable and affordable, they tend to have shorter lifespans. An innerspring mattress may last 5 years before it begins to sag.
Unless the daybed will be used as an actual bed in a child’s room or guest room, the mattress doesn’t necessarily need to meet the same standards as a mattress that’ll be slept on regularly.
Style
When shopping for a daybed, style is often a primary consideration for many individuals. While practical features like size and material are certainly important, some shoppers may make their final decision based on aesthetics. Whether the style of your living space is traditional, modern, industrial, or farmhouse-inspired, there’s most likely a daybed option out there to suit your needs.
Those who are concerned about whether their new daybed will fit in with their current decor should consider the style and color of the furniture that’s currently in the space. Remember, colorful throw pillows can always be added and swapped out seasonally for extra visual appeal.
Our Top Picks
The list below highlights some of the best daybeds on the market today, which were selected with style and comfort in mind. Find a design that coordinates with the desired space and keeps overnight guests resting easily.
Best Overall
HOMERECOMMEND Metal Daybed Frame
If you’re looking for a sophisticated and contemporary design, this metal daybed by HOMERECOMMEND may be exactly what you need. This twin-size bed has a metal frame that features a subtle glossy finish. If black isn’t your color, the frame is available in various neutral shades.
What’s more, you don’t need a box spring to enjoy this daybed. The mattress can sit right on the platform—the steel crossbars offer plenty of support. There’s also one whole foot of hidden storage space beneath the platform. Although this daybed does require self-assembly, clear directions are included.
Product Specs
- Material: Alloy steel
- Color(s): Black, dark copper, white, white-sanded
- Dimensions: 78.5 by 41.5 by 38 inches
Pros
- Good selection of colors
- Hidden storage space
- Steel construction
Cons
- Self-assembly required
- Mattress not included
Best Budget
DHP Victoria Daybed
The DHP Victoria is an upscale yet affordable daybed that features a vintage design. This all-metal daybed is available in various matte finishes. The sides and the back are embellished with elegant scrollwork, and each post is adorned with decorative finials.
This stylish daybed is also quite functional. Not only is it durable and sturdy in construction but the platform of the bed is 15 inches off the ground, which leaves plenty of space to store items underneath.
Product Specs
- Material: Metal
- Color(s): White, pewter, bronze
- Dimensions: 77.5 by 46.5 by 41 inches
Pros
- Available in two sizes
- Affordable
- Mattress included
- Box spring not required
Cons
- Assembly required
Best with Trundle
Zinus Eden Twin Daybed and Trundle Set
If you regularly have guests over but don’t have enough comfortable spaces for them to sleep, this twin daybed and trundle set may offer the perfect solution. The wheeled trundle is easy to pull out when needed and can be pushed back under the bed for storage. Each piece holds a twin-size mattress and can support up to 250 pounds.
This daybed has a sleek and simple black metal frame with heavy-duty steel slats. While you will need to put the daybed together when it arrives, assembly is designed to be quick and easy—no tools required.
Product Specs
- Material: Alloy steel
- Color(s): Black
- Dimensions: 77 by 39 by 38 inches
Pros
- Roll-out trundle
- Steel frame and slats
- Tool-free assembly
Cons
- Mattresses not included
Best Full-Size
Harper u0026 Bright Designs Full Daybed Frame
For those who prefer a full-size daybed, consider the Harper & Bright Designs Daybed. This model is crafted from solid pinewood and can be used with a full mattress—no box spring is needed. This model elevates seated and sleeping people 9.6 inches off of the floor, which gives you enough room to store smaller items underneath.
The bed’s foundation uses wood slats to allow sufficient airflow to help the mattress stay fresh. The sturdy foundation also makes this daybed very supportive and capable of holding up to 460 pounds.
Product Specs
- Material: Wood
- Color(s): White, gray, espresso
- Dimensions: 78.3 by 57.1 by 34.1 inches
Pros
- Solid pine construction
- Full size
- 460-pound weight capacity
Cons
- Assembly required
- Mattress not included
Best For Kids
Dorel Living Kayden Daybed
The Dorel Living Kayden Daybed is a beautifully designed daybed with a solid wood frame for kids’ bedrooms. It sits 13 inches off the ground, making it easy for kids to store extra clothing, stuffed animals, and other treasures under the bed.
Sturdy wooden slats cross the bed’s frame to offer additional support for a mattress—no box spring required. If you need even more sleeping space for guests, a twin-size trundle will also fit nicely in the area under the bed. You’ll need to purchase it separately, however. This daybed can support up to 225 pounds, making it more than adequate for one or two children.
Product Specs
- Material: Wood
- Color(s): White, espresso
- Dimensions: 77.25 by 42.25 by 34 inches
Pros
- Solid wood construction
- Trundle available separately
- Room for storage
Cons
- Assembly required
- Mattress sold separately
Best For Patios
SUNCROWN Outdoor Patio Daybed with Retractable Canopy
Turn your backyard into a luxury resort with the SUNCROWN patio daybed, which features a retractable canopy and converts into a four-piece conversation set. It’s made with all-weather wicker that’s designed to withstand the elements and can be used year-round. Shield the seating area from the sun with the retractable canopy, which is built on a sturdy steel frame.
The pieces can be used as a cozy daybed, or they can be separated to provide multiple seating options along with a small central table. The cushion covers are made from fade-resistant polyester and are removable, machine washable, and water-resistant.
Product Specs
- Material: All-weather wicker, polymer fiber, sponge, steel
- Color(s): Black, brown
- Dimensions: 66 by 56 inches
Pros
- Retractable canopy with steel frame
- Thick cushions included
- Throw pillows included
Cons
- Team assembly required
Our Verdict
The perfect daybed largely depends on your space and decor preferences. That said, the HOMERECOMMEND and DHP daybeds stand out for their quality metal construction and affordable pricing.
How We Chose the Best Daybeds
These recommendations for the best daybeds cover a variety of sizes and styles to best suit different needs. Our curated selection was developed based on extensive product research. While choosing a daybed is largely a choice based on style and aesthetics, we weighed a number of practical considerations when making our recommendations.
We narrowed our selection to daybeds that fit standard mattress sizes so that buyers can easily find matching bedding. We found that most daybeds available online didn’t include mattresses, so we focused on the design of the frames themselves. We primarily considered daybeds made from durable, high-quality materials including solid wood and steel.
FAQs
Though you now know more about daybeds, you might still have some questions. Read on for the answers to some of the most common questions about selecting and using a daybed in your home.
Q. Can you use a daybed as an everyday bed?
You can absolutely use a daybed as an everyday bed as long as it’s the correct size for the user.
Q. Can you put a box spring on a daybed?
Most daybeds on the market don’t require a box spring and use slats instead. Some daybeds, however, offer the option to use a box spring instead.
Q. What is a link spring for a daybed?
Link springs act as alternatives to box springs. They fit underneath daybeds with low clearance and provide a high level of support and comfort.
Q. Can you use a daybed outdoors?
There are daybeds designed specifically for patios, decks, and other outdoor spaces. These bed frames feature weather-resistant materials like stainless steel and synthetic wicker. Some include a waterproof mattress.
Q. What type of mattress do you use for a daybed?
Depending on the size, daybeds can accommodate single, twin, and full mattresses. A medium-firm mattress is ideal, as this level of firmness provides the right amount of support for sitting and lounging while still being comfortable enough to sleep on.