The Best Daybeds Can Turn Any Space Into an Instant Guest Room
Did someone say “slumber party”?
Updated Jul 25, 2023 11:11 AM
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.
The best daybeds are totally practical: They make turning a nursery or home office into a guest room a cinch. But they also add a hint of glamour, whether you’re using one for luxurious midday naps or pulling out a trundled version for an old-fashioned slumber party.
“I love daybeds because they are space saving and add versatility to a room,” says Emma Kemper, founder and principal designer of Emma Beryl Interiors. “Since you orient a daybed on a wall the way you would a sofa, you don’t lose floor space like you would with a bed protruding into a room.” Both Kemper and Jessica Kain Barton, the principal designer at J Kathryn Interiors, point out the multiuse options presented by a daybed. “They offer so many solutions while also being inarguably chic when done right,” says Barton.
Below, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite daybeds, including a version designed by an icon of architecture—and one that comes in under $300.
Our Favorites
- For the design devotee: Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Couch
- For the tailored sophisticate: Lulu and Georgia Elvie Chaise
- For the natural-material lover: Anthropologie Pari Rattan Daybed
- For the material minimalist: Katy Skelton Belvedere Daybed
- For the cottagecore enthusiast: Serena & Lily Presidio Trundle Daybed
- For the softy who likes a little structure: CB2 Boho Black Daybed
- For the deal hunter: IKEA Blakullen Daybed
- For the small-space dweller: DHP Franklin Mid-Century Upholstered Daybed
- For the consummate host: West Elm Urban Daybed & Trundle
- For the color conscious: Hem Palo Modular Lounger
For the Design Devotee: Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Couch
Material: Leather | Colors: Black, cream, tan | Trundle: No | Mattress included: Yes
What we like:
- Part of design history
- Modern but incredibly versatile
Worth noting:
- The highest price point on this list
- If you’re buying online, look for an authorized retailer to avoid knockoffs
Why we chose it: A legendary piece that looks fresh more than half a century after its debut.
Some pieces need no introduction, and this daybed is one of them. Since architect and furniture designer Mies van der Rohe introduced his version of the Barcelona chair in the early 1950s, it’s become a staple in design-minded households and offices alike. The bed strips the classic silhouette down to the barest bones, rendered in gleaming steel and buttery-soft leather, creating a statement that works in almost every space. While the price tag is high, it’s a piece of design history you’ll have—and love—forever.
For the Tailored Sophisticate: Lulu and Georgia Elvie Chaise
Material: Polyester velvet fabric, wood and laminate frame, metal legs | Colors: Camel, cognac, moss | Trundle: No | Mattress included: Yes
What we like:
- Ships with 2 plush bolsters
- Made in the U.S. (Elliston, Virginia)
Worth noting:
- Ships in 8 to 10 weeks
Why we chose it: A polished silhouette that’s still cozy enough for reading breaks and naps, thanks to a down-blend pillow-top cushion.
“A gorgeous upholstered daybed that can be used as a settee any other day will do the trick,” says Barton, and this one definitely fits the bill. The perfect marriage of style and function, its deep bench and thick padding make it comfortable for sitting near a window with a new read in hand and dozing off for a midafternoon nap. The polyester-velvet fabric, in a trendy shade of cognac, has a subtle sheen to it for an elevated, luxe look. To keep this one looking fresh, vacuuming regularly is highly recommended.
For the Natural-Material Lover: Anthropologie Pari Rattan Daybed
Material: Rattan, reinforced with mahogany and plywood | Colors: Natural, black | Trundle: No | Mattress included: No
What we like:
- Could be styled in a variety of ways
- Solid construction
Worth noting:
- This one is BYOM (bring your own mattress)
Why we chose it: A boho-chic daybed.
If your style leans more garden eclectic, this daybed will look great next to your collection of houseplants. Large enough to fit a twin mattress, shoppers share the Pari rattan daybed from Anthropologie is a dreamy addition to a home office or guest room. “It is really sturdy yet lightweight enough for me to move it by myself to wherever I feel like lounging for the day,” one reviewer writes, describing it as “nap heaven.” Another, who’s 5-feet-8, confirms they’re able to stretch out on it no problem to relax or meditate. And as an added bonus, the construction makes it possible to slide storage boxes or extra pillows directly underneath.
For the Material Minimalist: Katy Skelton Belvedere Daybed
Material: Crypton fabric and a variety of metal finishes | Colors: Options ranging from blush to deep navy | Trundle: No | Mattress included: Yes
What we like:
- Customizable frames and fabrics
- Delicate yet sturdy frame construction
- Made in North Carolina
Worth noting:
- Can take between 6 and 12 weeks to arrive once ordered
Why we chose it: Interesting materials elevate this simple, well-made piece.
Georgia-based designer Katy Skelton’s pieces marry sleek, contemporary style with classic American craftsmanship. Take this daybed, for example. Made in North Carolina, once the capital of furniture making in the United States, each one is made to order, which gives you options: A charcoal frame with a soft white fabric mattress is light and airy, while an oil-rubbed bronze frame has an antique feel, especially when paired with a rich, rust-colored topper.
For the Cottagecore Enthusiast: Serena & Lily Presidio Trundle Daybed
Material: Performance, linen, and other fabric choices for slipcover; engineered hardwood frame | Colors: Varies | Trundle: Yes | Mattress included: No
What we like:
- Constructed by hand in North Carolina
- You can purchase additional slipcovers to swap out
- Headboard and footboard are padded for extra comfort
- 140-plus fabric choices, including pinstripes, gingham, and toile patterns
Worth noting:
- Dry-clean only
- Custom-made in 6 weeks, then may take up to 10 weeks to ship
Why we chose it: The perfect balance of laid-back and tailored.
Serena & Lily is our go-to for customizable, slipcovered pieces of furniture—including daybeds. With a multitude of fabric and pattern choices, shoppers can make their English cottage dreams come true with a blue pinstripe or toile print, though there are also plenty of solid hues to choose from, too. What we love the most about this timeless silhouette, however, is the fact that you’d never guess it hides a twin-size trundle bed (up to 6.5 inches thick and 72 inches long).
For the Softy Who Likes a Little Structure: CB2 Boho Black Daybed
Material: Rattan, wood, poly-blend bouclé | Colors: Black and tan frame, cream mattress | Trundle: No | Mattress included: Yes
What we like:
- Can be purchased as a set or as individual pieces
- Both frame and mattress are a neutral canvas
Worth noting:
- Shipping delays are possible
Why we chose it: The woven rattan backrest of this Spanish-designed daybed lends itself to a wide array of styling options.
Part of CB2’s long-standing partnership with Spanish design house Mermelada Estudio, this daybed was inspired by the age-old tradition of the siesta—an afternoon nap that leaves you refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day (and night). The rattan backrest is both timeless and on trend, and the lush cream-colored bouclé mattress would be an ideal backdrop for a selection of colorful throw pillows.
For the Deal Hunter: IKEA Blakullen Daybed
Material: Wood veneer, poly-blend fabric | Color: Blue | Trundle: No | Mattress Included: No
What we like:
- Less than $200
- Headboard shape can be used to create privacy
Worth noting:
- Mattress is sold separately
- Like most IKEA products, assembly is required
Why we chose it: At less than $200, this IKEA daybed looks more expensive than it actually is.
IKEA is a must-visit destination for bargain hunters looking to furnish a space on a budget without sacrificing style, and this daybed is no exception. The clever headboard shape serves as a comfortable spot to lean against when sitting and can be used to create privacy while reading (or watching Netflix). This design would work particularly well in a dorm room or studio apartment, where furniture has to serve more than one function.
For the Small-Space Dweller: DHP Franklin Mid-Century Upholstered Daybed
Material: Velvet, wood | Colors: Deep blue, black, olive green | Trundle: No | Mattress included: Yes
What we like:
- Ships within 1 to 2 weeks of ordering
- Wide enough to work as an everyday bed
Worth noting:
- Assembly required
Why we chose it: Ideal for a studio apartment (or those who want to maximize their space), this daybed can be a bed by night and a sofa by day.
This daybed—available on Amazon—is one you’ll want to consider if your bedroom is also your living room (or your guest room is also your home office). It’s wide enough to hold a full-size mattress, meaning you could sleep comfortably on this every night, while the velvet-covered frame makes it chic enough for company. “I love to add throw pillows all along the back of the daybed, making it a space that really welcomes you to sit down and relax,” says Kemper. We’d style this one with pillows in a variety of lush fabrics.
For the Consummate Host: West Elm Urban Daybed & Trundle
Material: Poly-blend fabric, wood frame | Colors: We like the natural linen and inky blue velvet | Trundle: Yes | Mattress included: No
What we like:
- Seats and sleeps 2
- Trundle is easy to slide out
Worth noting:
- Both mattresses need to be purchased separately
Why we chose it: A daybed made for sleepovers with a grown-up vibe.
A daybed strategically placed in a home office or nursery means the room can turn into a cozy spot for guests when the time comes. This West Elm option takes being a good host to the next level: With a slide-out section beneath, it instantly becomes a bed that sleeps two. Younger kids will love the novelty factor, and older guests will be grateful to have a comfortable place to get some rest. It’s also one of the most efficient options on our list—twice the sleeping space in a compact footprint.
For the Color Conscious: Hem Palo Modular Lounger
Material: Wool-blend fabric, steel frame | Colors: Various shades | Trundle: No | Mattress included: Yes
What we like:
- Striking colors
- Sleek, contemporary shape
Worth noting:
- Sits lower to the floor
Why we chose it: In a cheerful yellow (or vibrant cobalt blue or deep green or…), this low-rise daybed lends a stylish dash of color.
This daybed offers practical, flexible seating, but we’d venture that it’s almost a work of art, too, particularly when it’s the standout in a room otherwise outfitted in neutral whites and grays. The blue is reminiscent of the one used in postmodern design, giving it a fun, bold vibe that still manages to feel incredibly fresh. Lower to the ground than some of our other picks, this daybed would look equally at home in a cheerful playroom or a hip sunken living room.
Affordable Daybeds We Also Love
If you don’t want to spend more than $500 on a daybed, we hear you. Below, shop a few more budget-friendly finds.
How We Chose These Products
To pick our favorite daybeds, we considered style first and foremost, but also dimensions, trundles, accessories, and more. We wanted a well-rounded selection of designs and brands, as well as various price points.
Our Shopping Checklist
Style and Aesthetics
When it comes to daybeds, a key question you’ll want to ask is how mid-century you want to go. Many of our picks take inspiration from the clean-lined styles of the 1950s and ’60s, and pieces with chrome legs or frames and solid-color fabrics abound. If that’s not your vibe, we also love pieces inspired by the glamour of the 1920s, with soft velvet pillows, upholstered frames, and gold-tone hardware.
Standard Dimensions
Most daybeds are roughly the size of a twin bed, give or take a few inches; sleep one person comfortably; and seat two or three when used as a couch. If you want something more spacious, we suggest looking at one of our wider picks.
Mattresses and Trundles
How often is someone going to sleep on your daybed? That should guide you when shopping for a mattress. As a rule of thumb, mattresses that come with daybeds tend to be firmer, while buying the mattress separately gives you more flexibility. Another upside to buying a mattress separately is that you can choose something meant for nightly sleeping, which will feel different than something meant for sitting and the occasional nap.
A trundle bed is a daybed with a bonus in the form of an additional mattress, usually one that slides out from the bottom of the frame. For maximizing sleeping space for guests, they can’t be beat (especially for kids who don’t need as much space).
Assembly
To assemble or not to assemble? That is the question, and our list includes options that come fully put together and those you’ll have to construct yourself. If people are going to sleep on your daybed, it’s worth springing for a pro to help you put everything together, since you’ll want to make sure it’s sturdy enough for tossing and turning.
Ask Domino
Q: What type of mattress is best for a daybed?
For daybeds that will also serve as couches or loungers, the firmer, the better. Something softer might work for a piece that mainly functions as a bed, but won’t be as comfortable for sitting. In terms of thickness, it’s best to avoid a pillow-top mattress or anything with extra padding.
Q: Do daybeds come with box springs? Do they need a box spring?
Most daybeds don’t come with box springs and are designed to work without them.
Q: It’s acceptable to use a daybed as a couch, right?
Of course. It’s acceptable and, in many cases, a smart way to save space and money. If you’re going to use a daybed as a couch, look for one that has arms and a back to ensure your seated guests will be just as comfortable as anyone stretching out and drifting off to sleep.
Q: How long do daybeds last, on average?
A daybed that gets regular use will have to be replaced more often than one that sits in a guest room. If the frame is sturdy, you can hold onto it for close to a decade, replacing the mattress every few years.
The Last Word
A daybed gives you options for every space, transforming a home office into a guest room and a living room into a nap zone. Whether you look for something sleek or cozy, in soft leather or washable cotton, the mix of comfort and style just might make it the most popular piece of furniture in the house.