Daybeds

Much like a futon or sleeper sofa, daybeds combine two functionalities to create one super useful, not to mention comfortable, piece of furniture. Daybeds play the sofa by day, bed by night character in many household stories — small apartments, multifunctional guest spaces and even kids’ rooms — so as you start your search for the perfect daybed, keep the following tips in mind:

What features should I look for in daybeds?

A daybed frame is generally raised off the ground, providing plenty of room for storage underneath. This can consist of built-in drawers or open space to stash holiday decorations, as well as a spot for a trundle bed that pulls out to create an extra sleeping spot. If you’re looking for a daybed that can sleep two people, find one that has the trundle included so you don’t have to purchase one separately. For added comfort and a piece that feels more sofa-like, try an upholstered daybed. If you really want some extra room to spread out, look for a full-size daybed, as most come in twin sizes to fit smaller spaces.

What’s the difference between a daybed and a futon

Although they are both very similar in the purposes they serve, there are some major differences between the two that every buyer should know:

Futons: Think of futons as sofas that double as beds. Because their primary function is seating, they need to be a bit firmer to account for more frequent use by multiple people. A futon needs to fold up and down to switch functions, so often the overall sleeping area will be slightly larger than that of a daybed.

Daybeds: Think of daybeds as beds that double as sofas. Their primary function is for sleeping, so they will feature an actual twin-sized (or larger) mattress instead of cushions, and will typically be on the softer side. Daybeds do not fold up and down, so the seating depth will be greater than a futon, but can be easily adjusted by adding pillows as backrests.