Certain types of beds like daybeds are ideal for furnishing rooms that are small or will have a dual purpose such as a home office/guest bedroom. Daybeds, with their distinctive daybed bedding and daybed mattresses, also make great additions to children’s rooms, home offices, indoor porches, sunrooms and family rooms. Because daybeds do not convert into a sofa, but can be used as one, a daybed can be the perfect solution for increasing the sleeping capacity in homes where space is a luxury.

Daybeds – the Frame

Standard daybed frames are comprised of two arms and a back, imitating the basic structure of a sofa. The back of the daybed is often elaborate, creating visual interest and providing a focal point. It also gives this type of bed its character and charm, making the back of the daybed its most distinctive feature. An integral part of the frame, the deck of daybed supports the mattress, keeping it in place. The two main types of daybed decks are link spring and slatted.

• a link spring is a metal grid that acts as a box spring, and is attached to the frame to support the mattress; there is usually a gap between the frame and mattress to allow for bedding

• slat racks designed for platform-style daybeds are a series of metal or wooden slats that are connected to the sides of the frame with screw

• a Bunkie board, resembling a box spring without the coil work sits on top of two rails; it is designed to support the mattress evenly

Daybeds – the Trundle

Daybeds often have features like under-bed storage drawers or a trundle unit, which makes them even more versatile and functional because it allows you to sleep one other person in addition to the daybed’s main sleeping platform. The most common types of trundles are pop-up and pull-out.

• A pop-up trundle unit with a built-in link spring specifically designed to be used with standard daybeds can be conveniently stored underneath the daybed. When needed, it can be rolled out and elevated to same height as the daybed, converting it into a standard king size sleeping area, or two twin beds.

• A pull-out trundle accommodates a mattress like the pop-up kind, but does not elevate. It is pulled out from beneath the daybed like a drawer or is freestanding and rolled out from beneath the daybed on wheels.

Daybeds have the look of a classic sofa, no matter whether the style is traditional or contemporary or somewhere in between. This is what makes them so adaptable. Also, they tend to make the room comfortable and inviting, much as a sofa makes a living room warm and welcoming. Since a daybed tends to be a focal point in the room, select a style of daybed that will match or complement the room’s current décor. Because daybeds are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, you’ll be able to find a daybed that will fit in with most any décor.