Day beds are one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can add to your home. Blending the comfort of a bed with the functionality of a sofa, they’re perfect for guest rooms, offices, and smaller spaces that need to work a little harder. In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions about day beds - from what they are and how big they are, to how to style them and keep them looking their best, along with some of our bestselling day beds loved by customers.
What is a day bed?
A day bed is, first and foremost, designed for comfortable, everyday sleeping, but with the added versatility to double up as a stylish seating area. It’s a hybrid piece of furniture that functions beautifully as both a sofa and a bed, making it ideal for multi-purpose rooms. By day, it provides a cosy spot to relax; by night, it transforms into a full-sized sleeping space. Most designs feature a three-sided frame with a back and two arms, allowing you to dress it up with cushions to create a sofa-like look. Some even include trundles or drawers underneath, offering extra sleeping or storage space.
How big is a day bed?
Most day beds are designed to fit a standard UK single mattress (90cm x 190cm), making them roughly the same size as a single bed. However, there are variations. We also offer day beds in small single and single continental sizes to fit your existing mattress and space. Some models also feature a pull-out trundle beneath the main frame, providing an additional sleeping surface - perfect for accommodating two or even three sleepers when guests stay over. Always check the product dimensions before buying, as frame styles and designs can vary in overall width and height.
Are day beds suitable for both adults and children?
Yes, day beds are suitable for both adults and children. They’re strong enough to support an adult’s weight, yet compact enough to fit comfortably in a child’s bedroom or playroom. Whether you need an extra bed for guests or a comfy spot for reading, a day bed is a great all-round choice for all ages.
Can you sleep on a day bed every night?
You can absolutely sleep on a day bed every night, as they are fully supportive bed frames. Many people use them as permanent beds in smaller bedrooms or studio apartments. Just make sure to pair your day bed with a mattress designed for regular use rather than an occasional guest one.
Do day beds come with storage?
Yes, many day beds come with built-in storage drawers or a pull-out trundle underneath. Storage day beds are ideal for keeping spare bedding, clothes, or seasonal items neatly tucked away. Trundle day beds are especially useful for families or guest rooms, providing an additional sleeping space without taking up extra room during the day.
What mattresses are compatible with day beds?
Pocket sprung, memory foam, or hybrid mattresses all work well with a day bed – the key is to choose one that feels most comfortable to you and matches how often the bed will be used.
Day beds typically take a standard single mattress (90cm x 190cm), but always check your frame’s specifications before purchasing. For trundle day beds, you’ll need a mattress that’s slightly thinner to allow it to slide neatly under the main bed.
Benefits of day beds
- Space-saving design – Combines the comfort of a bed with the practicality of a sofa, ideal for smaller rooms.
- Versatile use – Perfect for guest rooms, home offices, or playrooms where extra seating or sleeping space is needed.
- Stylish and functional – Available in a wide range of designs to suit any décor, from modern to traditional.
- Optional storage – Many styles include drawers or trundles, providing valuable extra space.
- Easy to style – Simple to dress up with cushions, throws, and bedding to suit your room’s theme.
- Great for guests – Offers a comfortable, ready-made sleeping option without needing a full spare bed.
What materials do day beds come in?
At Bed Kingdom, our day beds come in a range of stylish materials to suit your room and décor. Choose from:
- Metal – Durable, timeless, and available in classic styles; great for traditional or vintage-inspired rooms.
- Wood – Sturdy and versatile, offering a warm, natural look that suits a variety of interiors.
- Upholstered – Padded with soft fabric or airy linen for a more luxurious, contemporary finish.
- Velvet – Soft, plush, and elegant, velvet day beds add a touch of luxury and depth to any bedroom or guest space, creating a cosy yet sophisticated look.
- Bouclé – Textured and on-trend, bouclé day beds bring a modern, tactile feel to interiors, perfect for adding warmth and contemporary charm.
How to dress a day bed
Day beds can be easily styled to suit any room, whether you want them to look more like a standard bed or sofa. For a traditional bedroom look, add pillows and a couple of cushions at the top end of the bed. Or, layer it with a cosy throw or blanket, and add plenty of scatter cushions or bolster pillows along the back and sides to create a sofa-like look during the day.
Make sure that the fitted sheet and duvet match the size of the day bed you have chosen for a neat and practical finish.
What rooms are day beds suitable for?
Day beds are incredibly versatile and can work in almost any room. They’re ideal for:
- Guest rooms – offering both seating and sleeping space, with the option of a pull-out trundle to accommodate several guests.
- For more guest bedroom inspiration, read our article: 5 Ways To Make Your Guest Bedroom Stand Out.
- Home offices – providing a comfy spot for breaks or an extra bed for visitors.
- Children’s bedrooms – the perfect option for a kids’ bed and handy when it comes to sleepovers.
Maintaining a day bed
For metal and wooden day beds, dust the frame regularly and wipe down surfaces with a soft, damp cloth. For upholstered designs, vacuum gently to remove dust and fluff. Rotate the mattress regularly to ensure even wear, and check fixings to keep everything stable and secure.
What’s the difference between a day bed and a sofa bed?
The main difference is in their structure and purpose. A day bed is essentially a bed that looks like a sofa - it uses a standard mattress and can be slept on every night. A sofa bed, on the other hand, converts from a sofa into a bed when needed, often with a fold-out mechanism and a thinner mattress designed for occasional use. If you’re after a permanent sleeping solution that also works as a stylish seating area, a day bed is the better choice.
Read our sofa bed buying guide for more details on sofa beds and their uses and benefits.
Our bestselling day beds
Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our bestselling day beds as loved by customers:
- Flair Aurora Cream Bouclé Daybed with Trundle – The ultimate blend of comfort and elegance, this day bed features soft, textured bouclé fabric in a timeless cream shade. Its pull-out trundle makes it ideal for accommodating guests, while the chic design adds a luxurious touch to any room. Perfect for those who value both style and practicality.
- Flair Leni Daybed with Shelves and Drawers – Designed with families in mind, the Leni combines contemporary style with clever storage. Two pull-out drawers and a built-in shelf help keep bedrooms tidy, while the clean colour options make it easy to match any décor. A sturdy, space-saving solution ideal for kids’ rooms or guest spaces.
- Noomi Erika Solid Wood Guest Bed – Crafted from solid Scandinavian pine, the Erika day bed offers durability and elegance in one. Its pull-out design transforms two single mattresses into one generous sleeping space, complete with an under-bed storage drawer for bedding. Eco-friendly, versatile, and perfect for welcoming overnight guests in comfort.
- Flintshire Furniture Axton Antique Bronze Metal Daybed – With its striking Art Deco-inspired design and geometric detailing, the Axton brings timeless sophistication to your home. The pull-out guest bed makes it a practical choice for hosting, while the durable steel frame ensures lasting quality. Available in antique bronze or matt black for a bold statement look.
- Flair Montana Captain’s Guest Bed – A smart, modern take on the classic captain’s bed, the Montana combines a pull-out trundle with three spacious drawers for exceptional storage. Crafted from solid wood and finished in fossil grey or pure white, it’s both durable and stylish. Ideal for anyone looking to make the most of their space without sacrificing design appeal.
For more help choosing the right bed for you, read our full bed buying guide.