We Found the Best Daybeds for Your Small Space

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Daybeds are designed for sitting, lounging and sleeping, making them a practical choice for small spaces and multi-functional rooms. Ideal for guest rooms, kids' rooms and home offices, a daybed can function as both a sofa and bed. Dress it up with throw pillows and blankets for relaxing during the day, then turn it into an extra bed for guests or a children's sleepover party. No matter what space you're furnishing, we've rounded up the best daybeds that provide comfort and style.

There are various types of daybeds, but the main consideration is whether or not it requires a mattress. Some daybeds are similar to a bed frame, which means you need to pair it with a comfy mattress — most often twin size, but there are options for full and queen size, too. Other daybeds, which closely resemble the best sofas, already have cozy cushions. Many daybeds come with trundles — a bed, often on wheels, that's stored under a larger bed — to accommodate more guests. Keep in mind: Daybeds are similar to practical futons, which also act as sleeper sofas for overnight guests, but a daybed remains in one position.

Here, we've rounded up the best daybeds based on style, function and features like assembly, hidden storage, under-bed clearance and customization. From decorating an apartment or small living room to organizing a child's bedroom or maximizing your home office, a daybed is a genius way to make the most of limited space. Start scrolling to find a few of our favorite and best-rated daybeds, including affordable options under $200 (think Amazon and Wayfair) to splurge-worthy picks that are designed to last.

The Daybed

This minimal design looks elegant in any space, from a guest bedroom to the living room. It includes a repurposed wood frame, cushion-coated slats and three twin-size PillowBoards that can be configured to best suit your space. The versatile daybed is easy to pair with your aesthetic — choose from four wood colors (walnut, natural, espresso and gray) and four upholstery shades (light linen, dune, fog gray and dark charcoal).

With Thuma, you don't need to worry about tricky assembly. The daybed can be put together without any tools and only requires two screws to be tightened by hand. Just keep in mind: You'll need to buy a twin-size mattress separately.

Metal Daybed

With a simple and elegant design, this twin-size daybed frame is an affordable option for kids' rooms, guest rooms or living rooms. The metal frame provides an impressive 12.6 inches of under-bed storage, ideal for small space living. Or, you have the option to purchase the daybed with a trundle that's equipped with six caster wheels.

For less than $150, this metal daybed provides a lot of bank for your buck and looks great, according to online reviewers. It's available in black or white, plus a variety of different styles (including modern and vintage). Assembly should take between 30 and 40 minutes, plus all tools are included.

Anais Upholstered Daybed With Drawers

Upholstered in chic velvet, this daybed blends the elegance of a sofa with the function of a bed. Choose from gray, black or blue velvet, or opt for gray or blue linen. Beneath the slats, there are two pull-out drawers that are perfect for storing blankets and pillows.

Overall, online reviewers are pleased with the quality, noting its comfort, visual appeal and durability. It's also available as a twin or full, making it more functional for adult overnight guests. Most reviewers agree assembly was simple, although some wish the drawers were of higher quality.

Metal Daybed and Trundle

A great option for kids' bedrooms or small guest rooms, this multi-functional daybed can comfortably sleep two — or, three if you opt for the full-size frame. The sturdy metal frame is accented with arches and whimsical balls to elevate the style of your space. Plus, you can choose between black, white or turquoise.

Online reviewers are raving over the quality, appearance and ease of assembly. While some online reviewers love that the trundle isn't connected, which offers the option to move it around for guests, others found it inconvenient. This expensive, versatile option is ideal for kids, teens or smaller adults, but taller adults may not fit as comfortably.

Shelter Daybed

Not only does this petite daybed fit at the end of a king-size bed, it'll look striking in the living room, home office or guest room as extra seating. Although this pick is pricey, you won't have to worry about purchasing a mattress — it comes with a deep, loose cushion that's reversible. On a scale from 1 to 5 (5 being firmest), the Shelter daybed is a 2 with its cozy cloud feel.

Choose from an array of fabrics, including linen, velvet and chenille tweed, plus two different sizes (71" or 86"). The compact size makes it a smart option for small spaces, but keep in mind it may not be the best pick for hosting overnight guests (it's a few inches narrower than a twin-size mattress).

Valentina Twin Upholstered Daybed

Both children and adults will love this chic daybed, which features faux velvet upholstery, vertical stitching and plastic legs with a dark wood grain finish. The twin-size daybed, available in pink, blue and gray, is the best choice for kids' bedrooms. Plus, there's a hidden trundle bed that's perfect for sleepovers.

Online reviewers found it's well-made, sturdy and beautiful, although a few note that the color doesn't look exactly the same in person (the pink appears more muted).

Franklin Mid-Century Upholstered Daybed

Available as a twin, queen and king size, this mid-century upholstered daybed is a practical choice for adults. The upholstered style appears enough like a couch to seem intentional in a living room, but the variety of sizes make it comfortable for adults to sleep on. It features a sleek silhouette, slim wooden feet and linen upholstery that pairs with any home style.

Most online reviewers found it easy to assemble and noted the final product felt sturdy and of good quality. Of course, you'll need to purchase a mattress separately. And, keep in mind that certain styles are only available in one color — luckily, all of the options are super versatile.

Kourtney Twin Daybed

Hand-curated by musician and television personality Kelly Clarkson, this French country-inspired daybed can double as a couch in your living space. It features one arm, a high-low back and elegant feet. According to online reviewers, it's good quality (especially given the low price) and looks beautiful (reviewers love that it's easy to dress up with pillows and blankets). Most note that it's easy to assemble, sturdy and ideal for a small space.

While most online reviewers are happy with the quality, a few dislike that the back of the daybed is unfinished. Keep in mind, you'll want to face the back of the daybed near a wall to optimize style.

RELATED: Kelly Clarkson's New Wayfair Line Is Inspired by Her Stunning Montana Ranch

Mid-Century Daybed

Crafted from solid wood, this wooden daybed features doweled corners and tapered legs that give it a mid-century modern style. Pair it with a comfy twin mattress to accommodate overnight guests, whether it's in a spare bedroom or living space. It's compatible with West Elm's Mid-Century Trundle, in case you require additional sleeping space. This pick is on the pricey side, but it's made from solid wood that's intended to be durable. Choose from two wood colors, acorn or pebble colors, depending on your home aesthetic.

Divan Left Chaise Lounge

If you're looking for a beautiful daybed that'll blend seamlessly with your living room design, consider this Scandinavian-style chaise lounge. Online reviewers love the versatility and the fact that the moveable back pillows can be configured any way you like. Arrange them like a sofa during the day, then as a daybed for solo late-night lounging.

Although the daybed is a small investment, there's no need to purchase a mattress — these plush cushions are comfortable enough for sleeping. It's available in three neutral fabrics: mist gray, welsh gray and quartz white. Assembly should take about 15 minutes!

What to look for when shopping for a daybed

✔️Type: A lot of modern daybeds, which have built-in cushions, are similar to chaise loungers or upholstered benches. These type of daybeds, a chic option for living spaces, don't require a mattress and can easily flex as an everyday sofa. Other daybeds, more similar in construction to a bed frame, require a mattress. A lot of daybeds are also trundle beds, which means there's an additional bed (often on wheels) stored underneath the daybed.

✔️Mattress size: Some daybeds require a mattress, most often twin size, but you can also find options that fit a full- or queen-size mattress. King-size daybeds aren't as common, but they do exist. Keep in mind: You'll have to purchase the mattress separately. Cushioned daybeds don't require a mattress.

✔️Material: Most daybeds are upholstered, whether it's linen, velvet or leather. There are also options made from metal (typically an affordable choice) and wood. Typically, it's best to choose a material that pairs best with your space.

How does a daybed compare to a futon?

Daybeds and futons both act as couches and beds, but futons typically fold out into a bed, whereas daybeds remain in one position. While some daybeds require a mattress (sold separately) to act as cushions, futons typically have cushions.

How much does a daybed cost?

With options ranging from under $200 to a few thousand dollars, it's possible to find a stylish daybed that fits your budget. There are a number of great options in the $200 to $600 range, but quality picks between $1,000 and $1,500 are often worth the splurge.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

As Good Housekeeping's Associate Lifestyle Editor, Alyssa Gautieri covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she worked for various home design outlets including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com and Unique Homes Magazine, in addition to brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. She covers home and furniture brands on a daily basis and is constantly hunting for fresh, unique and highly-rated products.

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